Nervous dog and I don't know why

[NaturalBlondeYeahRight]

I've had my JR since 8 weeks ( now 4) socialisation classes and puppy training classes, all with no problems.

As she gets older she seems to be getting more and more worried about other dogs approaching her, especially big dogs. She hides behind my legs, squeals or runs away (if off lead) She doesn't like it if they try to sniff her bottom.
No aggression from her but I would like to try and nip it in the bud now, before it becomes an issue.

Any ideas?

[Pizdets]

Hi NaturalBlonde, do you think she's becoming more aware of her size? My puppy is only 8 months but at first he didn't seem to notice he was so much smaller than the other dogs, then once he got into rough play he seemed to twig that he was small! (Small JRT sized).

Although he's not nervous to the point of yours, he's definitely more cautious going up to strange dogs now. Could you socialise her with big friendly dogs you know to get her confidence up a bit?

Also, do you think she might be picking up on your body language at all? Do you get nervous for her when big dogs run over (speaking from experience here too!)

Will watch with interest as I could see my dog getting more like this too!

Piz

[NaturalBlondeYeahRight]

We know quite a few lab sized dogs that we 'hang out' with. Unfortunately they are quite bouncy and she's not that kind of dog. She tolerates them and is ok off the lead ( I suppose she thinks she can run if she needs to) but on the lead gets very nervous. That's when the injured noises start.
We have a Newfoundland in our village and frankly it's embarrassing when she sees him.
I think I agree that she realises that's she is smaller, thought terrier types were supposed to be brave! I'm not nervous around big dogs.
Maybe a 'controlled' dog class might help? I know JR have a reputation so I want to knock this on the head as she really is a nice dog.

[digerd]

I've had my little dog 3.5 months and she is 2 .5 years old. At first she shook with fear meeting strange dogs and people. We were lucky, as all the dogs she met were very gentle with her. She is a quiet non-aggressive breed with a short muzzle, and dogs could see she was non threatening.
She is fine now, but haven't yet let her off the lead, as the breed is not an easily trainable one and she ignores my commands most of the time. < excellent skills at turning a deaf ear>

[mrslaughan]

I am no expert, but it sounds like she has list her confidence a little.
I think dog classes are an excellent idea. The one I go has all sizes (mine is a giant), but you are expected to keep your dog under control, and people go to socialize their dogs.
We had someone who brought their JRT one week as it had been attacked, and that had made it dear aggressive.... I was really sad they never came back, as over the hour you could see her confidence growing.