HI

Took harry for a walk yesterday and a run on a local field - well he nearly frightened me to death!

A spaniel that was over on other edge of field made a beeline for harry and harry took fright and legged it in the opposite direction. He howled and yowled all the way . He eventually stopped at the entrance t the field because their was a piece of wood in ground (the sort to stop cars going on) as I think he thought it was another dog.

I had to wade literally over the middle of the field to take a short cut (not impresssed as had good shoes on). He eventually came to me when he was sure the other dog had gon ( i think he petrified this dog with the noise he made).

When I was hold of him he was quivering and his tail was between his legs)

Daren't let him off lead again until had a few weeks of puppy class and socialisatin with other dogs in a safe space where he cannot flee.

Even if a dog comes past on a lead he is frightened and he has not improved since I last posted despite trying out the suggestions given.

I am getting worried about this fear of his with other dogs as not experienced it before with previous dogs - they would be the ones being inquisitive and going in search of another dog.

Karen.

A similar thing happend to me years ago with mu first Terv, she was about 16 weeks old and had been used to farm dogs only. Once she had her vaccinations i walked her for the first time off lead and she was nearly chased into the road by a very boisterous Boxer who I had not seen - she turnedout the best dog i had ever had (and 100per cent brilliant with other dogs) so I thank whatever the powers that be that she was not actually chased into the road and hit by a car.

All i can say is that Harry does as you know need socialising, and you have already arranged this, so are doing your best. Take him out on lead and off in safe places where he can run but not get hurt - and try not to interfere too much with the general dog to dog comunication that happens :) MOst youngsters do get given a puppy licence by older dogs and are not usually really given grounds for being hurt or scared.

Don't fall into the trap of soothing him whenhe is scared, but equallydon't force him - let him findhis own way and lots of praise when he chooses to interract, however small :) I trust the puppy school you have chosen doesnt' allow constant free for alls as this can damage a shy puppy esp. if they come up against "bully" pups or those who play differently or too strongly for a shy pup. Some free play is good but not all the time :)

I'm sure Harry just got a bit of a shock with that other dog, fingers crossed for you both :)

Lindsay

Hi Karen
I think like Lindsay says don't push him and once he gets to classes the other pups will all be on the same sort of level as him
I've got the other end of the spectrum I'm afraid so I'm not really much use ,
Just take it slow and build his confidence --It won't be long before you'll be posting about your Dobe that wont come back;)
Liz :)

Hi Karen

Do you often see this spaniel there? If so then tell the owner what happened and say you would like to sort it out and ask them to put their dog on the lead.

Get Harry sitting with his attention on you - use food if you have to, and get the Spaniel walking around you both, close enough so that Harry does not panic but near enough that he knows it is there. Then ask the Spaniel owner to stand still and walk Harry around them atain using food as a lure if necessary, both times ask the spaniel owner to prevent his dog from lunging at Harry as this will defeat the object. Point out (or print this out and show it to the owner) that Harry is going to be a big, powerful dog and you want him friendly and well socialised with all other dogs and not being wary of any specific breed or type.

This is something he has to face up to but with your support, not soft, but with you being as matter-of-fact about it as possible. Let him sit and watch if this is what he is most comfortable with but ensure he faces up, in some way, to those things he is nervous of but without pushing him into it too closely

Christine