How Do I Socialize My Dog In My House?

[Ckimba99]

Hi,



My dog's name is Rosco, and he is about 13 months old. He's been socialized to be with other dogs outside, and other people...

My biggest issue is inside my home. I moved and since he's been 8 weeks old, I haven't had too many people over. The only person was my older sister when he was about 4 or 5 months old. He did very well then.

Now, my problem is, I'm going to be having a friend from out of town in a few weeks come and stay with me for probably a month.

I'm not sure how he will react. The last person that was in my home was when I moved, and the movers were moving in my furniture.

At that time, I put him in a crate, in the living room where he could see what was going on. Rosco became very loud, barking, and very anxious. He didn't growl, but he just barked and barked and barked.

The 2nd time, was when I had an electrician to come fix a few thing in my home, this time, it wasn't as outrageous. He barked of course, but his erratic behavior only lasted for a few minutes, when he I believe realized everything was ok. Now, I do believe that a lot of the reason why he went nuts when the movers were here, was because they were coming in and out, moving furniture, and it was definitely not a calming environment for him, so I can give him that.

But what it comes down to is I failed to socialize him in my home.

So, my question is how do I go about doing so now? I don't have really many friends, considering I just moved again... and all my family is out on the West Coast. So, how do I go about doing this? I'm not sure what his intentions are when he is in his crate when people come over... I truly deep down feel that sure, if I were to let him out when someone comes over, he would be very very loud, and intimidating, but I feel he would warm up and get use to my friend with proper introduction.

All advice needed. Thank you.

[warriec]

you must try the "bring a friend home technique", works well for both dogs and people.

Introduce your dog to your friend in a nuetral enviorment where you dog has not been to before. have a good walk and have your friend walk/ play your dog and then all together enter your house. It usually works.

[Ckimba99]

Hey, thanks man. I appreciate the advice. I actually considered that, after doing some research about bringing another dog into a home, I began to wonder if I could use the same technique.

I can already invision it going positively.

Thanks man - Anyone else have ideas?

[cerulean]

If you are doing an obediance class, I'll bet that someone in the class might like to bring their dog over for a playdate. Great socialization for both dogs, and fun for humans too !!

[Ckimba99]

very true very true - and a good way to meet girls, that's for sure.

[AngelBunny]

You posted in the past about problems you were having with your dog.

Back then, you were given advice about getting your dog into class for training and socialization purposes. Classes teach you how to train your dog and your dog gains control.

I see no mention in your post that you’ve had your dog in class. A trained dog behaves in a appropriate manner, regardless of where the dog is.

My DH and I don’t have a lot of people visit us either, but because our dogs are trained (with one dog been to classes throughout her life), our dogs behave when we have visitors.

[lengel]

I don't know if this would work but I'm finding more and more that other people with big dogs that I run across on walks or at training are happy to help with basic training. I know that I certainly am. Do you know any other dog people in your neighborhood? Maybe they can be your training house guests.