I have an 8lb 2 1/2 year old Jack russell/ Yorkshire terrier who is getting increasingly worse when she meets other dogs. She gets nervous and snips at them. After doing some research I realized that part of the problem was the way I was holding the leash. I'd get anxious (about her snipping) when we approached other dogs and would tighten my grip on the leash which caused her to become nervous. I've been making a really good effort in keeping the leash loose so that my anxiousness/nervousness don't pass on to her. While this seemed to improve a bit, her reaction seems to be getting worse. It's a given when it's a new dog approaching her, but now she's doing it to her "dog friends" she's known for years. I've approached other dogs and let her mingle for a few seconds before walking away and telling her she's a good girl. (I only do that if she sniffs and doesn't snip before we walk away). I'm trying to reward positive behaviour but I don't see this improving.

I don't understand why it's getting worse or how to fix this problem. Does anyone have any suggestions?

A dog person here suggested to someone else that you keep your dog at heel so YOU, the leader, are the one who first meets another dog. That takes anxiety off your own dog.

I'm sure you will get some good advice here.

Thanks Wondergirl. She's a great dog and loves people, but she has to learn how to get along with other dogs without snipping.

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Originally Posted by Jaspa

Thanks Wondergirl. She's a great dog and loves people, but she has to learn how to get along with other dogs without snipping.

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But first, you have to learn to be the leader of your pack. You're letting her be leader and decide how to treat other dogs.