Dog scared of some other dogs

[essayer]

Our 2yo labradoodle cross bh has in the last 6-12 months become terrified of some dogs and I'm not sure what to do..

To my knowledge she's not had any bad experiences with other dogs aside from one incident in the park where a slightly over exuberant dog knocked her over and pinned her, but only for a few seconds and no bites etc. She also went to socialisation classes as a puppy and, although she avoided group play, she was always happy to play with other dogs on a more 1:1 basis. She's also always always got on fine with family and friends' dogs of various shapes and sizes.

Now, if I am out walking with her, some dogs elicit a really bad reaction.

She first watches warily from a distance and if they come near she scurries off tail between legs and tries to hide. If they get close or she is on the lead unable to get away she has actually a few times lost control of bowels and bladder
None of these dogs have ever seemed aggressive (to me) mostly curious or playful and my dog has never retaliated in any way, never grows, barks etc; just a panic to get away and maintain her distance.

I've tried rewarding her with treats when dogs are nearby but it hasn't made any difference. She is otherwise a very happy healthy dog and loves people and walks etc.

What to do?

[Jasandjules]

Is there a pattern with the dogs she is afraid of? i.e. black, large, small?!?

[essayer]

Jasandjules said:

Is there a pattern with the dogs she is afraid of? i.e. black, large, small?!?

Not physically, that I can make out. Even dogs that look like former playmates elicit this reaction. The only thing I can think which is a common factor is that they are often "bold" dogs, that come over uninvited and try to sniff etc, without any hint of playfulness

[Jasandjules]

Are they always off lead? Does she react if the dog is on-lead?

[Martin_M]

Aww, I hate to see other dogs afraid of my German Shepherd. The funny thing is, Tia's hackles go up whether it's a great dane or a poodle she sees lol. Once she's had a sniff about though she's usually okay.

As for your wee dog, are there any dog classes near you or could you access a dog walker who could walk your dog in a pack?

I'm no expert but I'd imagine that immersing your own dog in the company of other dogs might be one approach.

Good luck.

Martin

[essayer]

Jasandjules said:

Are they always off lead? Does she react if the dog is on-lead?

Yes always in the scared way when the other dog is off lead.
If they are on lead she is normal, but if the other dog shows any aggression, she will growl and bark back. This is (thinking about it) new behaviour which coincides with the scared behaviour.

[Jasandjules]

essayer said:

Yes always in the scared way when the other dog is off lead.
If they are on lead she is normal, but if the other dog shows any aggression, she will growl and bark back. This is (thinking about it) new behaviour which coincides with the scared behaviour.

That is what I thought.

Suspect she is afraid an offlead dog will bowl her over and pin her down.

No problems with reacting to aggression IMHO.

Do you have any friends with bullet proof and highly controlled dogs? If so I'd get them to come near her on lead. Then just wait 3-5 mins until your dog totally relaxes, then let the other off lead and have it controlled but walking to heel near her. See how she reacts.

[GokTweed]

OP you would be a possible candidate for referral. I would ask your vet first off about your referral options for a behaviourist. There are also DAP collars available which secrete a pheromone that relaxes the dog. These may be of some help when out on walks but judging by the behaviour you described she has quite a strong fear of other dogs so this may not be enough.

[essayer]

GokTweed said:

OP you would be a possible candidate for referral.

I don't mind the dogs, it's her that's got the problem

Thanks all. I had thought of asking the vet. Is there an official professional scheme for dog behaviourists? There are many 'dog trainers' of course and some very differing opinions not necessarily based in modern research.

Unfortunately I don't know anyone else with a calm dog to introduce, she gets on fine with a friend's Golden Retriever who's the most chilled dog out there but I think I'd need to go somewhere who could manage the introduction with known dogs.

As a puppy she hated any 'forced group play' - the training classes she went to after 10 weeks had intervals where all the dogs could mix together - she never ever wanted to do it and the only time I ever tried to walk her toward it, she pulled back strongly and looked panicked, so I never tried again - she was meeting other dogs in the park fine. Maybe now she's mature she's a bit more concerned for herself

[bexVN]

A good trainer/ behaviourist will have 'stooge' dogs designed to cope with negative behaviours of other dogs or avoid antagonising a response.