Socialising adult DDB..

I've had an adult rescue 5 yr old female Dogue de Bordeaux for a while now & while she happily allows my small grandchildren to use her as an activity centre, she isn't so friendly with other dogs at all. She has attacked while on the lead once with a staff that didn't recall, ignored its owner & leapt at my dog despite warnings to the staff owner that my Dogue isn't dog friendly. On occasions where I have a decent enough view I let her off the lead but only when I can see other dogs approaching before her. Only once I have been caught out & she was approached by 2 GSD's, one she chased off & the other she stood still by, waiting for it to make it's move but I got hold of her before the situation got worse.

Anyway, is it possible to socialise under these circumstances? I am a solitary dog walker, suffering with really early & very late walks so I can avoid other dogs & frankly I'm fed up with it, it's getting tiring..

Alas I'm not experienced enough to offer any specific advice - but my one suggestion would be to arrange a session with a good trainer...

I also have a rescue dog, an 18 month old Lab. He too has some issues when it comes to meeting other dogs - though he's at the opposite end of the spectrum from yours - and we've had to arrange a series of one-to-one sessions.

I would really recommend finding a trainer if at all possible. Meanwhile, at least be slightly consoled by knowing that you're not alone in having to walk your dog at less than sociable times...

does your rescue centre have any trainers and if so have you spoken to them?

yes it is possible - but with a big dog like this it would be a good idea to work with a reputable Behaviourist. If you give us a clue as to what area you are in, maybe someone can recommend one?
Alternatively, look at the APDT website.

In answer to your question I would say that will depend a lot on the individual dog and owner and it may be a question of improving the situation e.g so the dog can be calm, controlled and non-reactive around dogs rather being able to casually let her off for indiscriminate free interaction with other dogs.

However I would agree the outcome is likely to be greatly improved by advice and help from a good behaviourist or trainer (so long as they know about behaviour and not just obedience or puppy training) as soon as possible, to ensure everything is done in the most appropriate way.

Ask your vet if they know and can recommend a good local behaviourist as not all good behaviourists necessarily belong to the APDT or the APBC and experience and qualifications of different members in both organisations varies.
If the vet does know someone, they are likely to have recommended them repeatedly and so will know what their capabilities, methods and results are like and they are also likely to know you and your dog.

Alternatively they may be able to tell you who to avoid!

Thanks for the replies. I live in Winchester so anyone tell me if a reputable behaviourist is in my area?

I agree that you need help, but I don't agree that just looking at the APDT list is a sure fire way of getting it.

Make sure that whatever help you getthat person HAS GOT experience in dealing with this type of dog and behaviour and personally I always feel it is better to go on real recommendation of an actual person who has had appropriate experience than recommendation of a list of follks who may or may not have. Ask for recommendations or to speak to previous clients would be my recommendation.

I would Try Scallywags Near Southampton.

I would look for a good trainer and also for some non-reactive dogs to walk with. We have an ex-racer who showed some 'interest' in little dogs at first, but after some controlled introductions with small dogs, he's now really good. I would work on building some good relationships with a couple of dogs first and build on positive experiences.

Yes, Scallywags are very good

Wys
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