Hi!
I have a 16 week old GSD. He is usually very happy meeting other dogs, as long as they are either about his size or smaller, or he has met them a number of times before. However when another larger dog (say a retriever size) come running up he barks and runs and hides behind my legs. At the moment I'm just standing there doing nothing (don't want to reward him for that kind of behaviour) but is there something I can do to help him see that it is OK. No dog has ever been aggressive towards him so I'm guessing it's just they're size and the fact they are running towards him that he's scared of.
Any suggestions?
Khanu

When it happens i would just stroke him and reassure him as he will only be frightened. My dog is a great dane and being only 7months she is a bit stupid yet round other dogs so to see an overgrown puppy like that running towards you would frighten anyone!
Your baby is only 16weeks, i guess he hasn't been out too much yet? You won't be rewarding his behaviour because he isn't doing anything wrong as far as i can see, don't worry he will soon get used to other dogs. Other dogs have got used to mine!! Well they have had to lol.

Sarah

You're doing the right thing by ignoring this behaviour - if you 'reassure' him he will take that as praise for being fearful, and he will do it even more. I would be tempted to keep on walking, acting as if everything is perfectly normal - even to the extent of saying something like "Hello, Dog!" to the other dog and making friends with it (providing it's clearly non-aggressive, of course!).
:)

Thanks
Thought it was better I ignore it, will try the nonchalant approach this afternoon. Funny he's OK with large dogs at the training club, guess he feels more secure there.
Khanu

Ooops sorry for my advice i think i must treat my dog too nicely..?
I presumed it was just a quick bark then he goes behind your legs? Or is he constantly barking?
If it were my child who was frightened and crying at the sight of a dog i certainly wouldn't ignore her, i would reassure her ...JMHO.

To reassure the puppy when it barks out of fear will reinforce the fear & tell the dog it is ok to bark & be frightened

Hi, mygirl,
Yes, if it was a child, then certainly reassure her (but definitely don't sympathise with her!) However this is a dog, and what we consider to be 'reassurance' they interpret as "Yes, good dog, you're right to be scared, it is horrid".

Hi i don't mean to offend, god no! I guess everybody has different ideas, be it breeders or dog owners. Our dog was the same but with all dogs and the advice i was given was what i repeated here. Everybody has different ways i guess. And my dog doesn't give a flying fig about others now lol.

Sarah