Hi I wonder if any one can help. I have a 4 1/2 month old GSD bitch. She has been well socialised with other dogs and people and attended socialisation classes which have gone really well and she was totally relaxed around the other dogs. One day when I was walking her, a loose dog charged up behind us and although it did not attack her she was totally freaked out and she growled and snapped at the other dog. The owner came and put the dog on a lead and he agreed to walk his dog along side (not too close) to allow her to calm down, which she seemed to do. Unfortunately when going to puppy socialisation classes the next day she immediately growled and barked at the other dogs. She is food orientated so I can keep her attention with treats and asking her to sit, provided the dogs do not come too close and there is not eye contact. She walks nicely on a loose lead and is generally well behaved and laid back. I have other dogs and she is not aggressive toward them. She will be starting Puppy obedience classes soon and I really like her to be able to be happy around the other dogs again.
Hi cel and thanks for your post, A bad experience with another dog can often cause change in behavior to all or specific types of dogs afterwards. Unfortunately this often means going right back to socializing again. Getting her out with as many dogs as possible and under as many conditions as possible is important and always remember to praise calm behavior and ignore unwanted behavior wherever doing so will not endanger other animals or people. If you are concerned that she may react badly try walking her on a headcollar such as a halti at first so you have total control. She should soon be desensitized to other dogs again if you persevere. If she is still uncertain by the time your classes start again explain to other owners what has happened and ask them if they will let you walk her greet the others in the class with you praising calm behavior before each class starts.
If you have any further questions during resocialization or afterwards don't hesitate to ask.
Many thanks for your reply. I have been making her sit and getting her attention with treats and praise when another dog comes near which seems to work but I wanted to be sure that I was doing the right thing with the treats as I was concerned that I might be giving her the wrong signals. Do you think it would be best to get her attention with the treat but not give it to her until the dog has gone? She only gets aggressive when the strange dog comes into her personal space. In all other respects she is a wonderful loving dog. Once again many thanks for your help.
