New rescue dog uncomfortable around other dogs

[Ellie24]

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We adopted a new rescue two weeks ago (currently the only dog in the house, but not our first dog, nor our first rescue). She is 2.5 years old, a husky/collie cross we think - high energy, but as I'm very active I like that and I was looking for a hiking partner! The shelter claimed she was great with other dogs, although when I asked to see her interact with another dog, they said it was against shelter policy because kennel cough, etc. could be passed around. But they said they knew she was good with other dogs (and we made clear that was a priority for us, as we do foster for other rescues and at some point in the future would like a second permanent dog).

Since she's come home, though, she's been very uncomfortable and unfriendly towards every other dog we've encountered on walks, on lead or off. She gets very tense, tail between legs, and if they come too close, she growls (and if they don't leave her alone after that, eventually she lunges and snaps). I called the shelter to ask again about her history, and it turns out they never actually tested her with other dogs, they just took the word of the previous owners that she was "fine" with other dogs.

Obviously she is still settling in, and could be feeling insecure. My question is, after a few months spent in kennels, can that cause dogs to react to other dogs differently? Maybe all the barking and stress in kennels affected how she feels about other dogs. Is that something that has happened in anyone's experience? The other likely option is that the previous owners didn't actually socialize her at all with other dogs and being around them is completely new to her.

Other than her reactions to other dogs, she is an amazing and loving dog and we love her very much already. I've already called our normal trainer, by the way, who is meeting me next week to assess whether a group class would be good for her or whether she needs some behavior modification before she's ready for that. I just wanted to know if anyone else had experience with dog-dog aggression coming out of kennels. Or else if anyone had experience with a shelter or rescue claiming something without actually testing the dog...

Thanks to whoever read all of that!!!

 

[gypsysmum2]

The previous owners may well be right and she may be ok once she knows the other dog/s.

I think your gut instinct is right about stress. She is probably quite stressed and has not yet bonded fully with you enough for her to put her trust in you yet.

I would re socialise her by keeping her at a comfortable distance from other dogs and feeding and playing with her to lift her emotions. Try never to tighten the lead at the approach of another dog. If the distance is shrinking too much then just turn and walk in the other direction keeping your tone light and body language relaxed.

It may be that she wasn't well enough socialised as a puppy. Your trainer, will, hopefully be able to help you with this.

Our rescue was fine with dogs that were the other side of bars! He completely ignored them. If they look strange (think Afghan Hound) he is terrified of them. He is fine with smaller dogs but some large dogs are too much for him.

Shame on that shelter for not assessing your dog properly Ours actually left a shelter as an entire dog with a retained testicle. I wouldn't mind if he had not had surgery to stitch up some wounds his previous owners had failed to treat.

 

[lurcherman]

I got a rescue lurcher at 6 months that I knew could be a challenge, it looked fine , it seemed fine, and at first was fine! But you've got to read the dog and not act as all is fine, mine tried to rule the roost which with me ain't gunna happen, as most on here I think know lol,, interact as much as you can, my pal had a bitch black lab and was as normal placid so walk , walk , walk as much as we could, all fine then with my house dog he started to try and dominate,, Well I ain't putting up with that,, pinned him down and a wee slap and a hard look,, no words, then I walked away and left him to think,, end result with the dog was ? Ok you are my boss. Job done,, best loving dog I've ever had,, so give him time maybe two or three months to settle but don't be soft,, many on here may not agree but I'm happy to say over 30 years all but one i had to pts as a total nutter. Not against total training , just never really had to . Train, respect , a hard line, and most important when the right time is love, good grub, and routine. A. T. B. Lurcherman.

 

[lurcherman]

The dog in question is in my avatar, just look at him!!! Offlead confident and happy,, miss him soo much.. Ri.p. Rio lad. A week short of 14. He's the brindle lol