My first walk with douglas on my own down at our local park and ive come home shaken and dreading having to take him out again.
All was well with the first few dogs that we came into contact with and i was feeling really pleased with the way douglas was coping.Four dogs the arrived,2 border terriers,a beagle and a lab.They all sniffed him and did the usual but out of the blue the border terrier snapped at douglas..i think i did more damage by yanking him up in the air by his lead and it seemed like ages before i managed to get a hold of him.the owner was straight over and put the offending dog back on a lead( she was with over people who owned the other dogs).When i`d finished shacking enought to check Douglas over,i was encouraged to put douglas back down to let them sniff each other.The owner was really nice and explained that it was best that he overcame his fear.
we all went off on out seperate ways but i must admit to feeling v nervous of any other dogs we came across and couldnt wait to get back to the car.We also came a cross a lady with a min datshound(sp?) who Douglas kept trying to knock over......and theres me thinking it was going to be fun having a dog to walk...phha !
Chrissy xxx

O cheer up the same thing happened with Zac but I now after looking on the board and the advice
given. Would cope much better if it happened again. calm down if puppie is ok then just count it as another experience in owning a dog .

Patxx

Chrissy

This type of thing does happen - at least the owner seemed nice and helpful.

Quite often it is our reaction that causes a situation where one really doesn't exist. You need to get back out there and be confident or Douglas will pick up your emotions and develop a fear whereas he might be quite happy to put the experience behind him. He looks to you for confidence. My boys were out at the weekend and a Jack Russel snapped at them - just one snap to say it didn't want it's bum sniffing thank-you very much - the boys stood back and let it go. Incident over.

Look at the positive thing this has taught you - ie not all dogs off leads have bad uncaring bolshy owners - the type we hear on here about so often, and if you see a group of dogs approaching look at their body language and if needs be - get Douglas out of the way before they get to him.

It is fun taking the dog for a walk - but there wil always be occasions when it aint quite so:)

Good luck

Pam n the boys

It's amazing what you're dog will pick up on just from the lightest bit of tension in the lead. Practice a bit of deep breathing to calm yourself when you see dogs approaching next time. Please don't dread it, it really is fun most of the time.
LynnT

I always find it a bit apprehensive when I take my pups out for the first time but now I tend to just let them get on with it unless I feel that they are in danger. However, I do tend to have my pups off lead from the go.

Actually it is quite normal for some dogs to put a puppy in it's place, and if there was no actual damage done, it was probably just a warning snap from a dog who doesn't like pesky youngsters and tells em so. He obviously wasn't too concerned as he wanted to knock the dachsie over. You must beware of over reacting to any perceived threat to Douglas, and even if he has been snapped at try to remain clam so that he doesn't become fearful. Dogs can be quite rough even when they are actually playing.

thanks everyone,
i do feel better knowing its sort of normal.I must admit to feeling a wee bit nervous about taking him out this morning on my own and maybe this didnt help.I reacted quicker than i was thinking in stringing the poor thing 3 feet off the ground .but tomorrow is another day and he is having his 3 walks in the park(only for 10 min each as he`s only 14 weeks:) )
In fact hubby has taken him straight out ( he does the evening one) so we`ll see how he goes:)
Thanks everyone ....chrissy

Dizzy

Just a word of advice - I think you are walking him too much. While socialising is important - he will be getting enough exercise in the garden and around the house for his age. Cut it back to just one walk a day and for no more than 10 mins - jmho

Pam n the boys

Thanks pam,
I thought it may be too much,yestarday he only wanted to go past next doors house...though we still spent 10 minuites outside while he sniffed everything .He had a good 10 minuites this morning and met a fair few dogs (one another cocker who he had a play fight with.I let go of his lead and let them carry on as the owner was v.happy that this was just play).I do feel a bit better now and have met some lovely dog owners who have given me reasurance ( as well as your selves:) )
thanks everyone,will let you all know how it goes.Chrissy xxx

Chrissy, your doing fine! At this stage I would be nervous too! Try not to worry to much or your pup will pick up on this too. I know easy for me to say!

Julieann