All other problems such as chewing and bordem have all been solved thanks. But from a tiny puppy Sophie has adorded company of the human kind and Penny my other dog. But when on walks she meets another dog she rases her lips at the front to show the dogs that she is frightened and yips, by many dog owners this is taken the wrong way and think she is aggressive. Is there any way I can get her out of this habbit, she is getting a bit better at training but on walks its getting quite annoying. Suggestions would be greatly aprieciated!
:) Holly :)

Hi Holly, in all cases of nervousness it is absolutely essential that you present a bold, confident approach! I know it's not always easy but YOU MUST! When you approach another dog what is the first thing you do? I bet you shorten the lead in order to get better control? Think what that is telling your dog, "Mum's worried!!!” The other thing about a tight lead is that it restricts your dogs chances of getting away if the other dog "Turns" She knows she cannot get away so she does the only thing she can, tries to scare the other dog away! Go to a dog club, exemption shows, (you don't have to enter a class if you don't want to!) anywhere dogs and dog people gather. Chat to people with dogs, keep the lead loose but stay far enough away that the dogs can't "Get within range" of each other. The more dogs your dog meets without suffering ill effects at the hands of the other dog, the more it will bolsters her confidence. It takes a lot of time and patience to master the nerves but it can be done!

Regards, John

Thanks, I will try this out! Starting from her walk tonight I must be bold and confident!! I'll keep you posted on her progress!

I had a collie like that years ago I got as fit as a fiddle .running the other way

Hi Holly

You need your puppy to me non aggressive friendly puupies & adults

The best lace is a dog club tell the trainers your problem & I'm sure you will find help.

It difficult trying to use dogs that you meet in the street etc as you don't know how they are going to react & one bad experience can spoil all the good work already done.

we have had the same problem with our lad - ever since he had a crash with one of his dog friends one morning he thinks that every dog will hert him, he is know getting better. We have used training disks (to associate with faliure as the other dog wont go away) and then a clicker for when he is relaxed around other dogs or looks at them, we have worked with a friends dog just walking together so that if he does grumble then they wont go away (grumbling and the dog goes = sucess) alng with the sound of the disks, but if he is relaxed and doent growl then he gets the click/treat (only work if dog is food motivated) - by the way this is what a behaourist told us to do and it has worked as he is now a lot more relaxed round the other dogs after only a couple of weeks of one to one work. if you want more info email me and i can tell you wha twe have done in more detail

one of my yorkie ws vey difficul maybe you need a good dog trainer that understands and will ive you more confidence when your out with your dog i had a police dog trainer and it helpedr

My two year old collie does exactly the same. He is better now with small dogs but particularly 'hates' German Shepherds. When we see one approaching and he is off of the lead, I just take a deep breath, hope for the best and if he shows his teeth and snarls I just tell the other owner that he is 'doing his sheepdog trick'. They usually laugh and carry on walking. He is gradually getting better and gaining in confidence. Hope it helps to know that you are not alone. :)

Hi Holly

Just wanted to say that you have had some very good advice from the other posters in my humble opinion.

Just remember that you must try not to "soothe" your sophie when she is scared as that will make her feel that you too are concerned or that you are praising her for being nervous.

If you go to a dog club make sure that they have the right attitude and are kind; there are many good clubs about, there are still some 9including a dreadful one near me) which rely on shouting and jerking. As you are aware Sophie needs understanding not telling off; and also to associate being with other dogs with great things like titbits or toys - or just having fun!!

When she gets older you could maybe try agility with her? Being a collie, once she gets "fixated" on this kind of excitement she may well LOVE being with other dogs!!