Cannot see an end to this..

[Imsosorryalan]

My rescue is fear aggressive with dogs. We have been working hard with her, she was rescued from a shelter and seems to think all dogs are out to get her!
We desperately want her to get on with all dogs but in particular MILs dog so we can not only walk together but when they come over for Xmas day, the dogs are ok with each other.
Today, we have been for a walk together. This is the 8th time they have walked together and we have done all the right things, distance first then coming closer, treats next to each other, quick sniffs then walks.. So today they are off lead but quite happy alongside each other bounding about. Yippee I think, we have cracked this!!
Then, rescue launches herself onto MILs dog and they have a full blown fight! No warning, no growls before... So sick of this, it doesn't seem to get any better.
Please tell me it will

Oh dear. Have a . To be honest, even the best of doggy chums will occasionally have little spats. We have four foster greys, and all jog along quite nicely. However, when they are running about in the field (very similar circumstances to what you describe) we occcasionally get handbags at dawn - bloodcurdling snarls, snaps and huffs usually all over in about 30 seconds but sounds very dramatic while it is going on, usually caused by one over excited hound accidentally putting a whisker in the wrong place. They are SUCH drama queens.

If you've got to the stage where they are walking together nicely then that sounds very positive and i'd keep building on that and not mind too much about the occasional hissyfit.

It actually sounds like you've made huge progress. Like Scuttle says, even good doggy friends will still have the odd tiff. How were they with each other after the fight? And it doesn't sound like there was any blood, which is always a good sign? Keep working at it, and you'll sort it out fully with time.

You are going way way way to quickly. It was only a while ago you posted about them having a go at each other. You need to spend months going gently and slowly. These dogs will NOT be happy together on Christmas Day - that is way too soon for a fear reactive dog.

However that is the bad news the good news is he will get there but if you push this it will take much longer and you will have a really stressed out dog.

Dog trainers mantra is "If you want to get a dog trained quickly go slowly"

Owning a reactive dog is a roller coaster BUT without doubt the effort you put in will be paid back to you time and time again.

Oh! You have my sympathies, I remember how horrible it felt to have a setback like this.
How long have you had her? It still sounds like early days and you're doing really well. Even non reactive dogs can have a flounce when playing offlead and your girl is still learning.

Agree with other posters about taking it slowly. Set your girl up to succeed so don't put her in a situation until you are absolutely sure she can cope.

I think being offlead indoors when both dogs are tired from a walk together (with a bed each and no treats/toys around. Use a muzzle to help take your anxiety down a notch.) is less stressful than offlead play outside.

For reactive dogs who haven't had the chance to learn social skills, playing with other dogs offlead is one of the most difficult things.

You will get there, although maybe not by xmas! Our lovely oldgirl was an utter psycho with other dogs when she came to us but she's the dog everyone wants to take home now.
She was our first dog and we were clueless. If we could do it, you definitely can!

Thank you everyone. Curb ill you're right. I'm expecting too much too soon. She has done so well up to now.
I wouldn't change her for the world but I guess sometimes I wish I had a 'normal' dog!

Wow, it gets worse! Although Alan dog was on lead, another dog comes bounding up which sent Alan dog into a frenzy! We kept walking and reassuring while she spins around snarling and growling at other dog wanting to play. Owner miles away feebly recalling her dog! Aargh
Am I going to have to walk in the middle of nowhere??

Get a muzzle. Its not nice because she won't like it but at least you know she won't bite someone elses dog :(
My dog sounds just like yours, what kind of dog is she? The problem with mine is that he's big and very strong so when he goes it goes very bad :(
I've got to the point where I can't walk him off lead unless the field is empty, tbh I'm stuck myself so can't offere any advice, I have no idea where to go next or how to fix him :(

Right. That's it. I have ordered a clicker and we will tackle this slowly and positively. have renewed vigour today!