Harley was attacked last year and this year by a collie (3 times). Because if this she did become more reactive towards any collie! Harley and I went to one of our local walks at lunchtime today. We both know a lot of regular dog people over there but there are also new people/dogs that pop up now and then. Anyway, half way through our walk, Harley was running around in a small wooded area when I spotted a collie running full pelt towards us. I recalled Harley and she came running to me (good girl ). Just as she reached me so did the collie. I stayed still and watched really careful. They sniffed each other......Harleys tail went up in the air which is a sign that she not sure or is on alert.......I kept watching.......Harley dropped her ball, moved back, let me pick it up and throw it a short distance, she went running side by side with the collie, the collie caught it and started running around playing chase with Harley. All this time the owner was calling, whistling, shouting and eventually came running. She was very apologetic, but I was very grateful as Harley had a really fun, positive experience with a collie . A lady I often walk with watched all of this as she was walking towards me and when she reached me she said her heart was in her mouth when she seen the collie run towards me and she was really impressed with how Harley dealt with it as she has seen her react before. Proud mummy moment
Ternaya you did really well ,I'd have messed that up by being tense I'm sure...I've always loved Collies,their energy and intelligence...but they stare and I've got a dog that can't cope with staring so he's not keen on them. Harley did really well,sound like the tennis ball was a fun distraction to focus on rather than the greeting situation x
She is really sweet and gentle and it really threw me as to how to deal with her fear. I'm just so glad that she had such a positive experience. My dog walker has also been brilliant in encouraging her to play with a collie mix that he occasionally walks
