my dog doesn't get along with other dogs anymore

[jridgeway1]

Hi,
I adopted Bella 8 months ago from the local animal shelter. She is a boxer/bulldog mix, a really great dog. She loves people, sometimes a little too much, however, she does not get along with other dogs anymore. I used to take her to the dog park and she did just fine, she never had a problem with the other dogs but she did play agressively. The last time i took her to the park, it ended bad. The dog was threatened by the way Bella played and they got in a fight but, the dog wasn't hurt. The next time something happened, my friend brought her teacup poodle to my apartment. Bella was stiffing the other dog and her tail was wagging, out of nowhere she bit the other dog. After that incident, i tried to avoid interaction as much as possible. Except the last encounter, i was talking to a neighbor outside with Bella off of her leash because she's good about staying with me. The next door neighbor let her pitbull out without a leash as well, and they quickly began to fight. It was really rough on Bella, both of the dogs got bit a couple of times. Ever since, Bella has been really weird about other dogs. She will whine and pull and her hair raises on her back. I often wonder if seh will ever get along with other dogs again. I tthink about times when i was able to take her on playdates, and i would love to be able to do that again. When we go on walks, i always go to the other side of the sidewalk if i see another dog. I try to avoid interaction as much as possible. I know it isn't the right thing to do, i'm sure exposure plays a big part in getting her back to normal. I'm moving out in a month and one of my prospective roommates has a dog. I was wondering if you could give me tips on how i should introduce the two dogs or anything else i could do to help Bella like dogs again.

[lizbud]

You didn't say anything about training classes for your dog, so should
we assume she's not had any formal training? If not, I suggest that you
try it. Whatever you try to correct this problem,it will probably take longer
than a month. There is no quick fix.

[Freedom]

Joining a class will help the 2 of you bond, and will help her learn to trust you.

Have the 2 dogs meet now, before they have to live together. Have them meet on neutal ground, not your yard, not the other's yard. Keep both leashed.

When you call about classes, asking for info, mention about this move too and see if they can give you some ideas also!

Sandra

[IrishSetterGurl]

Maybe you should keep the dogs on the lesh and and let them sniff eachother than if you see any weird behavior that might a fight move the dogs away from eachother until they get to know one aother!

[applesmom]

How old is she? Were all the dogs she fought with females?

[jridgeway1]

They were actually both girls. She is 3 years old. I've heard obendience class will help make her more comfortable with dogs in a non-stressful environment, but she's actually a very obedient dog. She loves our two cats, so maybe she will get alon gwith a family dog better than a strange dog. It's just so stressful for me to even think about having her encounter another dog because i fear what will happen.