what to do- wimpy dog

[Dizzydancer]

My 18month old entire lab comes across brave and confident but if another dog looks over powering or growls even if its not at him he turns into a quivering wreck. He sits beside me using me as his protector but if the other dog is in his way of getting to me he tends to run to the car if at yard or cower under an obstacle.
It tends to only be an issue in confined area eg a pub or today was in stable block at yard.

now what should i do about this anything or nothing?
I do have a trainer but he is fine with all dogs there as gun dog lessons so no contact with others really but i will mention it to her next session.

 

[Dobiegirl]

What do you do when this happens, do you reassure him or ignore him.

I would take him out and about and arrange to meet up with nice sociable dogs or if this is not possible join an ordinary training class purely for socialisation.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Yeah I'd get him out with a big group. Don't be too over-fussy with him when he does return and try not to let him physically lean on you generally, if he leans on you, move away from him.

 

[Dizzydancer]

Thanks, he socializes regularly with lots of dogs on our walks and is always fine with any dog he meets.
It only in small spaces and made especially bad if he is on his lead and only happens if a dog growls at him.
For example last Fri in local pub went in another lab growled at him but only playfully, both on leads he then hid under bar table watching other dog, once pub went quiet we let both off lead my dog then got brave and they played after that he was fine even when other dog back on lead.
I tend to ignore him when he does it and try andstroke the other dog. Thanks for advice about moving away will definitely do that.