[earthangel]

I'm not sure this is the right place for this question, but here goes--- I have heard alot about socialing your dog. Does this mean taking him around other animals on purpose. I guess I'm a chicken. Maybe it's me I don't trust, but what if something happens between Rocky and another dog? I'd be sick if something happened and I had to give him up because of my or another's stupidity. I guess I should get him trained by a professional? before I take the chance of taking him out. I don't know. help!!!

[Rai_77]

There is no reason why he should have to play with other dogs, but he should be able to be calm and controlled around them. Definitely, if you are not trusting yourself, you need a pro's help. I would not recommend the petco-type group classes for this breed, because of the tendency for dog agression, and because classes set most dogs up to fail anyway (you are asking them to perfect commands with too many distractions)

Hire yourself a trainer that comes into your home. Mine was $600 and has lifetime telephone consults.

[maryellen]

socializing means around people, objects, places, other dogs.. with the other dog part, an obedience class will teach you and your dog how to act in public, plus if you have any other issues the trainer will work on those as well..

[Drgnrdr]

petco-type group classes for this breed, because of the tendency for dog agression, and because classes set most dogs up to fail anyway (you are asking them to perfect commands with too many distractions)

IMHO:
I would say talk to the trainers, see what they know, if they sound like they are informed, what kind of education they have, any recommendations from past clients. If you feel comfortable and like the trainer that's what's going to help you. Working around small distractions, is helpful, building to bigger ones.
My experience is, most of the time, Dogs don't fail the Petsmart program, the parents didn't do what they were suppose to do, and the dogs were let down by the owner not the trainer, they train YOU to train your dog, that way the dog listens to you, and you bond and go thru the process, if you don't practice it's not the trainers fault.

Who did you use to come to your home for 600?
Disclaimer:All views expressed are the authors only.