Owners anxiety

Maybe reboot your computer. That seems to always solve my problems.

did not help and I had a cute christmas pic of him too

Is it on Facebook?

yes but I forget your name on there can you send it to me in a message here

Is it the photo of Owen wearing red antlers (and a man is behind him)?

that is hubby... Owen was so not impressed with the antler thing. He would not move with them on at all was like a statue.

I own an American Pit Bull Terrier... A true, fire breathing dog that more than likely came from fighting stock (she's getting more aggressive every year towards strange dogs)... I know her triggers, I know her body language and I know when she is about to lunge forward...

Being able to relax with your dog around other dogs is just based on how well you know your own dog. What does he do when he's ready to play with another dog? Does he go into a play bow? Does he stand up straight on his front legs wagging his tail excessively with his ears back? Or does he freeze and stare? You need to learn how your own dog operates before you feel comfortable and confident in yourself with him around other dogs.

I'm not too knocked out about dealing with someone elses' dogs. Not everyong socializes their dogs properly and some of the things that you do that you consider normal, may trigger a strange dog to react in an unfriendly manner. And it does make it hard to be friendly and welcoming of strange dogs. But if you want to get over this, I would suggest to do it without Owen.. get your own anxiety out of the way before he feeds off of you and has a permanent behavior issue with other dogs.

Continue going to obedience classes. It'll help Owen in the long run, every dog can use some obedience school even if they know it... and it'll help you deal with your own issues in a controlled environment with familure dogs.

However; I wouldnt dwell on it. Just because you are a dog owner now, doesnt mean that you HAVE to interact with other dogs. Owen doesnt have to like other dogs. In fact.. Dog parks are very un-natural for dogs. Wild dogs *street dogs* would never gather in a specific area to run around. Each pack as their own turf that is theirs. Dog parks work against that. Only the dogs that love life and have no issues with anything, accept dog parks... I'm assuming those dogs are not pack leaders, either.

One tip I did learn while showing my dog... Chew cinnamon gum. The smell of cinnamon is suppose to hide the phermones you put off when nervous or anxious. It may be a mind of matter kind of thing, but it seemed to work for me when I was competing. Maybe a security blanket is all you need?

Learn your dog first before you start worring about him being around other dogs. And dont let his breed type discourage you. Some bully breeds are just as friendly as any happy-go-lucky lab... And.. if you can show people who are skeptical about him, due to his breed-type, and you show you have total control.. people are less likely to shy away from you and your dog. My dog, as aggressive as she is becoming, is still under control while we are out n about.. and because she doesnt pull on her leash, over-excite herself at the site of other dogs and so on, lots of people like to pet her and meet her. So its all based on how you present yourelf with your dog.

Hope I helped..

For Lucky - an agree and applause. Great answer.

Thank you

I really like your cinnamon gum suggestion, Lucky. An animal's (dog's) sense of smell is such a huge factor. We have a sick cat right now who won't eat partly because she can't smell her food.