How to stop puppy being scared of dogs

BarborousBarbra · 2023-10-03T11:26:58+00:00

On her second week out in the world, my poor pup was attacked. Luckily, it was nothing too serious, but now she is scared of every dog she meets! it's such a shame because on her first week out walking she met lots of dogs and loved doing so. How can I gently encourage her to start interacting with dogs again? I really don't want her to be anxious forever.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 03/10/2023 12:44

Honestly neutrality is so much more important than being friendly and interacting with random dogs. So I’d practice that personally. Being attacked and scared of other dogs could very likely lead to reactivity so I’d also get a good, force free, trainer on board asap

Octobermeterreadtime · 03/10/2023 12:52

Have you changed your route? When ddog was a pita out we changed route. Behaviour improved after 6 walks as I was advised!

Original poster

BarborousBarbra · 03/10/2023 12:59

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 03/10/2023 12:44

Honestly neutrality is so much more important than being friendly and interacting with random dogs. So I’d practice that personally. Being attacked and scared of other dogs could very likely lead to reactivity so I’d also get a good, force free, trainer on board asap

Okay, she hasn't showed any signs of becoming reactive yet, but she will back away when a dog comes by.

OP posts:

Original poster

BarborousBarbra · 03/10/2023 13:00

Octobermeterreadtime · 03/10/2023 12:52

Have you changed your route? When ddog was a pita out we changed route. Behaviour improved after 6 walks as I was advised!

Yes, route has changed, but she is still very wary of other dogs. It's still early days I guess, but it's been a week.

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Newpeep · 03/10/2023 13:56

Take puppy out to a dog walking spot. Sit a long way away from the dogs. As soon as you see one, give pup a treat. She looks at dog she gets a treat. Dog does anything she gets a treat. Keep her to low density dog areas and gradually expose her to more. Socialisation is about exposure not interaction. My 13 month old pup can be wary of some bigger dogs but she is improving in confidence. She will skip past other dogs which is fine. Really in an adult dog you just want them to sniff then move on.

Classes help a lot with puppy confidence. Puppies go through multiple fear periods up and during adolescence (2 years old for some) so it's normal for confidence to go up and down. The key is never put your pup into a situation they can't handle. Pick them up if you need to. Show them that YOU will deal with their problems. They don't need to make their own decisions (as they make bad ones generally).

Original poster

BarborousBarbra · 03/10/2023 14:10

Newpeep · 03/10/2023 13:56

Take puppy out to a dog walking spot. Sit a long way away from the dogs. As soon as you see one, give pup a treat. She looks at dog she gets a treat. Dog does anything she gets a treat. Keep her to low density dog areas and gradually expose her to more. Socialisation is about exposure not interaction. My 13 month old pup can be wary of some bigger dogs but she is improving in confidence. She will skip past other dogs which is fine. Really in an adult dog you just want them to sniff then move on.

Classes help a lot with puppy confidence. Puppies go through multiple fear periods up and during adolescence (2 years old for some) so it's normal for confidence to go up and down. The key is never put your pup into a situation they can't handle. Pick them up if you need to. Show them that YOU will deal with their problems. They don't need to make their own decisions (as they make bad ones generally).

Thank you, this is really helpful. I'll try the treat thing and try to remember that she doesn't need to be every dog's best friend!

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userxx · 03/10/2023 14:15

3 second rule if you're allowing pup near other dogs, super quick then on your way.

muddyford · 03/10/2023 15:50

In addition to the wonderful advice already given, be up -beat, not sympathetic.

Newpeep · 03/10/2023 17:20

Be sympathetic. Fear is an emotion. You can’t reinforce an emotion. Reassurance really helps puppies.