I have to disagree with the vet. I think dogs NEED that socialization. If he's crated all day for no reason (other than potty training) I think he will become worse. Dogs crave and need that sense of being in a pack and he just needs to re-learn how to act around other dogs. You're doing the right thing by taking him to these places. Maybe you should just do it in a slower way? He seems like he's making progress since he will play with certain dogs now. Maybe first introduce him to another dog by holding him and letting him sniff the other dog. He probably just gets intimidated by the other dogs since he's not used to it.
I just don't see how crating him all day will make him establish you as the pack leader? There's many other things you can do to create that relationship. Little things... always be sure you walk out the door before he does, he's only allowed to jump on the couch or bed if he was invited by you, things like that. You're his leader, he listens to you. |