I think I have a 2 year old on my hands

[MizMaRLeysMoM86]

So I just now started taking my two to the dog park since it's nice out. Marley is good and wanders and does her own thing, but Colt... no way.. he is terrified of other dogs and sits at my feet the whole time. If another dog comes over and sniffs him he cowers and if they get too overbearing he shows his teeth out of being scared. He doesn't snap at other dogs though. He goes to anyone that will pick him up and baby him.
What have I done? lol I have turned him into a skinkid that won't play with other dogs. Marley will and I don't get why he won't. I wish I would have known that there was a dog park last summer when I got him because I would have started socializing him alot sooner. He's never had someone invade HIS territory, he was the "other dog" when we brought him home. I am continuing to take them to the park everyday that its nice out in hopes he will get better. I think the being terrified thing is kind of getting better, but not by a whole lot.
I kind of get embarressed that he just wants to be around people at the dog park and not around other dogs. I don't want people to think I am not letting him be a dog. I treat them like me kids as far as buying them good food, treats, toys, and letting them sleep with me but I think I let them do all the doggy stuff dogs do... anyone else got any advice for me? I know I am gonna keep taking them this summer.. in hopes he will come out of his shell... The only way I can get him to run around is if I run with him.. and I think thats just bc he doesnt want to lose sight of me

[JeanieK]

I think I would start out with just one other dog for a playdate. The dog park might be a bit overwhelming.

[Twinkie2Cute]

Maybe you can find a smaller dog at the park and introduce them. I had a friend in a similar situation and she quickly made friends with a lady who frequented the same park. They would meet twice a week and the two dogs soon became good buddies. After that, my friends dog didn't seem to mind socializing with the others. It just took a little patience and time. My friend would introduce her furbaby to the others, one at a time. You could even try play dates at each others home. Don't give up, because it will be fine.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

I think I would start out with just one other dog for a playdate. The dog park might be a bit overwhelming.

I agree. Hot Rod was a lot like this. He is very much a mommas boy and the first time we went to the dog park, it was overwhelming in that when another dog tried to come up to me, he would get very defensive. He did not want to share is mommy with any another doggies. He's since gotten better and now actually goes up to other dogs. I've been lucky and been able to socialize him with a neighbors jack russell and they look forward to seeing each other every day on our walks

Maggie loves other meeting other dogs so long as she can meet them slowly. She is very submissive and will cower and go belly up when meeting another dog. She gets really overwhelmed quickly if there are a lot of dogs all at once coming at her. And she does not like other dogs barking at her--she will get scared and not move. There has been a couple of times that another dog has just barked like crazy at her and I've had to rescue her because she just froze and was very scared. The other owners did nothing to try and stop their dogs either. Maggie is all of 4.5 lbs and was probaby 4 lbs at the time while the other dogs were at least 10 lbs! It was cute one time when this happen and the jack russell actually came to Maggies rescue and barked and chased the other dog that was being nasty to Maggie May.