Training Dolly has been a breeze. She has no reactions to fireworks, guns, thunder/lightning, or loud noises in general other than an occasional sniff in that direction.
I, regularly, try to socialize her around babies, kids, people, other dogs, ect. She has always been semi-aggressive never letting another dog put her on her back and very quick to put a dog on its back if it tries to hump/play with her. Male or female, regardless of size, never intimidated her nor did she ever show any fear.
This past week (During Christmas) I took her to our local Dog park to get some needed energy out of her. While there a guy with a very beautiful male GSD decided to walk over to have a chat with us about our dogs. While talking I noticed that when his dog took a step in her direction, she turned and ran?
As we talked more and more, they (the dogs) played a little, but Dolly was still very skid-ish around the dog, hair up, teeth showing while backing up. Then the dog decided to chase her around, which she ran and then turned and started nipping at the dog (all whites very bright and showing) very aggressively all the while barking very high pitch (almost like a cry or loud whine). I let this go for a about 20 seconds hoping she would relax and allow the dog to sniff and play. She never did, nor did she ever submit(?). Just alot of nipping, high pitch barking, and teeth.
She has played with MANY GSD's in the past male and female, never showing any sign of fear or aggression.
While talking with the guy, I learned that he actually purchased his male from the exact same breeder as we did, in fact, he was from a litter we were looking into a year prior to Dolly.
Any clues as to why she all of a suddenly freaked out at the dog? He was all play, not even being slightly aggressive, nor was the owner being aggressive. Very strange? Dolly has not shown any fear to dogs ever? Very odd.
Dolly is 12 months as of Jan 6th.