I have two large dogs who are really lovely natured.  My problem is that I used to live in a small village in the middle of nowhere, there were never any other dogs around for them to play with.  I have since moved to a city and when I walk them together and we see another dog they get so excited that the noise they make is quite intimidating for the other dogs and their owners.  If they are let off lead to play the noise is stopped instantly, however people aren't that willing to let their dogs play because as I said they do sound intimidating to start with, although it is not aggressive noise.  I show one of them and have absolutely no problem meeting other dogs with either of them, if they are not together.  The easy answer is to socialise them more, however the noise scares people before we can reach them. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Yup - take them to training classes!  Whereabouts are you based?

Brighton,  They really are fine with other dogs, it's just this noise.

my sisters gsd pup is the same. no one will let their dogs play with him so it just makes him worse we dont no what to do

Hi there,

Yes this is what Ian Dunbar calls 'suburbian dog syndrome'. i.e. those dogs that live a quiet life and have not been exposed to the craziness of the city. Basically, a lack of socialisation.

So, you need to take it slow and get your dogs used to noises, smells, people, activity, etc, etc of the city, but what is important is that you make positive associations with these new experiences. So plenty of praise, titbits and games are in order.  Only take one dog out at a time and make your walks relaxing and very upbeat.

Take plenty of breaks in your walk, where the dog is just sitting there chilling out. Always take titbits with you and reward calm behaviour and when the dog is paying attention to you when you say 'watch me'.

It sounds like your dogs are barking out of sheer excitement. These new experiences are getting them very aroused and they respond by barking. So your job is to teach them to be calm and expose them to things they find arousing little by little and always making it a  happy experience.

A dog trainer or behaviourist will be able to help in this.

All the best,
Patty

Thanks,  You make it all sound so easy. lol   They are fine when out on their own, its when they are together that it becomes a problem,  I think i will just have to walk them seperately for a while and go from there.  Thanks for your advise.

Sounds easy, but it's hard :-) Setting up situations where you can do controlled training is much harder than it sounds. You may find standing near the park entrance where the dogs will be on lead and their path is predictable a good place to start. You will be rewarding calm behaviour in the presence of dogs. Obviously if your dog is too aroused and not listening to your obedience requests (remember to keep it fun and upbeat), then it is too exciting for the dog and you will need to put some distance between you and the entrance/other dogs.

One day, with plenty of patience and training, you will be able to be at the park entrance with the dogs walking 5 feet from you and your dog will be ignoring them and paying attention to you. How long it takes to get there, depends on how much time you spend training.

By teaching your dogs self-control and how to relax when you ask them to, then they will be able to greet other dogs calmly. If the dog barks, then it doesn't get to meet the other dog. If your dog is quiet and listens to you (even if you have to use plenty of titbits) then it gets its reward by being allowed to say hi in a well-mannered way.

All the best,
Patty

Thank you, I will do my best