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Barking at other dogs

18 18:02:31

Question
I have a pom who is 2lbs. and five months. She recently started going to doggie daycare. Before she did not bark at all, now at the daycare she barks at the large dogs and runs away (she is on the other side of the fence). Now, when we go to the park, she barks at the people running and other dogs. What can I do? I thought doggie daycare was supposed to help them socialize.

Answer
Dog day care is supposed to help social dogs continue to socialize.  However, the optimal socialization period for puppies is between the ages of 8-16 weeks, which is why many veterinarians now urge puppy owners to attend puppy kindergarten early.  That way, the pup gets some experience with other pups, learns his canine language, and is less likely to be frightened of other dogs, or nervous as an adult dog.  If your dog was not exposed to many different people and many different dogs at an early age, she may have some fear of novel situations involving unfamiliar dogs or people, especially in large groups.  Two good books that help owners deal with fearful dogs:
Help for Your Shy Dog - by Deborah Wood
The Cautious Canine - by Patricia McConnell