For the newbies - Mitzy has had a problem with growling at new dogs, basically fear aggression from being attacked as a tiny puppy.
Well, we met a couple walking a Boston Terrier (I thought he was a French Bulldog, didn't know Bostons could be brindle?), this dog was about 3 times their size when you consider the weight difference. He was an intact male and very muscular - probably another reason I thought he was a FB. Anyway, all 3 of mine went close to him and Skipper actually sniffed noses with him. Mitzy didn't growl or act fearful at all!!! Yay! Neither did Mayfly but she usually wants to play with dogs we meet.
Actually, I think when Mitzy and Mayfly starting getting too close Skipper growled just a bit at him - the big guy walked backwards about 5 feet at which his owners laughed a lot. So what should I have done then? I made the "ack" sound to Skipper and he stopped right away....
Anyway, I was so proud of Mitzy! She's been getting much better, able to walk past a golden retriever without fear, too. |