How to help my dog who is aggressive towards other dogs after a bite?

Poor Panda! Some dogs do become very fearful of other dogs after an incident like this, which can lead to barking and lunging on the leash. It sounds like you're on the right track by trying to use treats to help make her more comfortable - but if she is still barking and lunging, this means you need to be further away. Start at a distance where she is comfortable and able to take treats calmly, then gradually work on moving closer as long as she is doing well. It can be very difficult to do this on your own, especially if her anxiety is severe. I would really recommend making an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist or a good reward-based trainer who can help you in person for the best chance of success. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here (www.dacvb.org) or a qualified trainer here (www.ccpdt.org)

It is awesome that you have worked with a trainer to help Panda get over her anxiety and fear. I would recommend continuing to work with the trainer. It is a slow process but I would try to find some friends with male dogs and schedule play dates in a controlled setting. I would start off with 1 dog that she gets along with and slowly introduce others. Sometimes dogs are more scared or anxious around others because of previous experiences.

Poor Panda! Unfortunately she had a very traumatizing event during a very crucial period of socialization in her life. I would not consider her a waste of money. She could be fearful reactive (I have one of these) that acts so aggressive to try to scare everyone away because she is scared to death. I don't like training at dog parks. The dogs are not controlled and it is likely to end up with her having another bad experience. Not everyone understands dog to dog behavior, so there can be fights at dog parks. I would NOT recommend a shock collar. Her response is most likely fear, and we should not punish fear. Imagine if you fell off a roller coaster (major injuries but survived) when you were a young child, would you want to ride a roller coaster again? I am sorry that you have not have luck with trainers. First, you might need to reconsider what you want Panda to do. Do you want her to go for walks where she might see another dog? Or are you wanting a dog to go to dog parks and play dates etc? I think that with a good positive reinforcement trainer coupled with a veterinarian who might prescribe a medication to ease her anxiety that you can successfully train Panda to go for walks etc. I think that we just need to help reduce her fear and create positive situations for her. It will take time and you will need to be patient with her. Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Introduce her, gradually, to one dog at a time. Do this on "neutral" ground and start with both dogs at a distance from one another. Decrease the distance day by day, correcting any negative behavior immediately and praising/rewarding good behavior. Once she accepts one dog, add another. Begin again at a distance and get closer each day. A pheromone collar, such as the Adaptil collar, may further decrease anxiety/aggression. Gradually expose her to other dogs and situations. Be patient and be consistent.

Gradual desensitization, correction of negative behaviors and patience are required. Slowly introduce him to one pup at a time. Correct any aggression immediately and praise/reward good behaviors. As he acclimates to one pup, introduce him to another (slowly) then another and another. Be consistent in training and corrections. A pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar, may decrease and anxiety or aggression. A structured puppy socialization class may also be of benefit. Contact the local Petco for a list of offerings.

Before we consider that she is traumatized by the incident, you might want to make sure she didn't suffer any injury during the unwanted advances. She could be suffering from some pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, or even urogenital trauma that is causing her to act aggressively when approached by other animals. If a vet has determined this not to be case, then yes, she could be some what traumatized from the experience. Just like in human beings, time heals all wounds. The amount of time required is up to her however and I would not try to rush things as this will likely only delay matters more. In ordinary circumstances, I would recommend light desensitization therapy but I think it is too soon to be taking that under consideration. Give her some time and space away from dogs likely to act in such a manner and hopefully she will not act this way for long. Allow her to spend time with dogs that you know act in a pleasant and calm manner for now. Hope this helps.

I forgot to mention the use of a pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser. These may decrease anxiety or aggression. You can also consider a consultation with another Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach expert, Dr. Jennifer Summerfield. In addition to being an experienced trainer, she is a member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB).