Dog's fright

My Cavvie was "jumped on" by a small brown terrier last week. Then again the next day by the same dog. He now will not get out of the car at that place in the Park where we usually go

I have taken him to a different part of the Park now but he has to be encouraged to get out of the car, where before he was more than anxious to jump out and run around the place. I take a stout stick with me to discourage any further trouble and reassure him that I will be able to ward off any trouble.

As Cavvies can have congenital heart problems I am anxious that he is not stressed to trigger off any health problem. Any ideas what else I can do to help my little fellow from over aggressive terriers. I did ofcourse suggest to the dog's new owner that she kept him on a lead until he was able to behave in a more "civilised" fashion.

Hope Your Cavalier Is Ok Now I Have Got Two Cavaliers I Bet He Wondered What Was Happening To Him Poor Little Thing. :smt008 KISS FROM MY CAVS TO YOURS.

I confess that given the chance, Molo would "jump" on any other canine, of any size, in his efforts to make friends - he has got NO doggy manners at all - so I keep him leashed until I have checked that it is OK for him to play

How old is Guy? Maybe some organised socialisation would help him regain his confidence around other dogs. Does he enjoy playing with others? If he has a special friend, maybe you could meet up at the place he was spooked, so the association changes

It would be shame if he becomes fearful of dogs as a result of this encounter; especially if you are plannig to travel - dogs break down most social barriers in nearly all countries!

its sad whats happened, but I personally would not add to it by trying to constantly over reasure your dog, I would act as nomal, and make out that you are not concerned therefore your dog shouldnt need to be, you want the dog to go back to its normal behaviour, and I think that by trying to reasure it, will only compound its fears that there IS something to worry about.

Mo

Hi there I think Mo is right..you are better being bright and cheerful when Guy needs to get out of the car, also have a favourite toy or tip bit to coax him in an excited way ... if you are apprehensive Guy will be too..

I agree with whats been said - Jack was attacked really badly when he was younger he needed to get veterinary treatment because of it - now whenever he sees the dog that attacked him he barks and lunges on the lead but won't go anywhere near the dog - so I use treats or toys to tempt him closer - this happened 2 years ago now but he has never forgotten - but I think if I had over reassured him it would have made the situation worse - I actually walked past the dog the other day without any problems

Guy is 4 years old. Like all Cavaliers he is very friendly. But if he is attacked by another dog he wont retaliate just squeel. A squeeky toy in the car is a good idea. as suggested ...He is better now however and is coming out of the car without too much trouble and we havent seen the brown dog in question. But just in case I take a stout stick to ward off any dogs that become aggressive. It gives him some confidence anyway.