Change in behaviour

[Ljh2019]

Hi all, judging by the time I’m posting this you can probably tell I’m losing a bit of sleep with a new problem!

Just after Christmas a neighbours dog went for ours, we did have a very settled and hardy zuchon who previously loved all other dogs / very well socialised since a puppy and one who would happily walk past or with other dogs. He wasn’t hurt in the incident and the neighbour did mention his dog didn’t like other boys.

A couple of days afterwards I was walking him in the woods, popped him on lead when I saw another big working type and he wanted to sit and watch the dog pass. All fine as he is little and I get they’re curious, only this time as the dog passed us he lunged and barked. As soon as the dog had gone he was fine again. This now happens with any new dog we see and I’m getting very distressed by it. Yesterday was with a great big lab which he seemed ok with until it bounded over trying to play at which point he just stopped and was literally yapping at the top of his lungs. He walks away with no problem though , he’s not baring teeth or growling just loud!

He has a circle of dog friends who he is fine with, and some who he doesn’t know but has seen and doesn’t take issue with.

I’ve rambled on but does anyone have any advice? My husband and I are going to go back to basics, be more active in keeping him focused when we see dogs rather than letting him try to make friends.... I just feel so bad he’s anxious (or does this just sound like frustration at not being able to play and interact properly?) thanks!

No one can say if he’s anxious or frustrated without seeing the situation in real life. I would consult a qualified behaviourist (APBC accredited). A lot of them are doing zoom consultations at the moment.

Until you see the behaviourist, I would reduce his (and your) stress levels but not putting him in situations where he feels the need to react. Are you able to walk him in places/at times when he won’t see another dog close enough to push him over the threshold? Can you have non-walk days, where you tire him out with brain games or training at home rather than taking him out?

How old is your dog?

I think as this behaviour only started after he was attacked, it's highly likely that it's fear/anxiety based as opposed to frustrated greeting.

BUT nobody can tell you that for certain. You need to get in touch with qualified behaviourist. If possible, video his behaviour around other dogs to show them, then they can help you via zoom call (as they can't really meet in person ATM).

In the meantime, I would be avoiding other dogs completely. Turn round, walk in the other direction or distract him by getting him to face the other way. Try and avoid any situation that could make him stressed until you manage to get some help.

Good luck!

It could actually be learned behaviour. He has learnt that when he is quiet and "well behavied" he gets mugged BUT if he barks and lunges the dogs stay away, So he may not at this stage be highly stressed and anxious but has just learned a new way to deal with a situation.

Avoid all contact with unknown dogs for the time being, let him see that you will take action so that he does not have to. Increase distance between all dogs so there is no need for him to react. Be his advocate and stand in the way if dogs approach ane move out of the way. Over time his reaction should calm down.

A behaviourist will be able to see this in real life. I would not video the interaction until you have spoken to the behaviourists we dont usually like to put the dogs in situations that will cause them to react. Usually a history is sufficient.

Thanks for all the input, we have reached out to our behaviourist ( they also got an email in the early hours) and have a 121 booked in for early this week. On their guidance we’ve made some changes to how we walk him (not letting him stop for other dogs, using treats to keep him on us and distracted) and we encountered 2 dogs with good results so although I’m sure it’s going to be up and down for a bit I feel we’re making the right moves for now.

Really appreciated all your comments and it’s been really useful to help what I fed back to our trainer. He’s 16 months and neutered, currently eating a pig ear in my bed!