Dog was attacked and now super fearful and lunging - just bit me

[polkadotpjs]

My dog (18 months ) was attacked by a dog who got out of a house's front door. No actual biting/ injury but the dog launched at him snarling and snapping and he was snarling and snapping back. Since then (last weekend) he's been barking and lunging at all black dogs, or big dogs. This morning he was straining to get across the small road , barking at another dog. I held him back with his harness and he turned round and bit me on the hand. I think to get me to let go It's clearly fear born and aside from puppy mouthing he's never bitten.
I'm going to try primula cheese distraction while out to focus on me and ignore other dogs (most he ignores and sniffs and moves on) but I'm very wary and also upset at the bite. Maybe a more sturdy harness would be better so I could hold him firm. Any other tips? Quiet time walks are my plan too for a few days.

Muzzle and harness. If you can’t keep your dog under control after it was attacked, and he becomes a danger you may have to consider putting your own dog to sleep. I’m so sorry this happened. Poor dog but you have to keep yourself and other people safe now. I’d speak to a vet if I were you and they will help you assess how the trauma is shaping it’s behaviour now.

I haven't said I can't control him. He's only small and I can control him, but was trying to help to get his fear levels down. I don't think we are anywhere near a dangerous dog scenario / PTS

@AthenaPopodopolous

Oh, do give over

I've got a reactive dog and would agree with taking a complete break from walks for at least a week. If you have any private dog fields near you they are excellent for having a safe space for letting them have a run without encountering another dog.
Then lots of slow reintroductions to other dogs from a big distance. Lots of hi value rewards. I often throw a handful of pieces of hot dog sausage or chicken on the ground to distract as a dog goes past. Lots of praise.
Don't go places your likely to meet lots of dogs. And go home once you have met a couple of dogs. It's far better to have two positive experiences than push on and have a negative. Then give him a day off to decompress.
Lots of brain games to keep calm and happy at home.

I really rate using rescue remedy with dogs too. I give my reactive girl it multiple times a day and always a few minutes before going out on a walk. It has made a huge difference.

This happened to us when our dog was about ten months old, he had been attacked by a shitzu (not the bravest puppy). We stopped walks and worker harder on focusing his attention on us, luckily we have friends with dogs so we were able to use those to slowly get him closer at his own pace, until he felt safe enough to be around other dogs on walks again. Hes now almost 18 months, isn’t at all dog reactive.

Good point about a dog field too thanks and thanks for the back up thst this isn't a PTS scenario

@AthenaPopodopolous so Ops dog who may well be a little cocker or something should be put down cos he’s taken a dislike to big dogs attacking him? 🤣are you for real?!?

OP you’ve had some great advice on here. We’ve all been there. Time is also a great healer, most importantly you need to not react or give any sign of nervousness with other dogs - and if not, that doesn’t work, pls hire someone to help.

Nowhere near a pts situation. Madness to suggest otherwise.

Just updating to say he still doesn't like one particular black lab but been mostly ok on walks. Two poodles came bounding over and he was wagging his tail and keen to play yesterday. He had a good run off lead in the rain (nobody else stupid enough to be out in the muddy field we were in ) and has been super cuddly. But the barking at delivery drivers/ postmen/ passers by is frantic. I'm distracting him as much as possible

Is he at at window at postie etc? Remove chair. Body block him away. Every time
Takes a few days but ime can be done. Our rotty just about went through the window until some strick training!!

Yes on the sofa back in the window. Will have a furniture move after Christmas I think!