He's actually come a long way in the time that I've had him. When he first arrived he didn't greet us or complain when we went out - just like he'd never ever bonded with a human being. He wasn't food orientated and any toy I gave him he'd immediately pick it up and take it to his bed (which he will still try to do now). We've worked quite hard to get him to interact with us - he'll play tug now and rather than go off and entertain himself whilst out on a walk he'll walk closer to me because I've got the bag with his boomer ball in and special treats.

I often say it's been hard work, but it hasn't really, it's been wonderful to watch him. This morning he wanted to get on my lap and then when I wouldn't let him, he snuggled next to me on the sofa - all those things he would never have done when we first got him. I don't think anybody had ever been violent towards him but I suspect wherever he was before they didn't understand dogs.

I guess if he's never bonded with another human then he hasn't learnt to trust them fully so has had to be in control, hence his desire to control situations like new places.

When he first started going to my mother-in-law's house he used to cry but now he invariably falls asleep quite quickly because he's used to it.

I am going to take your advice, I could even just walk him around the town centre when it's quiet and certainly Pets At Home are quite amenable to dogs visiting. There's other places I can take him. I do vary his walks and he's ok with that, as long as he's moving forward but if we have to stop or go where there are other dogs then he gets agitated - so on Saturday I put him in the car and didn't go straight home that just sent him into a spin.

I just want him to know it's alright for him and he doesn't have to get anxious - what a pity we can't explain to them.

Hi Baxter As you probably know going through what you are,my pup Fay was bullied by a larger dog.When we got her she was scared of just about everything,we never saw her tail for weeks until one day we returned home,and she greeted us.The best thing I have found to socialise is to go into Morrisons they have an area before you go into the shop,lots of people passing and they normally stop,and she has really enjoying the interaction,and its building her confidence,but its very slow,but so rewarding Gemini54

Poor Fay - such a shame when they lose their confidence like that.

The trouble is mine is the aggressor, if he gets bored, anxious and/or frustrated he can take it out on other dogs so I have to be extra careful. He is fine with people, he doesn't like to be over fussed. A lot of people are scared of him because he's a brindle staffie.

I just need to jig up his day a bit get him used to the unexpected.

Hi Baxter,I was reading one of the many books I have read about dog training,that an anxious dog could become aggresive,I am not sure why in truth,it seems they may become frustrated and then turn.So just keep building up her confidence,When I go to Morrisons always the same day,my OH does the shopping people have got used to seeing us and will sit and have a chat,a nice chap even bought some treats for Fay,she still stays under my legs,but she is wagging her tail,and has put her head up so a lady could scratch her ears.I think a lot of supermarkets have entrances like morrisons.Gemini54

That's what the dog behaviourist told me too - she said that almost all dog aggression was due to anxiety, just simply not knowing how to cope when they come into contact with a strange dog and use aggression as probably their first port of call.

I practice BAT with him - I don't know if you've heard of it but it's a kind of desensitizing tool - I let him see the dog, watching him very carefully for any signs of reaction and then the moment I spot one (which isn't always easy) I call his name, treat him and walk well away from the dog - in theory it teaches them a different way to be around dogs. I don't know how successful it has been because I don't allow him off-lead if there are dogs around so I don't know how to test him. I have noticed a decrease in anxiety with him though, he'll see another dog and then look at me expecting to be led away - which I see as a huge achievement.

I'm not working today so I'm going to deliberately mess up his routine a bit and see how he reacts. He won't be happy!

HiMy neighbour has invited Fay to come to the steam engine manteniance day.hes steam mad,its tomorrow,so I am not sure how she is going to take it as we are truely out of her comfort zone.I hope yours doesnt sulk,my holly does,she turns her back wont acknowledge you,it can go on for a couple of days,let us know how yours does Gemini54

As his nails are getting a bit long I made him walk back along the road today after his walk - that didn't please him at all, he wanted to walk along the grass verge - first challenge over!

Can you imagine the awful advice we would have got from Cesar Milan and his devotees with our dogs? I shudder to think. There was another guy mentioned on here this week - Canadian, also a TV "star" and his methods were nothing short of criminal, I would probably punch him full in the face if he treated my dog like the way he was treating dogs in the video I watched. (AND I am most definitely not a violent person, but all of have our limits.

Mine doesn't sulk, he just grunts and squeals and takes it out on other dogs!

I wasn't a drinker before .... but .....

Hi At least he didnt just stand and not move,I had a dalmation once,who would refuse to walk on the road his lordship would only work on grass.So in the end left him.I didnt go far,but he looked really worried,going up and down where I had left him.He didnt do it again and walked all surfaces.They do try it on, just to wind you up Gemini54

I think you are doing really well having read your posts I realise you have come a long long way. I mean most social interaction and bomb proofing dogs takes place as pups.....I mean by 12 weeks Sal had been everywhere pub gardens, parks, stables, on trains, buses, high streets, puppy classes, schools outside when in or out times, football matches - by fields of animals, shops that allowed dogs, outside supermarkets (a great place to get attention) motorcycle events, and a couple of county shows. They just soak it all in - you have to educate his way of life. The in word at the moment is upskill I think. You are doing great it shows he can adapt as per your MIL information shows he can adapt you need to just figure out where he is uncertain and where he is just being a stubborn soul. Good luck shame I am not nearer you could walk with Sal and I but your doing really well.

Thank you for your kind words Kazz. It is significantly harder to train a dog approaching his 2nd year than his 1st year that's for sure, but very rewarding. I can see a real change in him -

We've had him over a year now and of course he's matured in that time but also calmed and is a much more sociable dog. I work very hard with him - I do lots of training and watch the way I behave around him, for example I don't play on the floor with him because he sees that as an invitation to rough play (which is amusing) and to play bite (which really hurts!).

We love him - he's a much valued member of our small team.