Hi
as a first timer I'm unsure how to be with my pup (4 months) when we're out walking and he meets other dogs. I have to admit that I was unable to bring him to the only puppy socialisation class nearby due to my parents' ill-health. That situation has now resolved itself and I'm determined to bring him to obedience classes in the new year, even for the socialisation aspect.
When we meet other dogs off the lead and he's on the lead he's unsure, what to do. He doesn't avoid them but if their boisterous he gets very nervous.
Like yesterday we met a huge greyhound type on his own (no owner in sight - this is on our estate) who was very playful and kept rushing at my pup, wanting to chase. I let it happen for a while, at one point said sit to the other do and they both did and sniffed for a while but then the other dog went mad tearing around and my pup yelped so I picked him up. When he struggled to get down I let him. He was curious about the other dog but couldn't handle his boisterousnes (plus the other dog was about three times the size of him!).
Eventually I asked some boys who were playing football and know Jack well to help me and they held the collar of the dog while we walked calmly home.
I know he needs to know how to act around other dogs and soon, but did I do right by picking him up when he yelped? I don't want him to have a bad experience at this young age and be always nervous of other dogs. He loves kids and people generally and is well-behaved (for a pup!).
Many thanks for any help - sorry this is so long!

I'd try to get him to a specific puppy class rather than an obedience class if you can

as some (but not all) "obedience" may still have you walking around the hall yelling "heel!" all the time which won't do much for the socialisation side really.

Try to judge other dogs - if they seem friendly allow interaction, but remember some breeds are very bouncy (ie boxers, staffies, perhaps labs...) some may be more inclined to chase and nip (ie herding breeds, lurchers etc) so I'd suggest "assessing" the other dog first. For example, if you allow a very bouncy dog to play witha very shy dog, the shy one can learn to snap or run and hide and generalise this to all dogs ... worst case scenario but it can happen.

Basically make experiences in early life as positive as possible, then if and when pup meets a dog that isn't pleasant, he will cope much better as he will be riding on the back of many pleasant experiences

Lindsay
x

Agree with Lindsay about having to make some judgements on behalf of your pup. However, it's not a good idea to keep picking the pup up unless there's a real danger of him getting hurt or terrorised - the other day I ended up with a muddy pup who'd jumped into my arms after a nasty nipping from an out of control and much larger dog and it was more sensible to keep him there out of harm's way. It was equally important to get him back down on the ground as soon as possible and continue the walk without any sense of drama though. By the time our walk had come to an end he'd met another four friendly dogs and had a nice play with a couple of them so the overall experience was pleasurable rather than traumatic.

On the whole, though, pups need to learn to read doggy body language so you have to keep a careful eye and treat each circumstance as it comes. Yesterday, for example, my pup had a friendly game with a very much older dog who was happy to play - but not endlessly. When she'd had enough she said so with a brief warning bark.  He read the signal and came back to me quite cheerfully. If you are too protective they won't learn the signals and then you may have real problems on your hands.

I remember being told to be careful about picking dogs up because when you do that you are exposing their bellies and this is where they are most vulnerable to getting internal organs damaged.  I'm not sure if this is linked to dogs lying on their backs displaying vulnerability and submission.  can't remember where I heard or saw it so if someone can correct or corroborate I'd be obliged.