Hi there

I own a 2 year old entire male Dobermann named Mizar. He is a wonderful dog in almost every way, except that when we first moved to the house we live in now, he was attacked by a 'suspicious' looking 'staffie' next door, who lept over our fence when we first moved in, and proceeded to attack Mizar and tear his tummy open. It took approximately 3 months before he could go back out on 'proper' walks again, in which time we were only able to take him out on 5-10 minute very gentle walks, as after his 6 weeks of being head coned, he was still prone to ripping the wounds back open from running etc. So during this time he wasn't particularly well socialised, although afterwards I made an effort to take him to meet other dogs to prevent fear aggression setting in. All was good. Until the other week he was attacked again, whilst out on a walk, by a GSD off lead, with no collar, just an owner who shouted at the dog that he would "get a beating" before dragging him off my dog (who was on a leash, his recall isn't perfect so he isn't let off leash in open places yet) and apologizing, and then going our own ways after checking my dog was okay.

Anyway, Mizar has now become quite timid around other dogs, whereas before he was a typical dominant 2 year old male. Not that I want him to be too dominant! I'm just a little worried that this sudden timidness will bring on fear aggression towards dogs he sees as a threat to him. He won't sniff at other dogs unless they initiate first contact. He'll look at them, but he won't really do the bouncing, running, sniffing, playing that he did before. He just kind of stands there and lets the dog do his own thing before Mizar has a sniff back.

To get to my point, before anything like aggression does happen, I was thinking of ways to make him socialise more. There are a few dogs in the park, but not a lot really. I was thinking whether there are such things as a club purely for socialisation of older dogs? Like puppy parties where the owners go out for a walk together with the dogs or meet in a park or a tennis court or church hall or anything really. I'm pretty tight on money at the moment (aren't we all!?) so can't really afford a full training course for him purely for the social aspect, but can afford to pay a little to join some kind of club if it exists. I'd prefer a mixed breed club rather than just a dobermann club, but a dobermann club would also be fine if anybody knew of one? I am in the London borough of Barnet (Muswell Hill area).

Also, I apologise in advance if this is in the wrong topic area, and should be in behaviour instead?

How awful for you both.  It is only testament to what a wonderful character he must have that he hasn't already developed fear aggression. it's great that you want to help him to get back that Dobe bounce and are pre-empting any problems.  There are socilaisation clubs about I don't know of any in your area I'm afraid but hopefull someone will.  Have you got any friends with dogs that Mizar knows so that he can have a walk and a play with dogs he already knows to help build up his confidence again. Good luck :-)

Hi there :)

He has a few friend-dogs at the park who he is still happy to play with, even when one decides 'enough' and has a bit of a snap (not nasty snap though, you know the kind of snap when they're playing?) but he's still very much the submissive dog to them all.

I know a few friends with dogs though, but they're pretty far away and haven't met Mizar before, but it may be worth a trip over to have a social session I guess :)

The other thing I thought of was maybe volunteering at a rescue shelter? To walk the dogs which are fine with other dogs? That way we are both getting something out of it - the dogs get a walk, and Mizar gets to meet nice doggies. I'm not sure if they allow that kind of thing though?

Heh I really need to get back into this doggy 'scene' really!

Not sure if you show, but it may be worth looking into a ringcraft class. Here the dogs are in close proximity and also you can work on the stand and being obedient to yourself.
Its usually only a few pounds each week you go and even if you don't participate the rooms are usually fully of different breeds.

Are there any dog training classes near you?

We have a great class and the trainers allow people to bring their dogs in and sit at the side of the hall with people waiting to start the next class. This allows the dogs to mix and have a sniff. There is no charge for this and more often than not one of the trainers will take the fearful or timid dogs for a gentle walk through the practicing class then invite the owner to take part - all at no cost. The owners then usually join in one of the 6 week courses which only cost £15.

I've seen dogs come in who look and act petrified and within a few moments in this atmosphere are sniffing around and wanting to explore.

Good luck with Mizar.

Oooh good ideas :)

We were out in the woods again tonight, and he met a golden retriever, and finally appeared to be regaining some of the 'old' Mizar back, as he had a cautious sniff and look at the other dog, who sniffed back with him, and then Mizar dropped to the floor, wagging his tail doing the 'I'm happy, play with me' dance hehe. He then met two little staff crosses, which he did the same with. So we appear to be making progress. Going to try and find some kind of class to take him to though, as he is not perfect, and perhaps a little training wouldn't go a miss!

> appeared to be regaining some of the 'old' Mizar back, as he had a cautious sniff and look at the other dog, who sniffed back with him, and then Mizar dropped to the floor, wagging his tail doing the 'I'm happy, play with me' dance hehe. He then met two little staff crosses, which he did the same with. So we appear to be making progress.

what a lovely sounding dog you have, the poor boy could be excused many issues after the ordeals he's had but he still sounds very sweet :)

i think you might as well ask your local rescues about that idea you had, rescues are usually crying out for volunteers so i doubt they'd mind a small catch like that.