Meeting other dogs

Bonnie has had minimal contact with other dogs until we started taking her out a couple of weeks ago, she went to puppy preschool but was very nervous around the other dogs. Not aggressive but her ears where pinned back and she kind of froze when other dogs got too close. She would follow them but if they showed attention she would freeze.
Last night on her walk we bumped into our nieghbour who has a lab of the same age (but 3 times the size) she was ok for e few minutes, very nervous looking tho. They where both on leash and when the lab got a bit too boisterous she went ballistic, snarling and barking and pulling towards him. I walked her away commanded her to sit and kept her there till she calmed down then walked her back. She was ok for a while then started again, so I just kept repeating what I'd done.

Just wanted some advice really, am i doing the right thing? Whats the best way to discourage this kind of behaviour and the best thing to do when meeting other dogs. She is still young (17 weeks) so alot to learn but I'd hate to think we couldn't let her run and play with other dogs if we don't sort this out now.

Bonnie sounds really nervous and sounds to me as if your doing everything right and socialising her, as you mentioned though she is very young still. Moo can be bad with other dogs when she is on lead, know idea why, my first was too, but off lead she is fine. On lead she starts snarling at othr dogs, a bit like Bonnie sounds to be doing but off shes great! Keep doing what your doing x

I would sugest lots of walks with other dogs as opposed to play at the moment. She obviously feels intimatated and scared so just get her used to walking with and next to calm dogs and let them have a little sniff etc if they want to and keep doing what your doing already! x

I think what you're doing now is just about right. She's showing signs of nervous aggression, but with consistency from you & regular contact with other dogs she should get through it ok.

blaze wrote:I would sugest lots of walks with other dogs as opposed to play at the moment. She obviously feels intimatated and scared so just get her used to walking with and next to calm dogs and let them have a little sniff etc if they want to and keep doing what your doing already! x

Yes, I agree. Bigger or older dogs at the moment will intimidate her with boisterous play, so walking calmly with them is a better idea.