How to introduce my german shepherd to other dogs?

[Annie_Bean]

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As a puppy, my german shepherd, Jasper, was attacked by another dog, and since that he has been very fearful around other dogs. We would like to be able to take him for walks, but when we have tried he becomes aggressive when he sees other dogs, although he can be controlled on the lead. We would like to take him for a walk with my friends dog, Alfie, but we are uncertain as to how to introduce them in the safest manner possible? We already have another dog, Izzy, who he gets along with well but this is possibly because she was already here when we got him. I think that since Izzy and Alfie get along well, Jasper may see him as less of a threat but I'm not sure. Any advice would be massively appreciated. Thank you!

 

[gypsysmum2]

Sorry to hear of Jasper's bad experience as a puppy. Firstly, don't expect him to like Alfie from the first or even subsequent meetings. Handled sensitively he should, though, in time come to accept him.

Neutral territory is best for initial introductions. Try to find a place that is not used by other dogs. Use distance to make Alfie seem smaller and, therefore, less of a threat. Walk in the same direction so that Jasper is aware of Alfie but not so close as to cause him to get himself in such a state that he is unable to learn anything. Every dog has a different "critical distance". You will only find out by trying a huge distance at first and then creeping slowly closer. Always be prepared to go back a stage if Jasper is having a bad day.

Arm yourself with the most fabulous treats and try to get Jasper to take treats as he sees Alfie. If he will not eat then it is probably because he is to close and, therefore, too anxious. Try to prevent Alfie from staring at Jasper as that is seen as aggressive and will worry him even more.

Once you find his "critical distance" where he can tolerate Alfie and either eat or play then try to keep to that distance for several repetitions of the meetings. Once you are sure he is comfortable then you can reduce the distance between the two dogs for several more repetitions. As you get them closer together you might like to drop back so that Jasper is following Alfie slightly.

It is important that you stay calm and jolly throughout the meetings. Any harsh words or lead tightening will make Jasper more anxious and, therefore, prevent learning. All other training needs to be put to one side until he is on his own again.

There is evidence to show that, once aroused into a fearful state, a dog can take up to 40 minutes to calm down enough to learn anything. It is imperative, therefore to set your dog up for success by choosing a quiet location and keeping a good distance between the two dogs right from the start.

 

[Annie_Bean]

Thank you. We are going to introduce them today, so I will give this method a go and hopefully see him progress over time!

 

[gypsysmum2]

Good Luck!