• after a bit of advice.

    Rudy has always been very social and friendly with other dogs, never scared of dogs bigger than him always playful and outgoing with all other types of dog in the park. Around the end of November he was playing with a bigger dog in the park, and the bigger dog just flipped out all of a sudden and started going for him, gave him a bit of a nasty bite, but no serious damage. Owner was very apologetic, and obviously quite shocked by his dogs behavior. Think the other dog was still quite young.

    Rudy was obviously quite shaken up by it, and has since been very scared of dogs bigger than him (pretty much all other dogs), and if a dog runs over to him being friendly or otherwise he runs off scared. In the last week or so he has started barking a lot at other dogs which he never used to do.

    Anyone got any advice on how to get his confidence back, and reign in his barking (assuming both are connected?)

    For reference he is fine at home and still very playful and outgoing. We also noticed at the weekend that when me and my girlfriend take him out together, he seems a lot more confident in the park than when it is just one of us with him.

    Have looked on the web and doing the obvious things like re-assuring him when other dogs are around, and giving him praise and treats when he sees other dogs and doesn't bark. Any other advice appreciated!

  • Sorry to hear about Rudy's experience there. Your picture with him in your jacket is one of my favourite dog pictures ever, and that's saying something considering the number of pictures of dogsballs.

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