My dog was not properly socialized when she was younger and now she goes nuts when she sees another dog. Not "aggressive" nuts, but "way too excited" nuts.
She is 8 months old and 45 pounds, so she's not a tiny dog. I know the proper way to let her interact with other dogs and have no problem doing so with well behaved dogs around her size or bigger, I can get her to calm down fairly quickly.
When it comes to tiny dogs, I am internally freaking out that she will accidentally step on them or something and I know she picks up on that so she doesn't calm down for a looooong time.
How can I keep myself from getting so nervous so that my dog doesn't think that small dogs=bad?
Answers:
You sound very caring, but oooh I don't like to say this.you need to relax, as long as your dog is not nasty she won't hurt the smaller dogs. If she steps on their toe don't worry.
At 8 months old she will respond very well to training. Teach her the 'come' command. Do this by putting her on a long leash and have a bag of her favourite treats. Every few minutes call her using the command word, give her the treat and praise her.
When she gets the idea, let her off leash (say after 2 or 3 training sessions, let her off lead and use the 'come' command for a treat.
Make sure when she's got the idea that you're not continually calling her and interrupting her fun.
If you're feeling nervous, you'll want to shout the command when she approaches a small dog, but don't. Only call her back if it looks like they'll fight.
She will also need to learn the 'down' command..very important to stop her in an instant from running into danger.
Teach her this by getting her to sit, then help her into the down position (don't press hard on her back). Give her a treat and praise. Soon you will be able to say down and she'll go straight into the down position.
You need to practise this in open space but not to the point of boredom. Your command should be very firm yet kind.
Lastly, relax, enjoy watching your lovely dog play and interact.
Hope this helps!
At 45 lbs it is doubtful that she will cause damage by "accidentally stepping on them." It is more likely she will try to play too rough and bite them or something. Especially since most of her experience is with larger dogs.
You might try getting her a muzzle while she learns to deal with smaller dogs. Just put it on and let her play. If she gets too rough, the smaller dogs may nip her to let her know, but the muzzle should keep her from trying to dominate them.
Also, you could try keeping her on the leash so that you could give her a quick tug or even drag her out of the situation if it turns ugly.
Either way, make sure you talk to her as she is learning. Not only will this give her feedback on how she is doing, it will calm you down as well.
Good Luck
while out walking and u see another dog aproaching put her in to sit position and have her fav toy %26 treat when the other dog has passed and she hasnt bothered about it then treat her with treat or a game of fetch or do the same thing while walking past other dogs always talking to her to get her attention then when all is clear treat her and really make a fuss.
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