How to socialize a 6month old dog?
My puppy is six months old, and every time we take him out for a walk, he would bark and lunge at other dogs. He wasn't like this before, only started when another dog started barking and charging at him on a walk before, so I think he may be scared of other dogs or something. Walking around to avoid other dogs won't help him stop barking at them, and sometimes even when we do go around, he lunges at the dog across the street. He also refuses to listen or accept treats when he spots another dog. He's relatively fine with humans, but also starts barking when they get to close.
Is there a way to get him to get used to dogs and people and not be scared of them? I don't think suddenly taking him to a crowded area will be a good idea (he'll bark until everyones' eardrums break). And he usually doesn't bark if we pick him up. I'm considering of trying to get him used to people and dogs while in my arms since he's calmest that way but I don't know if that's a good way to do it.
You can also have him meet dogs thru a fence. For example when you go to dog park, walk around the outside first. That way its a controlled meet. Many issues a puppy has will get worked out but only if you reward good behavior not bad. Petting or holding to avoid a scene is not it.
Before you began socializing, make sure your pup has had their initial vaccinations. The last thing you want is for your puppy to catch something that may shorten their life. I'm sure you are on top of this, but others' may read this in the future who are not.
I feel like I missed the mark with my puppy. My vet wouldn't give her the bordetalla (sp) shot until she was fixed. Well now at 6months she's fixed and doesn't like people or dogs. It's going to be a tough road. Training with professional starts next week.