helping an attacked dog back into life as before.

[Who me ?]

One for the Vetty folks perhaps. Little lexie( 7.5KG x JRT/Yorky), has baggage on being sniffed ,and has in the past warned males off. Saturday, she was met by a Large Wiemeraner which would not take NO for an answer. Lexie made her views known and Mr W got nasty. I suspect Mr W got a nip on the tail or further under, and Lexie got marks on her middle. She's bruised ,but the marks are healing well and indoors she's coping well, being able to jump on the sofa /manage the stairs and get on the bed. She's starting to drink and pee. But she's not eating ( not even mince /chicken, but has taken beef slices ). She's met a Malumite at the vets and showed no fear, just gave her a welcome, likewise nxt door's Char Pei
The wounds are healing and the bruises are receding and she's getting less sore, but I'm bothered about th mental effects.
She s a rescue with a fear of people she does not know. Family- great- she's done more with Grandson in six weeks than last dog ( a kid daft loving Cairn did in six months). GS has AHCD, but Lexie has wormed her way into his life. One other GS is used ti dogs and they get on well. But Lexie's love is my Great Great grand daughter. Six months old, and Lexie dotes on her.
I was contemplating taking Lexie to a dog training place before the attack to get her more aware of strange owners ( dogs not realy a problem at th time) , but now perhaps it might be advisable to let hr meet wel socialised dogs of all sizes to build up her confidance. Any thoughts.

[Muzzer79]

Dog behaviourist.

We have a rescue that wasn't socialised properly as a pup so he goes bat-st mental at other dogs when we're out walking.

It's not aggression - he just wants to play, but doesn't know how to or what the rules of engagement are.

So, we take him to a behaviourist and work with a stooge dog. The stooge dog is specially trained to not react to another dog and means we can work on gradually moving closer and getting our dog used to being around other dogs in a controlled manner.

It takes time and can be frustrating - it's two steps forward and one step back. However, he is getting better.

9 months ago I was in a field trying to control our dog turning somersaults and barking solidly at a dog 60 feet away.
Weekend before last we went on a walk with a new stooge dog who was walking along on the other side of the path to us.

[moorx]

Nothing more to add, but just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear little Lexie has been hurt and I hope she gets better soon.

[Who me ?]

Muzzer- Lexi was socialised, but came into rescue as she had problems with a breed partner ( her male sibling ) . But after six years I wonder ? She's also terrified of objects and particularly ladies with large bags/handbags. I've slowly introduced her to a range of well socialised dogs and she's taken to them. First time in the park after her attack we met an older (15 year old) bull dog and somehow the old bloke sensed her anxiety and calmed her down.
My aim ,if folks can help me to decide if this is a good way to proceed ,is to take Lexie to dog training classes to meet well socialised larg dogs and gain confidence in meeting them and thir owners, as she now needs to regain confidence with both.

[Muzzer79]

I'd still recommend a behaviourist - ours (as I believe a lot do) also does training classes so if it is as simple as just introducing her into a group, they can recommend how to do that and keep an eye when the group gets together.

[moorx]

Muzzer79 said:

I'd still recommend a behaviourist - ours (as I believe a lot do) also does training classes so if it is as simple as just introducing her into a group, they can recommend how to do that and keep an eye when the group gets together.

Yes, it needs to be done in a planned way - most training classes will have a mix of dogs, some well socialised/confident, others not so much. It wouldn't necessarily be a good idea to put her in that environment without behavioural advice.

[Who me ?]

Thanks folks- I've got access to a behaviourist as Lexie is an ex RSPCA rescue dog. But I'd expect that means trips to where I got her from. And that means folk she's not sure of. She is a timid little girl. So sweet, but timid and not sure of strange folks. She makes friends with owners through their dogs. She's really built up a bond with a couple of Cairns an walker and a Whipet and owner and a stack of other dogs I've met in the park over the years. She chose us. I walked past her cage at RSPCA and she spotted me. Ran to me, wagged her tail and ran back to once more come forward. We met and within ten minutes Lexie was nuzzling at my treat pocket. Something she'd never done with other would be adopters. Swimbo is not a dog person, but she knew I needed a dog in my life. Lexie played her cards right when she jumped onto Swimbo's lap and looked for a lot of affection. I could take her to training, but she does not need it. She has found that walks mean harness on , so it's up on a chair- paw up to get harness on and then lead. At car, it's command "up" and she's on rear seat waiting to get strapped in.
So the idea of a dog training place is two fold- get her used to well behaved dogs and meet dog friendly owners who will help hr to become frinds again with humans. I've suspicions that Lexie has not had the best association with humans. But she wants to befriend folks. GS is AHD , but Lexie has /is working her magic on him.