Helping a sweetheart of a dog who became reactive on leash after being attacked by offleah dogs. This made her feel vulnerable, so she started reacting to other dogs to tell them to stay away from her. She no longer trusted other dogs or believed a human could protect her. Today, she learned she can trust other dogs and a human can protect her. If you can't stop other dogs from entering your dog's personal space when they don't want them to, to your dog, you can not protect them from danger. In their mind, it is the same thing.
If your dog is nervous, anxious, unsure, insecure or fearful around other dogs, the first thing you have to do is claim your dog's space by moving the other dogs away just like I did in this video. Help your dog to relax WITHOUT TALKING TO THEM, and lick their neck with your fingertips. Use a leash to walk your dog near the other dogs while continuing to claim your dog's space. Ask your dog to ignore other dogs who come to smell their butt and keep walking. This is a normal greeting behaviour that you are teaching your dog not to worry about. "Just ignore the dogs smelling your butt and keep walking. Your okay." Block dogs who try to smell near your dog's head or neck. Once your dog starts smelling the ground and is no longer focused on the other dogs, just drop the leash. Stay close by being mindful to block a dog again if their presence makes your dog nervous. You will be amazed at how quickly your dog will be comfortable in the presence of other dogs, knowing their Mother Dog will protect them. You can't tell your dog you will protect them, they dont speak English, you have to show them. It is imperative that this initial pack work takes place with calm, relaxed, balanced dogs who understand how to help insecure and fearful dogs, by being respectful of their personal space and ignoring them after a quick smell, like my dogs did. Once the dog feels completely comfortable with the other dogs, my dogs will start initiating play and affection with them.
Cheers ✌️