englishmanbo

I will make an appointment to discuss this with the local Vet, whose website suggests a home visit for behavioral issues. Thankfully we have pet insurance. The dog is very fearful of car travel (despite being ok with it as a pup) and the nearest animal behavior specialist would be a 1000km round trip. You mention that a dog on leash around off leash dogs can feel threatened. Previously she could be more aggressive on the leash, which is why I tried so hard for many years to train her to settle and focus on me without it. Now I just don't see it as an option to be off leash or without the muzzle if other dogs are likely to be around. In the end nothing works any more and we just have to avoid unknown dogs. Makes a normal walk stressful which probably effects her as well. Thank you for the advice and providing your sources, (rare on a forum), appreciated.

Thanks Reb Anne, I guess I am looking for peoples anecdotal experiences one way or the other. Good to know if we have accept this is the new reality or if there is any hope.

Our dog is no longer trustworthy with other dogs, having more than a few very distressing unprovoked attacks on other dogs in the last 6 months. She has never displayed aggression to humans. Prior to this, within the last year she has been attacked (unprovoked) a few times by other dogs while sitting at my feet focused on me, not the other dog. I pulled her off and the other owner did nothing to control their own dog. I was bitten both times, once requiring stitches. All off leash, one of the owners admitted their dog is known as aggressive to other dogs. The other owner did not understand that her Great Dane sized dog literally standing over my dog (on a leash sitting at my feet) would trigger a response. Around other dogs I now give control of the dog to my wife if she is present as I don't want to transfer my own anxiety. I am waiting on a name for a local trainer, have read http://blog.k9pro.com.au/dangerous-dog/ and other info including blogs and council regs, have purchased the best reviewed muzzle, select areas with few dogs, use a harness and have a leash on around unknown dogs. She is 6 years old, well socialised since a puppy, including puppy classes, trained to use toys instead of shoes, soft bite training, consistent reward based obedience for the first couple of years and ongoing re-enforcement. Has always had exercise 2-3 times a day including lots of ball fetch. Yes she is ball obsessed and not that interested in other dogs for play (unless she meets a good match). Since a pup she has always played rough with a bit of play growling and could be over-reactive/attempt to dominate to other dogs. Possibly due to being a rescue pup who was the runt and had to make up for her size with aggression. I manged it by getting her focused on me and settling down when overexcited or a strange dog was approaching. Her recall is good and is a pretty obedient dog. This is heartbreaking. Is it possible (in the future) she will ever return to be trustworthy off leash or muzzle free to fetch or play at a dog park or beach?