HELP! Terrified of ALL other dogs...

[hoffia]

I have a 1.5 year old female Rottie (single dog in the house), about 80lbs. When I bring her around any dog, she gets terrified. Big and small, puppies and older dogs. If a dog barks at her she runs away really scared. Today at the dog park, a small lab chased her, so she went to the ground right away and the lab starting barking at her. My dog got so scared she yelping and crying really loud.

I've had her since she was 6 weeks old, bought her from a large, well respected breeder in the area. I brought her to training classes, etc. and she always seemed fine, afraid, but fine. We have NEVER hit her or abused her in any way. Why is so scared? Would getting another dog help out? I have brought her to the dog park every day for two weeks, trying to get her to play with other dogs. But all she wants to do is sit by me, she doesn’t want to play. When a dog gets near her she tries to jump in my lap.

Any ideas?

[damp]

My best guess is: Your dog is what she is, no matter where you bought her. By nature, she is not confident. You have to accept that and work with her from there and that means to protect her and only let her be around dogs you know are not rude, bully and unstable. As far as I understand… dog parks is NOT a place for shy and timid dogs.

Confidence improves by good and ONLY good experiences!

[fbkeays]

Originally Posted by hoffia

I've had her since she was 6 weeks old, bought her from a large, well respected breeder in the area.
Any ideas?

First off you did not buy her from a WELL respected kennel. No reputable breeder would have let the puppy go at 6 weeks. You have a weak nerved dog that at this point will not ever change, even if you wanted her too. Best thing is to not put her in such stressfull situations and just realize that she will never be the social butterfly you want her to be. You have what you have and please don't ever buy from that kennel again.

[Judi W]

I do agree with Damp. The worst thing for a somewhat timid dog is to be thrown into a pack of dogs at a dog park where it is likely to be bullied. If she's been going through this since she was young, it will have made a permanent impression. Most people go to dog parks for their own reasons, not because it is for their dog and especially since she has let you know it is not fun for her! She'd probably be much more thrilled to go for a walk with you where she isn't going to be subjected to intimidation by other dogs. Take her to Starbucks and have a coffee on the patio. You can visit with other people and she can relax.

[hoffia]

Thank you all for the replies. No more dog parks. Just nice walks with her!

[Judi W]

Please do. She is your best friend and taking her to a dog park and expecting her to have fun would be like taking a girlfriend who is terrified of heights sky diving and telling her to have a good time!!!