Can a dog develop a phobia of other dogs?

[Madsometimes]

Last week dh took our dog to the park, and he was chased by a lab type dog. For some unknown reason, our dog took fright, and he bolted out of the park, even though he was not near any of the exits. He actually ran in front of a car, but fortunately the car did an emergency stop. Dh managed to get the dog on the lead and went straight home.

Ever since the dog has been very frightened to return to the park. In fact he whimpers with fear when we enter it (obviously he is now kept on lead). I thought that he was getting better, but now the snow has come he has gone right back. He is disturbed by not being able to smell. He sits and looks about him like a meercat on total alert.

He is a 14 month cockapoo, and has always been submissive. Up until now it has not been a problem. I will take him to the vet when the snow has melted - he is probably due for a check up and boosters anyway - he does seem to be generally healthy though.

Has anyone else experienced a traumatised dog? Should we just avoid the park and give Patch lead exercise on streets instead, and will this be enough for him? Previously he had 1.5 hours of free ranging in the park every day.

[maddiemostmerry]

I hav had the same problem and have the same breed of dog as you!
My 3 yr old dog was attacked by a Visla(?) in March this year and is still vry reluctant to walk in the area it happened. My dog also bolted and ran across roads, maybe Cp's aren't very brave.

My vet recommended lots of treats and praise when walking in the area and also dog massage. I think time and treats have worked to some degree, he is also braver when with a doggy pal.

The downside with my dog is that he is now very growly at dogs which he thinks are visla types. He certainly seems to have a long memory!

I would walk with him on the lead there first of all and offer treats and praise even for the shortest attempt and just keep going back.
Good luck

[GrimmaTheNome]

Dogs can indeed have long memories. Our last dachs was accidentally hurt by a boisterous young boxer. Not being a submissive type, he thereafter hated every boxer he saw with a vengeance. It used to be quite funny - we'd pull him in close, boxer owner would alway say 'its ok our dog is friendly' and we'd have to explain that we were protecting their dog!

Your case isn't funny though - poor dog. Is there any other park or open space you could try taking him to for a while?

[lilyliz]

my white westie is very afraid of big black dogs and did the same as yours,I started off taking her past the park and then cutting through it,sh will enter the park now but is still not keen to stay in it and that happened 3yrs ago.