Socialization classes would be good. We took a regular obedience training course with the Park and Rec here and it was great. There was about 20-25 dogs in the class. No we didn't get a lot of one on one time but they were able to get their point across and we were able to practice in a high energy setting. If you are interested in classes and don't know where to find any, ask your vet if there are any around you the vet will definately know.
One of the things we worked on in class was walking. If you were out walking and you stopped to talk to someone the dog was supposed to sit beside you and not get up nor go "see" the people or dog until you let them, we didn't even let them. The other person would just bend down and pet your dog as long as they were sitting.
Ok so the what I would do if I were you is when out walking I would have him sit when other dogs are passing and at times when he's going to want to go up to them. Just stop walking and have him sit, if he gets up put him back in sitting position, continue until they pass. I would probably take along treats and after they pass make sure he's sitting say a release command like "ok" then once he gets up give him a treat and praise. At first it may seem like you are almost constantly having to hold him in sit but before long he will stay there longer until eventually he sill sit nicely until the dog passes. After he has this down, you can first start spreading the treats thinner plus you can also start interacting more with the people. While he's sitting try and pet their dog and talk to the people for just a bit, make him sit the whole time. Then if the people are willing after a little bit longer have them lean down and pet him while he remains sitting. Then maybe the next step would be when you are leaving if he is calm when he gets up you can let him go see the dog for just a bit. If he's good praise the heck out of him.
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Courtney |