Scared of other dogs

[Qest12]

Has your dog been castrated?

[Rydo89]

No, he hasn't been castrated.

[Rascal]

I'm not sure I'd have chased him, he could have kept running because he could hear someone thundering up behind him.....

I'd be tempted now as this has been going on since he was sixteen weeks old to ask your vet to recommend a good behaviourist who will be able to see the problem first hand and be better placed to advise.

It's very difficult to understand his and your reaction on a forum.

Rascal

[Qest12]

No, he hasn't been castrated.

I asked because castrating a male dog too early can affect their mental development and maturity. It can result in them submissive and insecure.

The problem is you got the dog at 3 months old, so you don’t what’s occurred before then. The early months, in-particular the third month, are very important in a pup’s life as their brains are super absorbent to new situations and environments – this is why we socialize and accustom them to as many different people; environments and dogs as possible. So, a bad experience at this age can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Why were the people you bought from selling it?

[Allyson]

TBH if your dog does not like other dogs it is of absolutely no relevance as long as he is not bothering them and vice versa.

If your dog is not confident the way you can increase it is my demonstrating that you are a safe haven and you will never put the dog in a position where it feels unsafe.

Simple.

I watched a DVD yesterday at a seminar where a dog had been "corrected" for its fear, it was not a pretty sight.

[Judy]

TBH if your dog does not like other dogs it is of absolutely no relevance as long as he is not bothering them and vice versa.

Unfortunately if you intend taking your dog to shoots it does matter as the dog will be sharing all manner of vehicles with all kinds of dog either with or without the owner present. Luckily the general air of excitement tends to distract the dog but I have seen a poor Springer shut down completely when sharing with seven or eight bouncing happy dogs even though her owner was right beside her. He ended up leaving her behind.

I have had nervy dogs, I usually react with a firm but kind "don't be silly!" and walk the dog away from the situation. Luckily all mine have grown out of whatever scary thing they conjured up for themselves. Have a read of "On Talking Terms with Dogs; Calming Signals" by Turid Rugaas, the moving around another dog in an arc behaviour is thought to be a calming signal, an "I'm no threat to you" rather than an "I'm scared stiff and not coming anywhere near you" signal.

I would find some older dogs who are gentle and calm and introduce yours to them by walking with them and their owners in interesting areas with lots of scent to distract your pup. Gradually build up the variety of dogs he meets, he'll soon get the hang of it. Training with one or two other dogs is also good, the pup's mind will be on the job not on the presence of other dogs and they will be under control and working so not interested in the meet and greet. It won't be long before he is leaping out of the car and doing the "oh wow! Dummies! Oh wow! Me mates who train with me" routine.

[kent]

I am reckoning part of the issue is your apprehension being picked up by the pup, hard to say. Sounds like you need the right "strange dog" for a few sessions

[Allyson]

TBH if your dog does not like other dogs it is of absolutely no relevance as long as he is not bothering them and vice versa.

Unfortunately if you intend taking your dog to shoots it does matter as the dog will be sharing all manner of vehicles with all kinds of dog either with or without the owner present. Luckily the general air of excitement tends to distract the dog but I have seen a poor Springer shut down completely when sharing with seven or eight bouncing happy dogs even though her owner was right beside her. He ended up leaving her behind.
.

Absolutely so if you have a dog that is not confident then do not put it in this position.

A dog should always think of you as its leader/protector/safety net; and the welfare of the dog is paramount and comes before all other considerations.