Help with socialising an older dog

[miacis]

Some friends have just got a 11 month old golden retriever - I suspect that he has not been socialised very well. So far he seems to react to other dogs and children in prams/buggies - there may well be other things. The reaction is lunging and barking. So walking him is a nightmare.

Any tips and ideas for dealing with this/socialising him now?

A couple of things. Firstly, going along regularly to a class will help hugely. You will probably find a "new term" starting just after Christmas. It's also a fabulous bonding experience with a new dog, having that one on one time, though many classes also encourage you to bring older children too. A chat with a behaviourist may also be helpful to give more detailed advice - see the APBT website. And of course, clicker training, recent thread on this.

Generally go slowly. I would not rush into a training class just yet it may be too much for an undersocialised dog however do speak to a trainer who may be able to do one to one sessions. This could then be moved on to meeting one dog at a time. Then when goldie is happy be introduced to a class gently. Maybe just going in for a few minutes etc and building up from there.

I would work on getting a great relationship with the goldie before putting him into stressful situations so lots of clicker training, play, recall training at home, teaching correct lead walking etc at home in a quiet place. The more confident and tuned into his new owners the better it will be to distract him when he gets lungy and barky.

I would also work on the look dog method with him but most APBT trainers would help with this so they would be your first place to call

link to trainers

Thanks so much both - think minimuu may be right about classes being too much - he is very reactive and would be disruptive to others so will try and suggest 121. Have found someone local through link and passed it on - excellent stuff

will try and find out more re the look dog method - this stuff is so interesting. Just need to apply positive principles to DD too!