On New Years eve my Dalmatian was badly attacked by a Husky. 8 puncture wounds on neck + a few grazes, now all healed only the sympathy patches left to show for the event. He seems to have no after effects at all. How ever the younger dog, my gentle little GSP witnessed it all and he was as shocked as the Dalmatian by the attack. As I say Dallie is not bothered by it, but on the last couple of walks GSP has behaved oddly for him. He has given a good barking to a couple of dogs now and then legged it or cowered behind me.   Do you think it will pass. Up until now I have just ignored him as I feel any reaction would suggest to him he needs to have a go. But not sure if this is right. I don't want my gentle boy being scared.

He has also started counter raiding which he has not done before. I can deal with that one, but not sure I am doing the right thing on the walks.

Advice or confirmation would be greatly received. Thanks

I can sympathise with you. Two of my dogs were attacked by another gundog breed 10 years ago. They were both operated on. One (now 1 years old) had a tendon broken, amongst many puncture wounds. I asked a friend with the same breed that attacked mine to walk her dogs with me for a while. Thankfully my two weren't badly affected by it.

Is it possible that your young GSP could be picking up on your stress? How do you react when you see other dogs?

> Is it possible that your young GSP could be picking up on your stress? How do you react when you see other dogs?

I think I am being quiet relaxed about it. but I am anxious enough to ask . So maybe he is picking it up from me. When it happened on Sunday I just made him heel, did a few turns and acted as though nothing had happened.  Walking him with the same breed might be good. I don't have any friends with huskies but I know where a club meets to  race so I could easily make contact.

Thanks.
Hope yours are OK that sounds awful. Thank goodness mine needed no surgery.

> When it happened on Sunday I just made him heel, did a few turns and acted as though nothing had happened. 

I would have done the same.

Does HG or anyone else on here live near you, as could also be good to meet up for a chat too??

>Two of my dogs were attacked by another gundog breed 10 years ago. They were both operated on. One (now 1 years old)

Oops! Typo! Chloe is now 11 years old, not 1!

They both recovered and were left with no mental or physical problems.

You did the right thing by distracting him and making him do a few things like heel etc to take his mind off the other dog.  It sounds as though he is reacting before something actually happens.

The more you can get him out on fun walks with other dogs, hopefully let him have a play then it should build his confidence back up.  Dogs will sometimes make the association of the attack happening when they were on or offlead so make sure he interacts with other dogs in both situations.

Take it gradually so he does it in his own time.

Take advantage of socialising with other friendly dogs, have loads of positive experiences. Hopefully the anxiety will pass

Thank you all for your comments..

Just to up date. We have spent a lot of time with my boys this week. Culminating in a very good and stress free walk on Sunday. We walked with our dogs , a friends two and met at least another four. All with no incidents to report!!... He was  even confidant enough to go past a generator that was set up for some filming taking place in the wood land!!

So thanks every one!

Very pleased for you.