It is a fear reaction on her part. I would try to find some friends with CALM relaxed dogs so she can experience some GOOD dog interaction. Take it slow with her and I would not correct her but try to redirect her BEFORE she reacts. Once she begins to react it is too late to do much except turn and head in the other direction.

Work on a lot of focus and attention training at home where you can guarantee no distractions. Once she gets it at home start working her when YOU see a dog far away and praise her for focusing on you. Do not allow her to lock her eyes on another dog. It will take some time but eventually you can ask for her attention when you are closer to other dogs.

 

Excellent thread on teaching focus

 

Ugh thats such a horrible thing to happen to both of you and especially at that age. It definitely sounds like Maylee may have developed some fear aggression because of this. Who's dog was this by the way? Was it a stray?

Some of the more experienced members should be able to point you in the right direction her, but you're definitely going to have to boost her confidence around other dogs. The sooner you start working on this, the better

 

Originally Posted By: kschronIs she trying to protect me? (considering what happened before) Or is this fear/aggression?

She is protecting HERSELF - It's the "get 'em before they get me" mentality. Ruq is absolutely right that you need to provide as many good interactions with friendly dogs as you can. The more of that sort of things she gets under her belt so to speak, the less an occasional bad experience is going to affect her.

 

i hope you and your dog are ok. what part of the building
were you in when the attack happened?

 

Thanks for the advice! We are in puppy class right now and working on focus training, but I'm gonna check out that thread and continue working with her on it. I have also had her around some of my friend's dogs and she is fine with the ones she already knows. There is a trainer that lives in my neighborhood that told me to use a choke chain collar or try squirting her with a water bottle. I don't want to do either of these, how anyone heard of either working? I think for now I am gonna work on her focus training.

The attack happened in the stairwell and the dog had us cornered on the landing. The dog belonged to a neighbor in my building (who was moving out that day) and was up to date with all her shots.

 

I would personally not use any kind of aversive for fear based behavior because you risk making it worse. It's much better to pair the sight of other dogs (preferably as soon as she notices them, but BEFORE she reacts, as Ruq suggested) with yummy treats. Rather than associating pain or discomfort with strange dogs that she's already uncomfortable around she'll learn to associate good things instead. Fix the fear, the behavior extinguishes on its own.

 

Right on, Cassidy's Mom!

Keep the association with strange dogs positive and upbeat!

 

that trainer has no idea what theyre talking about, dont do anything they advise! Cassidy's Mom said it perfectly, you want her to associate other dogs with something positive like a really good treat (something better than kibble or store bought treats, try pieces of chicken) or a favorite toy. You never punish or use harsh corrections on a dog (ESPECIALLY a puppy!) when they are in fear mode, it only makes them worse. Try using a clicker to mark when she sees a dog and has a good reaction or is calm and relaxed and reward her with treats and tons of praise. Take it slow, though, dont push her and keep her at a distance where she is comfortable and less likely to react. As her behavior improves you can decrease the distance she is from other dogs and increase the amount of time she is around another dog. Always end on a positive note!