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We recently adopted two 7 month wonderful BC litter mates from a friend. Cookie seems to be the more stoic of the two, taking life more seriously. He had a scare at the dog park two weeks ago, where about 6 dogs were playing and chasing him. This scared him so bad he ran around yelping and crying trying to get away from them. He was not bit or even touched in any way by the dogs, just chased and scared. Now he won't attempt to socialize with other dogs at all and if they come up to him, he'll snap at them. He hasn't bit but he does snap since this has happened. He has also snapped at a few people, but it seems to only be when he's afraid and unsure of their actions around him. He is not an angry dog at all but we are afraid of him getting into trouble if he gets use to this snapping thing and actually starts sinking his teeth in. Any suggestions out there for how we can get him to be less scared again?

>>We recently adopted two 7 month wonderful BC litter mates from a friend. Cookie seems to be the more stoic of the two, taking life more seriously. He had a scare at the dog park two weeks ago, where about 6 dogs were playing and chasing him. This scared him so bad he ran around yelping and crying trying to get away from them. He was not bit or even touched in any way by the dogs, just chased and scared. Now he won't attempt to socialize with other dogs at all and if they come up to him, he'll snap at them. He hasn't bit but he does snap since this has happened. He has also snapped at a few people, but it seems to only be when he's afraid and unsure of their actions around him. He is not an angry dog at all but we are afraid of him getting into trouble if he gets use to this snapping thing and actually starts sinking his teeth in. Any suggestions out there for how we can get him to be less scared again?

It sounds like you need in-person help from a trainer or behavior specialist who can help you set up controlled situations with other dogs and people who will not overwhelm your dog. Snapping at people is serious stuff, and you'll need in-person help on that even more urgently. The sooner the better, if you're to have a chance of saving this dog's temperament.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Thanks so much for your response. We actually just purchased a house and so are limited on funds but we want Cookie to be the very happiest and best dog he can be, so we'll see what we can do ASAP. He did go through his last training session without incident and seemed to be ok with the other dogs as well as one of the owners who is a stranger to him, so perhaps its not as serious as I originally thought, but I really do take the nipping thing seriously and want to be sure.
Thanks again.
Susie

>>Thanks so much for your response. We actually just purchased a house and so are limited on funds but we want Cookie to be the very happiest and best dog he can be, so we'll see what we can do ASAP. He did go through his last training session without incident and seemed to be ok with the other dogs as well as one of the owners who is a stranger to him, so perhaps its not as serious as I originally thought, but I really do take the nipping thing seriously and want to be sure.
>>Thanks again.
>>Susie

Welcome! My BC gal for the most part if great arond other dogs except when they come on too strong, then she will growl and show her teeth. Kinda like saying thats enough! LOL! Sounds like your BC had an awful experience and with time and patience and being around other dogs that you and your dog trust will help. I would not push things. Also, try giving the person who wants to come up to you and your dog a treat, and always let your dog smell them before they try touching.

Once again, Kathy gave sound advice and I totally understand about funds. Take care and please keep us up to date and tell us more about your BC. Have any pics to share? I do agility with my gal, its great fun! Take care.
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Charlene

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Adopt the pace of Nature
Her secret is patience

-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

>>Thanks so much for your response. We actually just purchased a house and so are limited on funds but we want Cookie to be the very happiest and best dog he can be, so we'll see what we can do ASAP. He did go through his last training session without incident and seemed to be ok with the other dogs as well as one of the owners who is a stranger to him, so perhaps its not as serious as I originally thought, but I really do take the nipping thing seriously and want to be sure.
>>Thanks again.
>>Susie

Getting back into a more advanced class may be a good way to approach this. High-powered dog do best if they stay in weekly class with daily practice throughout the adolescent period. If he was doing well in class before, you may be able to work him through this there. Be sure to tell the instructor so they can help you with the specific problem. Also, consider using a head halter in the situations where he is showing the aggression, until you can further his training and his ability to listen to you when stimulated by other dogs and humans.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Please keep in mind that BC's are EXTREMELY sensitive dogs and they forget nothing. Your dog was terrified by what happened to him and that memory will stick with him. Also, dogs go through a 2nd "fear period" between 6-9 mos. of age when they are easily scared. So, just try and take these things into consideration while getting him over this experience. Training and more socialization would certainly be beneficial- just don't make the mistake of secluding him away from other dogs or people as that will just make things MUCH worse! When you keep a dog away from others they then believe that it must be a danger and will deal withit accordingly. If you have to keep Cookie on lead while in the house when people come over or in any other socializing situation, that's fine. Let him take it slowly and do NOT let the lead get taut- that makes a dog feel even more threatened. If you must get up and be near him in order to allow the socialization with both other dogs and people to make sure the lead is loose then do so. He can work thrugh this with your help, understanding & patience! Nancy