Hi all,

My youngest (1 year old) has always been slightly more nervous than my other dogs - all her litter mates are bold as brass,but her,being the one we kept,has always hidden a bit behind her Mother.

She took a disliking to a fellow dog owner when we were away over easter as he was not keen on his deep voice and accent,so we took her for some extra socialising when we got home on Wednesday . . when a child came up behind her and ht her with a balloon (of course i told the child off) but now this has really set her back.

She is a giant breed,I need to try to ensure this does not esculate into nervous aggression - adivce please ?

I guess lots of socialisation and different experiences - always trying to keep it below threshold (wretched child & its balloon).  I would go to a high street, take a book and watch the world go by.  Never force her or even encourage her to go forwards to see things - take it at her pace & this will help her feel more confident as she feels in control of the situation.  I think nervous aggression results from things 'coming towards' the dog which it can't control - so it escalates things.  Even kind strangers reaching out, bearing treats.  The ideal you are looking for is boredom.   Also take a mat for her so she knows it's her space.  And try to avoid reassuring her when she is nervous.

Don't spay her if you can avoid it.  There is evidence that spaying bitches (particularly early - but also at any time) can increase anxiety and aggression.

Look into the BAT training - sorry, I can't remember any more details except the name and that it appeared to be extremely effective.

Thanks - we have been taking her into the high street with our older very confident dog of the same breed,letting her watch her be petted - but might try going to the local costa tomorrow and sitting outside to watch the world go by.

We've been trying this sort of thing for a week now with no real progress unless the humans have a dog,so hope she can over come this :-(

> She is a giant breed

Any chance this is the second fear period?
If so, it will pass but you can help it not get worse by not babying her and not forcing her. Be kind & patient, lots of food rewards for desired responses and some food rewards to help build a positive association too may help :)

She was 1 year old in march .. so a bit late for 2nd fear period :-(

I think you need to explore the hiding behind her mother as the root cause as assume she is with her a lot ?

>She was 1 year old in march .. so a bit late for 2nd fear period

Second fear period is from 6 to 14 months (I am sure Buster went through it at 17 months, he's a giant breed)

ETA edited to correct typos

That's a great point about fear periods - I reckon my bitch went through one at 18 months.  I thought it seemed really late - but once over it, she has been fine.

This socialisation should all have been done before the pup was 12 weeks old. Sounds like you haven't done much with her by herself which would have been crucial as a pup, so you could check she was confident in her own right, not relying on your other dogs for false confidence. Would be better to take her out by herself but be careful not to 'flood' her with experiences. You need to take it at her speed and be careful when you introduce her to new/potentially stressful situations. Might be best to contact a trainer who can help you. 

Thanks all
Marisa - I have to say this is what I would have said to some one who had presented the same problem on here,but I know it not to be true.
We did so much socialising with her on her own,boot fairs every weekend,waiting at school gates,into the high street,shopping centres,town high street,sat for coffee - both on her own and with others.We kept 2 litter mates with her until they were 12 weeks and ensured that all 3 had equal 'alone' time.The other 2 are fine,as was my little one until very recently.
Does seem like another fear period has snuck up on me