Suddenly Scared Of Other Dogs

[Mim]

Howdy

I have a problem and I'm not quite sure how to go about correcting it.

Ziva is our 10 month old female corgi pup (not desexed yet as she came on heat and vet advised us to wait a little while after her heat finished) and she has lately been acting out of character. She was well socialised as a puppy and we haven't stopped socialising her, yet when she meets new dogs in the past few weeks she is terrified of them. She is naturally a submissive dog but she is full of beans and LOVES other animals. Yet taking her to dog parks, just walking her and meeting new dogs, going to friends houses etc, she runs away, whimpers and snaps at any dogs coming near her. This is even towards dogs she has been playing with regularly at the park since she was 3 months old.

She hasn't had any negative dog experiences except walking under a greyhound and getting stepped on. I can't account for her change in behaviour at all?

Any help would be extremely appreciated as there's nothing nicer than seeing my dogs having a great time with other dogs

[Dogsfevr]

How long since her heat & the behaviour changes??

[Mim]

Her heat started on Feb 4th and ended around the 28th/29th. So 5 weeks ago. We first noticed her behaviour changes about 3 weeks ago.

[Turkey Trip]

Your puppy could be in the second fear period (8 - 16 Months). Hormonal changes at this time can affect behaviour in both dogs and bitches and if you Google on the topic of developmental stages in puppies there will be plenty of information to read.

It is usually a temporary stage and I would just treat the dog normally and in a matter-of-fact manner, don't coddle her but also don't force her to do what she fears. If anything, ignore the behaviour and carry on as normal. Still do all the usual things associated with socialisation (outings, walks etc) keep everything happy and light, matter of fact etc, but if she is being fearful just relax in the knowledge it is merely a stage she is going through and ignore her. It is especially easy if you have another friendly dog to walk her with, as eventually when she sees him having fun and interaction and she is getting none she will eventually want to join in too. Don't try and 'make' her confront her fear at this stage or she will just get worse.

One thing that is beneficial is to join a recreational Obedience class. This will expose her to many dogs in a class situation and also give her something to think about as she works with you while training. Because it is a class situation there is no specific focus on her from other people or dogs as they are all busy with their own training. Puppy will be jumpy at first but after a few sessions will realise there is no pressure to "meet" all these other dogs and start to enjoy herself.

Finally, I would recommend having her speyed asap after her season as this will remove the hormone factor and speed up the process. Your puppy is an adolescent and I think at the moment that you are dealing with a Hormone Princess.. :rolleyes:

[Mim]

Thank you so much Trehilyn!

In regards to speying her, our vet said to wait 3 months after her heat because blood flow is still increased to her ovaries (I think thats a bit long?), would now be a safe time?

We always have her with Sarge when she's out on walks and shes very willing to do whatever he does, although theres still hesitation when approaching dogs.

Would you say if she hasn't gotten over it in a certain time period to consult a professional?

[Turkey Trip]

In regards to speying her, our vet said to wait 3 months after her heat because blood flow is still increased to her ovaries (I think thats a bit long?), would now be a safe time?

We always have her with Sarge when she's out on walks and shes very willing to do whatever he does, although theres still hesitation when approaching dogs.

Would you say if she hasn't gotten over it in a certain time period to consult a professional?

In my experience two to three weeks after her season is absolutely fine, but if your vet is saying that I would be finding another vet who perhaps has more experience with cycling bitches and speys.

I can't comment on a "professional" having never had the need for one. If your puppy had a good temperament to start with and from your description she has, I believe she will grow through this with your good handling and eventually be fine. Being a corgi, she will work better with you and for you rather than any stranger and it won't hurt to have her spey done and then keep her home to grow a brain for a month or so. Take the pressure off and let her mentally mature a bit, then perhaps join a beginner Obedience class - just heelwork in a friendly group setting, get her attention focus, sits, stays etc. Basic agility training in a group setting and with lots of treats also gives youngsters enjoyment and imparts confidence.

Tell her she's a working dawg so 'get over it'. If you act concerned and fuss over her unwanted behaviour it will reinforce it. Encourage and praise any tendency towards positive behaviour, its just business as usual, ignore the sillies.

[Mim]

Well tonight the three dwarfs got taken to the dog park and it went very well! They were all kept on leash just walking laps while the other dogs had a chance to approach and say hello. After a few laps they were allowed off-leash and Ziva just kept running in huge circles SO fast! She had so much energy it was amazing! She didn't seem scared of any of the dogs and played with a little white boy for about an hour Her tail did go between her legs when an overenthusiastic GSD came running to play but she didn't run away which is a good improvement. Hopefully she will keep this up!

[Mim]

This picture just about sums up the afternoon! The handsome little man is George, don't know what breed he is but he is such a friendly boy, loves cuddles Ziva's on full blast!