Day 1...well day 2 of Flora's 'flooding'!

[Vizslak]

Well after yesterdays false start (We didn't find any dogs! Only one great dane that was nasty and not allowed off lead! ) We set off to the local reservoir today to find lots of dogs to meet! This didn't go entirely as planned either because we only found 4 dogs! WHERE DO ALL THE DOGS GO IN SOMERSET?!! Anyway first dog was a spangle...not so good, she went to it, hackles up bum down, and did growl and snap and run from it when the sniffing got over zealous! She was 'OI'ed by me and owner apologised to (no harm done, the snaps are a warning not an attack) and we went on our way. Next dog very very bouncy young dobe, I assessed this as a bad job and called her to heel and we walked past with it barking and bouncing on its lead after us as we walked by! Third and fourth dogs were a pair of whippeys. We had growling and hackles up from quite a distance this time which I was concerned about, as we got closer she approached them again hackles up bum down but did allow them both to sniff and greet her with no growling or snapping, I just continued walking a little way and as the lady started to call hers away I gave lots of vocal praise, she went very waggy and bouncy and pleased with herself and came back to me as they went on their way. So....that is progress...I think.

 

[Beatrice5]

We are in West Somerset and I have three bouncy very friendly Cockers if you would like some socialisation

I know quite a few doggie families and mostly spangles and all very friendly.

Could you try a socialisation class? Not sure if there are many about but most vets either do them or know of them.

Good luck.

 

[Vizslak]

Oooo that sounds great, where abouts are you?
Socialisation classes she already kind of does, she needs to meet more strange dogs off lead at the moment I think and not feel forced or contained (read my posts yesterday as to the problem we have) This is by no means a really big issue but I'm keen to get her enjoying the company of other dogs again instead of being fearful.

 

[CAYLA]

If you can get some friends....not that im saying u have no friends
But a few new aquaintences, like the spaniels above, I would maybe lead walk them together to start and then let them off together after half hour or so and see what her reaction is to being on the lead at first and walking along side the dogs then off lead.
Hopefully the more she mingles the better and more relaxed/non defensive she will become.
Good call avoiding the nutters

 

[Spudlet]

It is clear what you must do - move to Norfolk immediately. Henry will teach Flora not to mind nutty spaniels, and Flora will teach Henry some social graces. It is perfect!

No need to thank me

 

[Vizslak]

Hehe nice one spud...I'll break it gently to the OH yea?!! LOL
Yep will do that Cayla, she has doggy friends that we meet with fairly regularly...obviously she is fine with them so variety seems to be the order of the day! She will walk on lead shoulder to shoulder with another dog (stranger or otherwise) without so much as a grumble, it's the greeting them in a social interaction way she struggles with! Very odd dog I know!