Update on my puppy

[aweilba]

Remember how last week I posted about my puppy getting bitten on the tail and possibly having to get surgery?  I thought I'd update you on his situation/ask for some advice. I don't know if anybody here has a similar experience to mine that could reassure me that my dog's going to be alright in the long run. 

Well, it's been exactly a week since he got attacked and his wound is healing great!  He will not have to get surgery, and it seems like the wound is healing better than the vet ever expected.  He has to leave his cast on for another week until the scab (hopefully) falls off; otherwise, he'll have to leave it on until the scab comes off the wound so he doesn't break it open again while playing.

Now for the advice.  Zeke has NEVER been an aggressive dog when we've had him.  Ever.  And after he was bit by my neighbor's dog, a little thing, he has been scared of little dogs since.  DH and I were worried that after getting attacked by a bigger dog, a Boxer, that Zeke would also be scared of big dogs now.  Well... at the vet today, Zeke encountered the first two strange dogs he's seen since he was bitten--a retriever and a large bulldog.  His ears went back, his tail went between his legs, his legs started to shake, and he was growling.  He was trying to hide behind me while doing this.  I could tell he was scared, but he's never made those mean sounding noises before.  The vet said that given all that has happened to Zeke recently, along with the traumatic experiences he has prior to our adopting him, it is very possible that he is feeling scared around new, large dogs.  Zeke has always been very social and loved meeting new dogs and playing.  I don't want him to feel scared around new dogs, but understand why he might feel that way.  The vet recommended we keep socializing him in controlled environments so he learns that not all new dogs are going to hurt him.

Anybody have any similar experiences to this that could give me some advice?  I really hope my happy-go-lucky, very socail and goofy dog will be okay meeting new dogs again!

[mrs.jacinthe]

Honestly, I'd probably consult a behaviorist. I think the fear aggression is certainly manageable, but I'd want someone to direct me on how best to handle it.

I'm glad he's healing well, though.

[darkling_glory]

You need to make meeting new dogs fun again! Are there any other dogs that he can play with that you know are friendly? You can recondition by treating and toys when he sees other dogs on walks and such. He'll start to associate other dogs with good things.

I think Cesar had an episode of the dog whisperer that focused on this.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using proboards

[emoflamingo]

Poor guy. Glad he's doing better! Hope he gets over his new doggie fear.