dog troubles please help?

First of all, don't go to any park.

Public places where other dogs congregate are danger zones for a dog that has not been properly introduced to the world - you have no control over what you will encounter there.

Find a trainer by way of your vet who specializes in working with rescue dogs, or fearful dogs - it is a specialty, and you need the guidance of an expert or you can actually make things worse. Exposing your dog to what he perceives as threats without the proper confidence building exercises will just make him feel as though he either needs to retreat or fight them off - neither of which you want. And trying to do this on your own is a risk for both you- a fearful dog is a dangerous dog.

You may find a behaviorist through the local SPCA as well- but do find someone with real credentials, and don't try anything yourself until then. Your dogs relies upon you to keep him safe, and the best thing for now would be to walk him in a place you know is not frequented by other dogs, and stay a good distance from people - getting him used to just being off your own property is a good first step.

Here's a good website to start with:

http://fearfuldogs.com/

If you are unable to control your dog you should never take it to a dog park. You are putting your dog in danger. Your dog runs away from you because he doesn't trust you to protect him. What will you do when he runs away right under the wheels of a car? He runs from you because he is fearful and you should not put him in this position. A scared dog is not a happy dog.

Join your local obedience club and learn how to train your dog. When he learns you know what you're doing and are capable of taking control then...and only then will he respect you as his leader and gain trust in you.

I'm small and my Rottweiler weighs a little more than me. She is also much stronger than I am but I'm in control because I've obedience trained my dog. If she wanted to pull me across the road into traffic she's quite capable of doing so. I trained her to advanced level to protect her. She knows I'm in change and give the commands and she respects my leadership. She feels safe with me.

I trust my dog in all circumstances and she's never let me down. I don't take her to dog parks because though I know she is trustworthy I doubt many of the other dogs in a park are and I don't want my dog attacked by unruly, badly behaved dogs.

He definitely needs some controlled socialization. Dog obedience classes are your best bet. try to find one that has limited class enrollment. You dont want to throw 20 dogs at him right off the bat, see if you can get him in a class with 10 or fewer students.

He has been through alot. I am not real quick to say "drug your dog", but a short term course of anit anxiety medication could do wonders for him. I have had several fosters that I have had to resort to meds with, and it did wonders for them. Some dogs who have been traumatized ( and yes, simply not being cared for is trauma) need help while they are rebuilding their confidence. Medications such as xanax or diazepam ( valium), given 1/2 hour prior, can help settle him down for walks/ classes.

Call your vet and have a serious discussion with him about your concerns. Once your puppers has his confidence back and has been adequately socialized, you can do away with the meds.

And P.S....Labs are NOT necessarily friendly. One of 4 dogs in my 20 year career that bit me was a chocolate lab.

Wow! My dog is exactly the same, we got her from a dog rescue. She will hide behind me when a dog comes towards her though. She will also pee when she is nervous! I can't control how she is, so i just get on with it. I regularly make jumps with her and do agility trails with her, to make her more confident. I can already see she is more confident in herself. Good luck.

Do you have any friends with dogs?I would suggest having the friend bring their dog to your home and you supervise the time they are together.When the other dog is close by give your dog treats-this will make your dog associate other dogs with pleasure(treats).Stop taking him to the park until you have him trained.It is just making things worse.Hope this works

"labradors are supposed to be very friendly to everything"

wrong.

maybe train him? get him used to other dogs. have friends bring over their dogs etc.