GSDx I don't understand what she is trying to tell me!!!

Not sure where to start with this really. Molly is 8 and I feel like a complete failure with her. I have gone from being excited about the prospect of our new pup to thinking we will never be allowed to have her.

I have had her since a pup and she has never had anything awful happen to her even tho she was a rescue.
Up until 2 months ago she had a springer pal but we had to have him pts. They got along well and were always together. When on walks and that they never really bothered with other dogs as they had each other. But now when I take Molly to the park we are having problems with others dogs. To begin with she barked and pulled to get at them but I worked with her and now she will happily walk past and not really bother about them. But when we go to sniff she approaches happily and sniffs but then snaps at them. This happened first when we tried to adopt a dog from the dogs home and they weren't happy to let him go whilst she did that. So we went to training, started at dogs with issues but she was golden not reacting at all to other dogs whatever they did. She has done this again tonight in the park. I'm now terrified to do the meet with the new pup as I think she will do it again. Even though I am certain that she would be fine with her at home.

Is she telling me she doesn't like other dogs? I just don't understand what she is trying to tell me or how to progress this forward. I'd love your idea's guys. Any help appreciated

Molly is 8 and may be getting a little stiff in the joints - perhaps she doesn`t want the attentions of some dogs? Also, she may be feeling bit insecure without her lifetime companion. I`m sure she will settle with a new friend, but if you are concerned, it might be a good idea to introduce them on neutral territory first or take them out together? And it might be a good idea to use baby gates at first so the pup can`t pester her.

Ok that could well be it as Molly does suffer from elbow displaysia and can be really sore at times. The dog she told off today didn't get the hint from that and followed her round the park until its owners came and fetched him. So I guess she was probably right!

I have lots in place for the pup so it can't pester her stairgates etc as you suggest as I am aware that this could well be a problem at home.

I guess I will just have to keep my fingers crossed for the meet.

Thanks for the advice, didn't think of that reason

Aww - bless her. I hope it all goes well - best of luck.

Totally agree, handy hint that worked great for me was put the new baby in a cray (one they may use as a bed at night) and then bring her in to see it not making much a fuss, let her do the investigating, then once she seems happy let baby out to meet her. I never leave a pup with the big dogs EVER until they are big enough, mainly as they are big dogs and play rough, and accidents happen so easily, just patience and observe, when puppy starts being annoying put her to bed with a bone or toy, or seperate them and let her go to her quiet place (pup free zone )

Im sure she will come round and once bonded with the new recruit be back to her confident self.

Hi,

I agree with the advice already given - particularly asd the first thing Zane did to Ellie when he got the chance was to play his well kown "splat" game. Ellie ended up down down on the carpet unable to move until I rescued her and Zane couldnt' understand what the fuss was about!

Also, does she snap at dogs on lead in close proximity or only in the park when off lead? I'm wondering if, as in a training class, when other dogs are on lead she can see/sense that they are controlled by their owners whereas maybe if she's sore one day she wouldn't be able to make a hasty retreat if she wanted to.

Whereabouts in Birmingham are you? I also live in Birmingham and would be happy to meet up with you with each one of my dogs if you like - as a sort of test. I have 2 male GSDs and 1 female GSDxAkita. They are all well soacialised with other dogs and people. It may help you to see why Molly is snapping sometimes in certain situations.

Laura xx

Hi,

Thanx for the PMs Ali. Am looking forward to Yiannis and Molly meeting up tomorrow. Will take my camera too.

Laura xx

Hi,

I am really looking forward to it too, although I do have to admit to being a little nervous

I really hope they all will like each other (eventually) and maybe it can be the start of many walks! With puppy too

Ali xx

Ali,

Don't be nervous. Molly will pick up on how you're feeling and maybe that could make her more snappy?

Yiannis will be on lead under full control until you're happy for him to approach Molly or for Molly to approach Yiannis. They'll be in a wide open space where once they've had a sniff we can let them off lead if you're happy to do so. If there's anything you're not happy about then just say so asd we won't do it.

It may take some time but I'm sure Molly and your pup. along with my loopy mutts (including Oscar, my Son) will have lots of walks and play times together.

See you tomorrow.

Laura xx

If you want to come along, we are meeting for a GSD walk tomorrow morning (11:00am) at Elmdon park. You can come along and see her with a pack of dogs if you want. All the dogs on the walk are friendly (mine is a noisy, gobby one, but is friendly) and they generally just do their own thing.

Up to you