Lady has always been very timid with other dogs. She goes flat when she meets them off the lead and usually rolls over as well, then eventually gets up and plays with them. This is sometimes running with her hackles up so she's clearly not entirely comfortable - normally with dogs she doesn't know well. She's fine with dogs she meets and walks with regularly. This morning she got attacked by an Alsatian. The owner called the dog off immediately and no damage done, but she screamed and screamed blue murder when the dog went for her. Very distressing to listen to. I checked her out and not a mark to be seen so it must have been pure fear. Her submissive strategy works 99% of the time but every now and then it brings out aggression in the other dog. Lady is 3 in September so I guess she's pretty much grown up and unlikely to be any different now, but I feel if she could appear more confident this wouldn't happen.
Re: Timid Oh dear David, so sorry to hear about the attack on Lady , pleased that she is unhurt though although it will no doubt have scared her to death . Sam was attacked not long ago, he also screamed, its heartbreaking to hear I agree and worse is your dog is non aggressive and submissive . It sounds like Lady is very well socialised so I think its just her nature to be timid , something you cant do anything about apart from keeping taking her around others, so sorry again, poor girl .
Re: Timid How awful for you. Lady's reaction (rolling on her back) is a perfectly normal and healthy one, and a sensible choice for a dog that lack confidence. Had she been more confident, it is possible that the aggressive dog might have been even more aggressive.. Most normal dogs respect submissive behaviour and back off. Her attacker is the one with the problem, but that is no comfort for you or your dog. I hope you don't meet him again.... Pippa
