Hi I have a lovely, friendly fox red lab, who's now 18 months old. We also have a calm, 5 year old black lab. She's full of energy, despite regular walks and jogs off the lead. I have recently noticed she can feel a bit threatened when meeting other dogs and I am unsure how to handle this. Any advice much appreciated! If she is approached by several dogs when she is off the lead, she stands very alert and if the other dogs want to play she can react by showing her teeth. This is worrying me. Also if there is a very playful dog, she will happily play but can become over excited which can result in barking/showing off teeth again, as if she feels threaten. She normally plays really nicely, both with our other lab and most other dogs. Just some dogs seem to make her feel uncomfortable. I want to stop this behaviour before it becomes worse.
Hi and welcome . It is my own belief that just as in humans , some dogs don't actually like particular other ones , for no apparent reason ! I think what you possibly need to do is to train her to come to you when you spot others approaching , so that you are actually taking the stress away from her , she doesn't have to worry about a dog not liking her or her not liking another one ! The best way to do this is called LAT ( Look at that )technique , and it is very well explained in a pinned article in the Training section at the top of the forum boards . She will actually enjoy this interaction with you , it will tire her mentally as well as physically , and also help to put her at ease.
