Hey there,
I've a collie x jack russell - I've had him now for 8 weeks (I know it's very early days).

He's around 18 months and am unsure about his full background as he was a stray taken into the dogs trust.

In most ways he's an absolute angel! He's affectionate, will play with his own toys on his own, hasn't destroyed anything, learns very quickly (we've taught him all his basic commands and he was house trained from day 1).

However he is very picky with other dogs... it's very very hit and miss whether he will get on with other dogs when out on a walk and for this reason we are very reluctant to let him off lead so he only gets short periods off lead when we are sure there are no other dogs around.

He got on very well with 3 spaniels all off lead (incl Harvey) and we met up with 3 other dogs (when still with the spaniels) and he was perfect - playing, running around. However the following day a beagle came running up to us when we were playing with Harvey off lead. The beagle's owner wasn't paying any attention and the beagle stormed in - the two dogs faced off at each other and then turned. It wasn't nasty and no harm was done - both dogs were separated by myself and my partner and taken away from each other.

Harvey seems to take offence to some dogs and get on with some... I'm not sure the best way to deal with this as we are both now quite wary when other dogs come near and we don't want this to continue as we know our nervous energy can pass to him and then he just defends as he thinks he needs to protect.

Sorry this has turned into an epic post...
Thanks in advance for reading and any advice would be welcomed
Beth

lots of views but no advice

It'll come, depends who has the energy to answer.

First off it's not unusual for dogs to dislike certain dogs, or prefer breeds they've played with in the past. From my observation of a young Beagle, it is fairly direct and can be over full on playful, a little like Labs tend to rush up directly to greet which bothers many dogs.

There's a body language sticky and I liked a video clip by Turid Ruugas on how dogs naturally greet, showing the "calming signals" which is how they communicate they're "friendly" and not threatening.

Many dogs around, don't however seem to have learnt doggie politeness for whatever reason, so I see ones which don't signal and actually I at times distract or block a dog off to slow things down a bit, if I think my guy will be stressed or perhaps already is being greeted by enough new dogs. A proactive approach to try to avoid spats & fights and keep things positive.

So I would as you see patterns and read the "bandit" dog and your dog, if you notice say that "Black Labs" are traumatic, then try to manage the situation with sufficient distance and reward calmness (food,praise,play), then reduce over time proximity. Similarly if your dog is having a stressy day, then head for the quieter areas and let him chill a bit, rather than feel pressured.

Of course impolite off leash dogs who rush up directly and get in your dog's face may be a problem in your area, smelling of fish & liver tends to draw attention away from your dog which can help, but of course causes more dogs to check one out as they follow the scent which can exacerbate the problem. I tend to find, using a high pitch and being friendly, and moving usually diverts a friendly dog's attention from mine; I can't divert with a toy as my dog will rush up or just start playing with it, pretty much ignoring everything else.

Agree with Rob!

Socialisation can be worked on at any age and is always a good thing to do in my humble opinion.

Having said that I do agree that some dogs just dislike certain breeds or specific dogs. My Collie boy gets very, very grumpy with bouncy dogs that try to get in his face. And I'm afraid to say he does not love black labs (although we babysit one each august which he both tells off and tolerates rather well).

My girl - well whether she's friendly or not depends on what mood she is currently in (stroppy collie girls - gotta love em )

I would start to reward good greets/interactions/watches etc and pay attention to his body language as Rob suggests to avoid any potential conflict. (Turid Rugaas is good! There is also a book by Brenda Aloff which is a massive book on canine body language - well worth a look!)

What is his recall like around other dogs?

__________________
Jack - Black Labrador
Nalsy & Ponch - Purebred bedwarming moggies

Thanks for the replies guys will check out the books you have mentioned ...

We've booked in a 1-2-1 with the dog trainer we are using... she's awesome and has some great advice so I'm hoping we can move forward in a posiitive way as I want our little man to have the best time in life now

His recall with other dogs around is fine in the dog training (obedience and agility) but is hit and miss when out and about so we only let him off when no other dogs are around... otherwise he's on a 10m long line.