I have a 5.5 mth 45 lb GSD and am trying to socialize it with small and larger dogs. One of the dogs was a 1 year old great dane 140 lb. Initially the dane was barking and being overpowering but then my puppy showed signs of submission (tail down and retreat but no cowering). After a few moments they were both o.k. and even playing a little bit. The dane mostly ignored my pup,while my gsd wanted to play. Is this tail down a normal thing for a puppy when meeting a much bigger dog. Am I helping my dog or just traumatizing it ?
I would only let them socialize when your present. This way the pup's confidence isn't jeopardized. I would make sure everything you do ends in a positive way. Always control the complete enviornment of your puppy. I wouldn't leave your new pup alone with any animal or any personal alone for any reason unless it's your wife, etc. Basically someone that shares your same level of responsibility with the dogs. The 8wk~8mo period is a critical one. What sex are the dogs you mention?
Yes I think it's normal for the pup to do this, there's a level of common survival they have.
Bad idea: Introducing your puppy to an adult dog with terrible manners, who is also three times puppy's size.
I have a good friend who's bitch is affectionately called the "Fun Police". Whenever dogs are together, and start playing or romping, this bitch runs over and barks in the other dogs' ears. My dog ignores her as best as he can; nevertheless, I always make her stop, as it is quite annoying and overbearing. But, when I get my next puppy, guess which dog he will not be meeting?
Being there to supervise doesn't mean you are in the clear. Lots of people have watched one dog seriously hurt or kill another... yep.. right in front of them.
The problem with socializing with older larger more dominant dogs is that often YOU are not the one in control. If the older dog doesn't know and respect you, you are in the chithouse when it comes down to a moment of trouble.
I am assuming you want to later do SchH with the dog? You do not want your pup to be dominated by other people or dogs on a regular basis.
It only takes one ass-whooping in the pup years to cause a lifetime of fear-based animal aggression.
I recommend sticking to your own pack and dogs you know VERY well. All other dogs are in on leash situations of basic tolerance. IE.. yes that dog is over there but I am here and I am your leader... you will or will not meet that pup, cuz I said so... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
My parents didn't let me play with the bad kids on the street either. Tough luck.
There's only going to be so much you can do though, eventually the only alternatives you'll have in my opinion is they don't mix well is
A)Keep them seperated, with a kennel, etc.
B)Get rid of one and keep the other
Some just don't mix, there's almost nothing you can do. Hopefully they'll get along. I would assume even the best trainers can only mix with nature so much. Point being, there's only so much you can do to control that form of behavior with animals. Try to be careful, keep them on leashes when they're around each other, etc. That's all I can think of.
Brad... only the GSD is hers... the GD was a socialization partner.
That was my point with avoiding bad situations. If we were talking living situations, and she still intended SchH, then I would still recommend segregation. Good ol' seperate but equal...
Under no circumstances should you let your dog socialize with ANY dog you are not Totally familiar, and completely trusting with. Even then, as with people, personalities can clash.
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