I can't believe has quickly he's growing.
I just thought I'd share.. his ears are a little more in control now.. however we're still getting great reception. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

First Day Home

1 Month Ago

Taken Yesterday

We also went to the dark park yesterday and he had alot of fun. However, when he was VERY submissive to ALL The dogs. Esp that of an 8 month husky would was constantly pinning him to the ground. =0( The owner of the husky did nothing so we finally left. You don't think that will make him fear other dogs will it? We plan on going back again to socialize him. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Amanda, you said you took Romeo to the "dark park". Did you mean dog park? Even if you didn't, it sounds like the park is being used in the same way. This is not a good method to use to socialize him. Please read Ed's article on dog parks and there have been a number of threads covering this topic. He's really cute.

I have to agree with the other poster, dog parks are not the way to go for socializing any dog.

They are just an accident waiting to happen.

If the husky was constantly pinning your pup, you should've been the one to step in the very first time it happened and stopped the husky yourself, thats what a pack leader is there for, especially if the other owner wasn't doing anything. Although it might not have looked like much to you, it probably sent out a signal to your pup that you weren't going to help him out.
Alot of people think dog parks are a heaven, but if you read Ed's article on them you'll see how bad they really are.
If you want to socialize him, do you have any friends or neighbors with dogs that won't pin him down or try to dominate him like that, that you can go and visit?

Your guy might now have lost a little confidence in your pack leader skills, don't allow any dog to rough-house with him like that, its not fair to him.

Don't take my post in the wrong way, I am not coming down on you. Just remember your pup looks up to you for protection from the other dogs since he can't really do it himself. A little play is fine, but if a dog gets carried away like that step in right away and remove the other dog so your pup knows your there for him.

Here's a link to Ed's Article:
http://www.leerburg.com/dogparks.htm

He's adorable by the way!! love his ears...

Yes I meant "Dog" Park.. sorry about the typo.

I did step in when the husky came to him. He was cowering next to my legs... so I went away from the husky and threw the ball with Romeo on the other side of the yard away from the husky. I guess what I meant was, it was wrong for the owner of the husky to just stand there while his dog mauled other dogs.. Romeo wasn't the only one the husky pinned.

Really? A dog park isn't a good idea? <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Opps on my part - I will for sure read this article. I thought, it would be good to have him around the other dogs so he would get along. But I see your point. Thanks for the input! I appreciate it. =0) I trust everyone's advice on here to be the best for Romeo and my family. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

OOO and no.. .we don't know anyone with a dog.. that's why we went to the park.

*EDIT* I do understand now. Thank you for pointing this out to me. Like I said, a mistake on my part. We'll be sure to find a more formal way of socializing him. That I did think about - other dogs, fighting, ect. There is a GSD group local here for training, playtime, ect. I Think we may enroll into that not only for training but socializing. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I know, it's tough to socialize if you don't know anyone with a nice dog your pup can play with without having to worry about it getting out of hand.
But definately read that article.

Hmm...how about seeing if there is someone at the dog park willing to meet with you outside of the park for a little one on one with their dog and your pup? Maybe talk to someone with a bit of a calmer dog who won't be so rough with Romeo and see if they could help you with that?

Just a thought.Thats what I am doing with Tucker right now. I take him up to my sisters house to socialize with their little beagle/cross to help Tucker get over his habit of wanting to fight first and ask questions later. I am starting with her girl because I know that her dog is calm and won't try to dominate him or play too rough. Plus it helps with me training him to concentrate on me when other dogs are around.

I did contact a couple local people from Dogster.com who live right down the road from me. They have dogs older than Romeo, but I haven't had the chance to meet them or see how their dogs act.
That is a good idea about finding someone for one on one time. I will keep looking. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />