Hi,

We have a 7 month old German Shepherd, named Apache.  He is generally well behaved (outside of separation anxiety issues), but we're dealing and coping with it at the present time.  As far as obedience goes, he's remarkable and has excelled tremendously in the past several months.  He can be out running with his friends, but as soon as he's called, he returns to me.  Most of my training has been off leash, as we have a vast field in which to walk him in.

 

Anyway, when we got Apache, he was the second to last puppy to be chosen.  He was shy, very timid, but yet, independent.  I probably should say stubborn, too.  We built up his confidence and he has become a wonderful, confident, very watchful and attached puppy.  Tonight however, I saw a side of him that I didn't expect.  While walking him, we came across a gentleman walking two adult male dogs off leash.  I immediately placed Apache on the leash, but the gentleman assured us that his two dogs were not aggressive.  We let Apache off the leash, and then one of the two adult male dogs came prancing over to us in a very confident fashion.  Right away, Apache's tail ducked down and his hair stood on end.  He was obviously quite afraid, and very uneasy, but he was not aggressive, nor was he very submissive.  The gentleman suggested that he should move along, as he could also see the fear in Apache.  We told him that it's only normal behaviour from a 7 month old puppy and to not worry.  Apache remained curious for the most part, but didn't really involve himself with the two adult male dogs.  He preferred to keep a rather safe distance.  Anyway, we hope we were right in making the decision we made, in allowing the contact to continue, despite his fearfulness.  Or perhaps,...as the gentleman suggested, we should have just parted ways after the initial contact.  To me, it was a learning experience for Apache, and a positive one at that.  Are we right?  

It sounds like the "meeting" went quite okay.  Apache was fine, althought a little nervous.  As long as YOU were ablet to remain calm yourself (which I know can sometimes be easier said than done), then there is no harm in allowing Apache to face his fears, and help him to learn that other dogs may be fun!

At the end of my street, there's a big Golden Retriever.  Sometimes he's tied outside at the front of the house.  He's quite a barker when he sees another dog.  When walking my puppy (Chance) by there, if the dog was outside, Chance was terrrified no wanting to move forward.  One day, the owner was outside, and we started talking; Chance there beside me on his leash, quite nervous.  I was calm...although I didn't know the temperament of the noisy dog, he was tied up, and could not reach us anyway.  It turned out this dog is very calm and easy going.  He's just noisy, but is one of the friendliest dogs you'll ever meet.  I brought Chance up to meet him, and they sniffed each other. Now when walking by, if the Retriever is outside, it doesn't matter how much noise he makes; Chance is very anxious to go and play...he loves him!!

I think if you had parted ways sooner, Apache would learn to become more and more fearful of any passing dog; because he might learn (think) that it's not safe to be around them long. ;)

I appreciate the response!  It may sound like I'm new at this, but Apache is actually our fourth German Shepherd we've owned.  Unlike the others, which we bought from reputable breeder's, Apache is a rescue case.  It's been an uphill battle building his confidence and allowing his true character to flourish.  I just didn't want one bad encounter to set him back a notch, so we played it cautiously.  Again, thanks for your response.

I have anew dog to me at the minute and he has varying responses to lots of dogs. Lots of it depends on he body language of the other dog dogs but it sounds to me like it all went very smoothly. I was at training group last night for the first time with Max, well it's not his first time in a group situation he has been at ny training group but first time we worked together in a group. I just took it slowly with him worked him at things he knew and did a gentle meet and greet with the other dogs. When he didn't want to say hi I just walked on and made no issue of it. A GSD went for Max but I walked away again just calling him out of it gently. You sound to me as though you have it all under control and you know your dog so keep going. I don't really know Max that well yet so it's a learning curve for us both, but it's not a race I have lots of time and so do you.

Thanks for your response, Happyhoundgirl.  I especially enjoy that last line of yours!  How true that is!  I'm wishing you all the best with Max.  Judging from your response, he'll turn out just fine!  Thanks again!