How to help my puppy overcome fear after being attacked by other dogs?

Question

How to recover a 3 month old puppy after being attacked by 3 adult dogs, so it wouldn't fear any dog once it grows up? Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 8 days old

Anna M., DVM · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear about Maja's bad experience with getting attacked! That can certainly be a scary memory and can make a puppy fearful of new dogs. The best way to try to counter a bad experience, is to provide lots of positive experiences to help her gain confidence. This can only be done in a controlled setting, with dogs you know and trust, because we want the interactions to be positive ones. I recommend setting up play dates with friends who have dogs that are known to be social and friendly - but don't force Maja to interact with the other dog any more than she would like to. Trying to force her may only escalate her fear and make it worse. If it seems you're not making any progress and she continues to be fearful, it may be worth contacting a reputable trainer who can help facilitate her training and can offer specific recommendations based on the behavior and body language they're observing in Maja. If you don't know any trainers, your vet may be able to offer recommendations of people near you. I hope this helps!

How to help my puppy overcome fear after being attacked by other dogs?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?

My hamster is suddenly bloated, angry, and biting. What should I do?

Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?

Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?

Share