Ask Me Help Desk - Afraid Then aggressive

I have had my pomeranian for 6 months, she is 1 year old now. When I first found her (she was a stray) she was petrified of both people and especially other dogs. (Probably from previous experiences). Anyway, she has come a long way, she is no longer as afraid of people because I have socialised her more, I have started taking her to obedience classes which also helps. However on walks, she sometimes meets other dogs the other dogs just come to sniff and say hi but she runs back. After a while when she realises that the dog isn't going to back away she becomes aggressive and bited them (not a friendly bite). I don't want her to be scared of other dogs but I think being aggressive towards them is even worse, isn't there a happen in between? Any ideas on how to help her?

I encourage people to adopt, and hate to see good people like you struggling with problems created in the dog's past. The obedience classes are a good idea. I am glad you are taking your small dog seriously. Failure to do so is a big mistake, but unfortunately common. Even if the instructor isn't the best, the working around other dogs is invaluable. The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position, Letting your dog know you are the boss You might try some of this too. It is meant for younger, large breeds, but worth trying with her.

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.

As pack leader, it is your responsibility to handle strange dogs. Control you emotions to reduce the your tension she will sense. Try being happy and excited when you see another dog coming. ''Oh, look at the nice Beagle!'' Ask the owner if it is OK to pet it. If you are happy to see the other dog, she should be too. Take a little care you don't add to the problem by making her jealous.

RubyPitbull may have some good ideas too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ant123253

I have had my pomeranian for 6 months, she is 1 year old now. When i first found her (she was a stray) she was petrified of both people and especially other dogs. (Probably from previous experiences). Anyway, she has come a long way, she is no longer as afraid of people because I have socialised her more, i have started taking her to obedience classes which also helps. However on walks, she sometimes meets other dogs the other dogs just come to sniff and say hi but she runs back. After a while when she realises that the dog isnt going to back away she becomes aggressive and bited them (not a friendly bite). I dont want her to be scared of other dogs but I think being aggressive towards them is even worse, isnt there a happen in between? Any ideas on how to help her?

Ant try this when you see the dog before she does , have a small treat or a toy that she likes. Give it to her , try to get her to not pay as much attention to the other dog. Maybe if you give her something that she likes she will associate good things with other dogs. This worked for my pom/mix. A year after I had her I adopted another small dog, at first she did not like him but within 2 weeks they were best buddies. We meet dogs on our walks some she likes some she doesn't. Why I don't know, she doesn't bite them but sometimes she will show them her teeth. I figure she doesn't have to like all dogs. I'm sure dogs have their preferences to.