Dog's behaviour when meeting other dogs

[VickyEadieofThigh]

Looking for perspectives on this.

We've had her for a week and a day - she's a staffy-labrador cross and she came to us after her original owner (who'd had her from a puppy and she'd grown up with two other resident dogs) died suddenly. She's gorgeous - loves all humans and on walks is desperate to meet other dogs.

I've stuck to the 'meet for only a few seconds, then move on' rule and it's mostly worked well. Very rare occasions when she's reacted to the other dog by growling and I've moved her away.

This past week - she's grumbling at almost every dog (I need to add - I don't let her meet all dogs by any stretch of the imagination!) and did it this morning with a lovely, gentle and very submissive female dog. Later, I saw our friend with her cocker spaniel and went over to see what would happen - mine was happy and friendly and no growling.

Any ideas about this? Why she's started doing it and what I ought to do about it? I know dogs don't have to meet others (and we've previously had rescues who were very reactive and couldn't, so I'm used to it), but she seems to want to and loses her nerve!

You've only had her a week. You're still figuring her out and she's still figuring out her new world - but I'm sure you know that already.

That being said, I wouldn't say 'she's losing her nerve' tbh. I'd be more inclined to think she's not particularly friendly and/or confident and is starting to show you that.

I've seen this happen a few times with dogs we've had in that we've found fosters for, they're fine with dogs initially and then a few days or weeks (as they slowly settle) they begin growling at the odd dog and then they suddenly snap and can no longer be socialised because of either significant reactivity or aggression. It's a rather shit combination of reactivity, lack of trust in their new owner and confusion over what is happening - but it makes for an unpleasant situation.

I'd keep her away from other dogs until she's settled in more, and certainly no more 'going over to see what happens', until you've enlisted the support of a proper behaviourist/trainer. But definitely a behaviourist/trainer first and don't minimise it as 'losing her nerve', please!

However, I wouldn't be letting her near other dogs if there is even the slightest chance she might growl if only because I don't think it's fair to the other dogs. You also, of course, run the risk of some pretty unpleasant encounters for yourself if that happens - if only because of the dogs breed (rightly or wrongly).

Apologies - we've had her for a YEAR, a week and a day!

Too.eager to post without checking!

@VickyEadieofThigh ah! That makes more sense! In which case, definitely a behaviourist/trainer and possibly a vet - but given the time, I'd definitely be more inclined to think she's settled now and showing her true 'behaviour' or she's in pain than she's 'nervous' etc. Sorry!

Don't let her meet dogs on the lead - it's generally a really bad idea as dogs feel trapped and react accordingly.

Yes, I've heard that before.

I'm also wondering if being with her 'sister' in her previous life helped her on walks. The sister was a cocker spaniel and it's notable that she really likes our neighbour's cocker.

Yep, it’s very possible. Lots of dogs are more confident or more secure when in the company of other dogs.

This last week you've noticed her doing it more?

She could be in pain and reacting more incase the other dog jumps on her and causes more pain
Might be worth a vet visit

It could also just be her personality coming through

Thanks for that. We'll keep an eye - she was at the vet for boosters and had a general examination but we won't hesitate to take her back for further advice, etc.

Possibly she's frustrated by not being able to fully interact in a brief, on lead greeting. Does she get any opportunity for off lead play with (selected friendly) dogs? I would go back to ignoring/ not greeting on lead but look for a way to get her some good quality doggy socialising.

Has anything else changed in her routine recently? Is she getting less exercise or enrichment for any reason?

No changes to routine per se, though I've been away for the few days (she was at home with my partner, who isn't able to give her the long walks I do because of minor disability) and the change in behaviour seems to have followed that.

I think you're right about the need for off-lead play.