Can you socialise an adult dog?

[Nancy91]

Has anyone successfully socialised an adult dog? I have adopted a lovely pooch aged approx 6 years old and she seems frightened of any dog that approaches her, and she does a sort of snap to warn them off if they get in her face. She seems to be ok if she approaches another dog or if the dog is slow and old, but the majority of dogs come bounding over to her and she just freezes up or hides behind me hoping the other dog will go away.

Has anyone got any tips on how I can help her? I give her treats and praise any time she has a positive interaction with a dog but that isn't very often so I'm stuck

[dudsville]

Yes this can be done in stages and you can find tutorials on line that will involve making it feel safe for her, but she shouldn't have to lose her own warning signals, those are important for other dogs and humans to redirect. Our girl is diffident socially, I don't know what else to call it. Mostly she's not interested in other dogs and finds it a surprise sometimes when they sniff her but she managed well with lots of reassurance asks my protecting her when she's not in a receptive mood!

[Nancy91]

I wouldn't mind mine ignoring other dogs as long as she wouldn't be scared and uncomfortable. It's worse on the lead than off but I'm worried about the snapping if I let her off lead near other dogs. Thanks I'll have a look for some tutorials

[SparklingRaspberry]

She is probably worse on the lead because she feels as if she can't control the situation. When she's off the lead she will feel more in control of how she can react - which is why she's better when she's off lead.

Plenty of treats and praise when she reacts positively.

Do you have any friends with dogs who are friendly? If so, ask to socialise them together as often as possible.

[luckylambchop]

I sent my 2 year old greyhound to a local socialisation class if that's an option for you. He was a different dog after that, it was brilliant.