Unfortunately, a dog's optimal socialization period, when he or she learns to tolerate unfamiliar dogs (and novel situations), occurs between age 8-12 weeks. A dog that did not learn early to be social with others is always going to be at a disadvantage. That doesn't mean that you cannot desensitize your dog to the presence of other dogs nearby, but it takes lots of time and patience. You might want to find a "Feisty Fido" or "Growlies" class in your area. Or, you can try to work on this yourself if you don't have a facility nearby that offers such classes - two good books on the subject: "Click to Calm" by Emma Parsons, and "Feisty Fido" by Patricia McConnell. The fact is, however, that you may never have a dog that is comfortable with other dogs in close proximity. You might want to try to find a dog sitter who will come to your home so that your dog is not placed in a kennel environment, which is highly stressful to an under-socialized dog. There are some kennels that have individual "rooms" for dogs, but not many, so I think a pet sitter would be better. That way, your dog gets individual attention, and can feel secure, too.
Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association
Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program
AKC CGC Evaluator #3669
Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer
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Maska, CGC, TDInc.
Sequoyah, CGC
Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 20 1/2
Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog
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"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George
"The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz