A little over a month ago I was at the dog park with my 1 year old female lab. She was playing off-leash with another dog but ran too close to a 3rd on-leash dog who was "doing her business." The other dog bit my lab in the side, which required a visit to the vet and 8 stitches. After the incident, she became much more cuddly with my husband and me for a while. But what is worrying, is that she has now started to bark, lunge and raise her hackles at other dogs, especially those on-leash. (She plays fine with dogs she has previously met.) It makes me so sad that our sweet girl is acting this way because it makes going on walks or going to the dog park really challenging! Is it possible that her behavioral change is because of her age, the bite, or the fact that I am 35 weeks pregnant? (I wouldn't put it past those smart dogs to notice that things are changing around our house lately as we prepare for the baby.) Last week, just as an experiment, we allowed her to approach a crated dog when she started acting this way. After she met the other dog and got his scent, she calmed down completely. But I don't want to reinforce this behavior; it makes her seem vicious and unfriendly to other dog owners. How do I work with her on this?? Especially when it comes to things like our morning walk or a run at the dog park?
Poor girl being bit - harley was bit when she was 7 months old. She was wary of other dogs for a while, but soon got over this as I didn't allow her to see me being anxious when meeting new dogs. The barking and lunging could be for two of the reasons you have mentioned. My friends dog was bit 6 months ago and since then will bark, growl and snap at any new dogs - it is fear. My friend is working with a dog trainer to restart socialisation with other dogs as its so bad. It could be that she is being protective of you as she will sense that you are pregnant. I wouldn't say it's due to her age though. I can appreciate that its a difficult position to be in. I would probably consult with a fig behaviourist to get some tips and techniques.
Oh dear, poor girl. Does sound as though it's most likely related to the dog bite. You'll have to get her used to other dogs very, very slowly and carefully, with loads of rewards and only positive experiences. The best way to do this is to have the help of a trainer and access to other dogs in controlled circumstances. I think it's very difficult to do things like this just out on walks where the owners of other dogs are not co-operating with your plans (I spent a long time working with my dog around other dogs, for different reasons though). It's really best to find a class, or a group, or even 121s providing the trainer can provide dogs (I was lucky enough to find this - but it was quite difficult to find). Best of luck with it.
