Grumpy lady

Hello, my Maisie has developed a grumpiness towards some other dogs, mainly when they run up to her at full speed, she never used to bother but now she growls at them she hates it. I have to keep her on a lead now when I’m out a walk and I see another dog. I’m really worried it’s going to get worse how can I get my happy Maisie back - what have I done to make her like this? She’s now 3 and we’ve had her since 8 weeks I really want my girl back. I’m scared she’s going to get in a fight with a dog. She’s fine with dogs she knows it’s been happening for a week now

In most cases I would say this is fear of unknown dogs for as you say, she's fine with dogs she knows. In part I would say that she needs confidence building and that starts with whoever is holding the lead or walking her. Dogs have a very real ability to pick up on their owners nervousness or anxiety so be relaxing when another dog comes up or even ignoring what goes on may help.

Obviously I'm not advocating anything that would put Maisie at risk but perhaps relaxing a little may help her to relax with other dogs.

I have thought this I’m going to try and be calm when I see another dog approaching and was even thinking about taking treats with me and getting her to sit and watch me until the dogs pass, if only they would pass without bounding all over her I’m sure if they ignored her she’s ignore them!

Maybe while you're training you could get a "I need space" harness/bandanna/vest for her? If you Google yellow dog, you'll see what I mean.

I have thought of this and will get one for her hopefully it will make people notice, of her instead of shouting oh don’t worry about him he’s fine, ‘doesn’t matter to them that Maisie might not be fine, poor wee thing love her to pieces just want to make sure I help her and not make it worse!

Sounds tome like your on the right track with the treats and getting her to concentrate on you rather than the other dogs. We used to do the same thing with my Flo except we used her Kong Stix as a distraction, thing is though, she used to kind of rely on it in so much as she'd see another dog and want the Stix.

Nowadays she isn't so bothered about other dogs so I think it works, well in our case anyway.

I have the same problem with Katy, she hates other dogs running up to her & will growl & lunge at them! I'm sick of people saying oh my dog just wants to say hello!! On advice from a trainer I go these Velcro tags for her harness, It doesn't stop all dog owners but they have a clear warning to not let their dogs approach her.