Answered Question

infomaven

M$1.00 Funded By Mahalo ? | March 19, 2009 01:24 PM

My big dog is terrified of the neighbor's dog and won't leave the house if she thinks he is outside. How can I help her be less scared?

The neighbors are, shall we say, ineffective dog owners, and let their non-fixed shepherd run their yard and those surrounding unsupervised for hours at a time. He is a friendly dog to people, but a little aggressive around other dogs and has run up to my (fixed female) dog to check her out a few times. She goes to daycare every once in a while and has been fine around most other dogs, but this fear is getting worse and now she has started cowering even when we are on a walk and she sees other dogs. I just want to help her not be so scared, poor thing.

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skywarrior

March 20, 2009 08:12 PM

I'm sorry you have to deal with this dog. Your poor girl is getting quite a complex.

I would suggest a couple of things. First, you're the "good guy" -- that is, you are just walking your dog, presumably on leash. If you don't have your pup on leash, please keep her on leash so that you do have control and if any problem ensues, you can control her.

Second, you can try one of those electronic dog repellers. This is the one I'm thinking of: http://www.rdcwholesale.biz/servlet/the-14/mace-dog-chaser-repellent/Detail You can search more on the web -- they might actually have them in Petco or Petsmart.

Third, talk to your neighbor. Tell them nicely that this dog is not friendly to your dog or others and needs to be kept in their yard or inside.

Fourth, I wouldn't allow that dog to interact with your dog. Period. Discourage the other dog from coming up to your dog by using the repeller or some other method of discouragement.

Lastly, besides the doggie daycare, I would recommend talking to a trainer and perhaps working with her and other dogs in a controlled environment. The trainer should use positive reinforcement to train your dog and get her slowly used to the idea that other dogs aren't so bad.

Margaret H. Bonham, pet expert and author of 30 books.
Source(s):
http://www.rdcwholesale.biz/servlet/the-14/mace-dog-chaser-repellent/Detail

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hillo

March 19, 2009 02:39 PM

Wow, sorry to hear about this frustrating situation, this is more about the other dog it seems, and a difficult problem for you and your dog - and probably for others in your area.

My first suggestion is to perhaps try to solve the roving rover issue if at all possible - can you approach your neighbors to see if they are willing to help out. It's just unsafe - and if you have any dog laws in your town it could be unlawful to have the pup running around like that.

Next, guessing that you may not get far there. It really will fall on you to manage the other dog (from afar) - even though he's off leash - and keep him away from your dog. Before a dog gets too close (about 50 yards) use your body - make yourself as big as you can in profile and in energy, hold up a hand, say hey - to keep the other dog from moving forward and approaching you when you are walking your dog. Many times 'free' dogs will circle around the back and try to come up from behind once they get it that you are facing them off. Don't let them come in the 'back door' to sniff your dog's rear or bother you - and they'll eventually head away back home as you move past the house/property.

Hopefully you may be able to start to discourage this dog's interest in you and your dog over time, good luck.

If your dog can relax and feel that you've got things under control - then you may find that she's better in general - when you walk at home - and also around parks/doggie day care with other dogs.
Source(s):
Personal experience

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infomaven

March 20, 2009 01:17 PM

We have been trying to discourage the other dog from invading my dog's personal bubble but his lack of training and inattentive parents have not taught him any manners. We are putting my dog in short doggie daycare sessions, which in the past she loved, so she doesn't completely manifest a fear of all other dogs. I think this is going to be an ongoing issue until the neighbor dog learns how to behave. Thanks for the tips on how to discourage the other dog from getting too close. I will certainly be trying them out!

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