Stay away from any dog that you think might have a negative impact on your dog. I do this all the time with Ranger. Like Megora said, any dog that's making itself "bigger" on the approach, any dog at the end of a freaking flexi-leash, any dog that looks to be not in control, you keep your distance from.

And as the owner of a neglected rescue dog, being a rescue is no excuse for poor or no socialization. Ranger had NO clue how to properly meet dogs when I got him as a 9 month old. He'd puff himself up, make eye contact the whole way in, and try to get his head over the other dog. Gee, no surprise meetings often didn't go well. Then he tried laying down and staring, and the popping up like a jack in the box when the other dog got close...

We did super intense socialization with the help of a dog behaviourist and a dog walker. It's been over a year and Ranger can meet practically any dog and be fine - but as a just-in-case, I never let him meet any of the dogs described above. If something DOES turn ugly, those owners won't be able to control their dogs before something serious happens.

My checklist for meeting a dog is:
- Walking next to the owner, not pulling or lagging behind
- Relaxed body posture
- Owner has a 6 ft or shorter leash

And then I check Ranger to see how he is - if he looks like he's revving himself up (which he'll do with certain dogs - boxers, or unneutered males especially), we pass by with a "sorry, he's in training" and leave it at that.

The owners need to do some serious socialization. It's NEVER too late.

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That had to be scary and thank goodness Jaro is ok. There is a cute little Golden mix next door, she is the sweetest dog with people but is extremely fear aggressive with other dogs and it is totally do to not be socialized. I offered on several occasions to help socialize her but it never happened. I feel bad for her.

This may be the same thing with the rottie/pit a dog that is not properly socialized will become aggressive. I would be wary of this dog, hopefully they are going to a good trainer and they will follow through with this dog. A rottie/pit mix is a powerful personality I hope for everyone's sake (dog included) that they are up to the task.

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I agree with the others that you should avoid this dog. When Jesse was younger we were too lax with letting her meet strange dogs in the street and at the park. As a result there were a number of incidents (none where she was hurt, but she got frightened a number of times) which have led her to be very timid around medium and large dogs. This is something I regret greatly and and am working to rectify - so good on you for seeking advice so that Jaro can continue to be happy and well socialised.

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I talked to the dog's owner today about the training class he went to last night. Apparently the trainer came outside and worked with the dog and owner but they never got inside to work with the other dogs because he was too excited when other dogs were around. The trainer will be working with them, and they are having their fence heightened plus he will be tied out if alone (not for long) and that they will work with him but if they can't get this under control he will get another home. The trainer said it was not really a good sign if food would not distract him from other dogs. Also, said it was excitement rather than strict aggression, but then he didn't get too close to any dog. They got him from the pound, rather than the Humane Society which temperament tests--this is all too sad. He is good enough with people. The trainer was going to bring some dog to help next week. I was thinking what he needs is a big dominant but not too aggressive dog to teach him doggy manners.

It will be sad if the people get rid of him for because they can't control him. My Willow isn't great around other dogs but I control her when on walks and don't do things I know that could end badly - like let her off leash in parks or town. There is no reason this dog has to be "gotten rid of" if he doesn't get along well with other dogs. He will just need to be a one dog household with owners who think and put their boy in only appropriate situations.

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"Some days you're the dog, some days you're the hydrant."

~Jenn and Leif