Psychological trauma

18 16:33:43

Question

Izzy I recently took my 1 year old dog to a friends house to meet his dogs. She was ok with the female but got into a fight with the male. She wasn't hurt except for a very small gash on her snout. I took her to the park for the first time since the fight and she was very defensive for no reason. Is this the beginning of aggressive behavior or am I being paranoid? how do I stop it? Prior to this she was very gentle and never raised her lips to show teeth.

Answer
She wasn't defensive for no reason. Some dogs are "one trial learners" and if they get attacked, they are wary of other dogs afterward. The best thing you can do now is to NOT have her in the company of unknown dogs for a while. Instead, arrange play dates with some dogs that you know she gets along with. And, don't ever make the mistake again of trying to introduce dogs on one of the dogs home turf. Bad idea! Dogs should always be introduced on neutral territory, that neither dog feels possessive of. Also, never allow your dog to play with dogs that have not had lots of off leash experience with other dogs and be sure that experience was not just "with their litter" or "with my other dogs".

Psychological trauma

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