Socialization -new with old

Question
I greatly appreciate your time in responding to this question. We have a 7 year old chocolate lab, Husker, that we have had since he was 2 months old. He has been an "only pet"- no children- for all seven years.  He is well trained but has never been formally socialized with other dogs. He is an unbelievably good dog, loving, obedient, non-aggressive, and loves all people. He can be hypersensitive in some situations and at the vet.   When we meet other dogs on walks he is very timid and does not want to engage in interaction with them no matter their size, sometimes he just lays down and cowers.   I realize that we made a mistake in not seeking out more opportunities for Husker to be exposed to other dogs.  We'd like to get another dog and hope that it will also be a good companion for Husker, but we are concerned about how he will socialize with a new dog on his turf. Is it possible for us to make this work without isolating Husker?  If so, what is the best way to introduce the new dog and what can we do to help Husker be accepting of the new dog?

Answer
Garry,
couple of things to help him out.

Get a younger dog

get a puppy if possible.  although he may snap for awhile he will get used to the puppy
make it a female.

get a non aggressive breed (but be careful, even non aggressive breeds can be aggressive.  make sure the breeder tells you her dogs are very docile.eg golden retriever. (even they can be aggressive, but most aren't))

never feed them together (if another dog is going to be aggressive this will be the time and you don't want husker frightened)

from the beginning walk them together  so a pleasant activity is associated with them being together.

very special treats (chicken, liverwurst, etc) for them when they are together

if you get a pup, make sure the pup is crated at times to give husker a break.

non aggressive dogs are usually pack dogs...goldens, brittanys, cockers, poodles (believe it or not and the standard is the least aggressive)

when you pick out a pup from a litter, make it the quietest not the most robust.  you want shy, but not fearful nor hyper.

go to www.akc.org...and click on breeds and that will open up a whole new world of dogs for you to peruse.


nancy