fear based aggression to other dogs

[Bobby]

My Jack Russel/Springer Spaniel cross is now almost 3. He is a confident happy dog who was well socialised very young. He loved to play with other dogs and would approach them confidently until an unfortunate incident with a German Shepherd when he was 8 months old. He was bitten quite badly - had 4 puncture wounds. Since then he is very fearful of that particular breed, but is also very distrustful of other dogs if they approach him head on or come near when he has a ball or stick. He is not submissive however. He will tense up for a few seconds and then without warning attack. He has never bitten, but he sounds very aggressive. He will come away on my command (when I can get him to hear me) and will allow me to put on the lead. He never exhibits this behaviour when on the lead.

We walk with a group of dogs and on the whole he tolerates them and just avoids too much contact - keeping an eye on them and moving out of their way.

I feel quite sad that his former enjoyment of other dogs play has now disappeared and it does make it very difficult if family with dogs want to come to stay as I feel nervous of anything going wrong. Advice gratefully received!

[KOPsarah]

Hi bobby and thanks for your post,
A bad experience with another dog can often cause change in behavior to all or specific types of dogs afterwards. Unfortunately this often means going right back to socializing again. Getting him out with as many dogs as possible and under as many conditions as possible is important and always remember to praise and treat calm behavior and ignore unwanted behavior wherever doing so will not endanger other animals or people. If you are concerned that he may react badly try walking him on a headcollar such as a halti at first so you have total control. He should soon be desensitized to other dogs and enjoying spending time with them again if you persevere.

If you have any further questions during resocialization or afterwards don't hesitate to ask.