We are trying to get our German Shepherd to be more social

[nadine_mn]

We are his 4th home (original home, rescue, my mom adopted him from the rescue and then after 3 yrs decided she couldn't handle so we took him in) and he is reactive around other dogs. He is very attached to our lab mix (she is 12) and we found that if I walk ahead a few feet with her, he is less reactive when a dog passes us.

He has been to dog training (2x) and a 2 week doggie boot camp before we got him. He isn't mean aggressive (no snarling or growling) he just wants to touch, wrestle, and mouth - which for an 88lb shepherd coming at you is a little much. He got along with our other two dogs (who have since passed away) and is best friends with our cat. When we visit my uncle, he romps and chases with his dog and they have a blast.

Here they are on our walk this evening - he wears a muzzle in case a dog comes too close (people with retractable leashes or loose dogs - don't want to take that risk).

[hollysmom]

1. my dog is stillb eing socialized

She is 15 and I am the 7th home - original home turned her into a no kill shelter as a vicious puppy of 10 months. She was adopted and returned 3 times, don't know why, Then she was sent to a retirement farm where they kept her in a crate because they were told she was vicious, not allowed to run free with the other dogs. I take her to the dog park and she learned to be quiet there without a leash, but when she is on the leash and has me for back up, she is a growling mess. Took her to training twice, and she passed each time - the result is she is behaved in the store where she was trained, go out and she is crazy dog again. I officially give up - when I walk her in the park, we step aside and the dog is on a short leash when other dogs pass. She can act crazy, but is completely controlled and can't get away.