Socializing Max

anybody?  [8|]

My dog, Shadow, spent his little puppyhood with his first owner growing up around a tomcat and a Jack Russel Terrier. So, he was exposed to other pets and at the time, all of them about the same size, could play. Now, Shadow is 26 inches tall and weighs 62 lbs. Anyway, he plays with the neighbor's cats who jump the fence. And we now have a cat we took in off the street, literally. And they get along except when she commits a faux pas. Usually, I can call him off and he will come to me.
 
Once, last spring, I took him to an off-leash dog park. He was unaltered and was used to barking and visiting with neighbor dogs through the fence. On our walks, we often encountered aggressive loose dogs. Anyway, he ran like greased lightning, challenging the males (without fighting) and sniffing all the females. He had sniffed on female Golden. After a couple of rounds at about 30 mph, he came back to that Golden and I finally caught up with him and re-leashed him. At the time, that was enough for both of us. Since then, I have worked nearly every day on his obedience and he was neutered 12-07-05, at the age of 2.5. He is now 3.
 
Muzzling would prevent your dog from being able to bite another dog, which is okay as long as other dogs are not biting. If another dog fights him, then his defenses are hampered. But muzzling might show that you are responsible, though others might think your dog is vicious because you have him muzzled. You could counteract that with saying he's just mouthy. You could incorporate obedience with several gradiated trips to the park. Get a little closer and still maintain obedience. Wait for relaxation and a calm state of mind. Basically, you're wanting him to carry that calm state of mind to the park. Eventually, you may make it in there.
 
If it doesn't work, that's okay. Some dogs simply don't do well around a bunch of other dogs. And it wouldn't be the end of the world. Also, you might try visiting the park during less-than-peak hours. For example, don't go there on Saturday mornings, it will be a madhouse. Go when there is only one or two dogs. And start out with a long lead or make one out rope. Get him used to realizing that you are still his leader here. Give him treats for obedience in the park.

Sorry I am not familiar with your 'situation" so if I'm missing something not in this post my suggestions may be way off.

First of all I would not take him to a dog park and ask him to sit out. I think that would only add to any anxiety he might have. The other dogs will automatically approch the new dog at the park, which you will have no control over.

Many dogs are aggressive on leash when approaching strange dogs. It's the fight or flight thing. They know they are unable to flee, so their only option is to aggress. I know my dog is much better greeting a strange dog off leash, but it is a dilema when you're unsure how your dog (or the other dog) might react.

I think it is possible to socialize an older dog. You have to start of small and work up to the dog park. That would be the very last step! The first thing to overcome is his lunging while on leash. When you see a dog approaching, cross the street and get your dog to sit. You must remain very calm yourself so he gets no nervous vibes from you. Pat him and talk to him in a reassuring manner. "Nice doggie! Good boy!" Practice until he will let the dog pass without lunging. When he does, give him lots of praise and a yummy treat! Once you have that down, practice the same technique, but decrease the distance between the dogs until he is comfortable letting them pass right next to him. The next step is letting him greet or sniff the other dog. Keep it brief. Slowly, slowly building on his sucess.

Your dog will dictate how far he is willing to go with his interaction with other dogs. If you push him too far or too quickly you will be back to where you started. He may never be comfortable in an off leash park. You will just have to accept that.

Good luck