Dog suddenly barking at other dogs

[heidiwine]

Yesterday our dog (9 month whippet) was attacked by another dog it was completely out of the blue (dog came from behind) and luckily both dogs were on leads so it didn’t escalate. Our dog was quite shaken up (wretched afterwards possibly because of the force of the pull he gave on his lead).
Today we took the dog out and every time he interacted with another dog (sometimes accompanied by play posture) he barked repeatedly. This is a dog who rarely barks - in fact I’ve never heard him bark at another dog. I also thought that his play was a bit more aggressive than usual (but I don’t know that for sure and DP thinks it was fine).
Question is - if the dog was shaken up yesterday what’s the best thing I can do to help him get over it and back to his old happy not yappy self?

Show him there is nothing to be afraid with. Seek out friendly dogs and you interact with them in a bright, happy, playful voice. Stroke and pet them and if your dog chooses to join in then praise and pet him also. Don't force him into interacting with them - even if he stands off and just watches he is learning that not all dogs are like the one you met yesterday. Take treats and if he gets too boisterous then have him perform something he knows well (e.g. a sit) and give him a treat for it, rewarding the calmer behaviours. If he walks by a dog without barking or reacting then praise and treat him for that too.

The experience was very recent and isolated so there is a good chance you will be able to counter balance it with lots of lovely or neutral experiences with dogs.

Thanks. We’ve made sure he’s had lots of other dog time and he’s definitely more reticent than he was and more vocal but he’s not obviously fearful like yesterday. Thank you!