My boyfriend inherited a dog and he needs some tips on how to make her not so fearful of other dogs. When she was adolescent aged she was attacked and almost killed by a German Shephard (she's a Chihuahua Rat Terrier mix). Both of us can't figure out a way to introduce her to a new dog that will not cause her anxiety. While in her old home, she was not introduced to other dogs because her owners didn't want to scare her. Unfortunatly, now she isn't properly socialized and if another dog comes near she cowers behind my boyfriend or runs in the other direction. If anyone has any tips we would appreciate it!

I have had 2 professional trainers tell me that once a dog is attacked like that they have the same reaction as a woman that has been raped.

is there some reason she has to be social? I would never take her anywhere that there are a lot of dogs, or people either for that matter.

there is Rescue Remedy, one of the Bach Flower Remedies, available at health food stores that may help her.

Thanks for the advice. We just wanted her to be more at ease around other dogs because she encounters other dogs when she's on walks and also my boyfriend didn't want to have to leave her at home when we go to friend's houses who have other dogs.

Hi,
Sorry about your scared dog. Things can be scary for all of us. Have you ever watched the dog whisper?? I love Ceasr. He is amazing. Animals live in the now. If you show no fear and are calm, she will sence it. So you have a calm dog that she can meet? We got a dog who wasn't very socialized with other animals or people (we have 2 cats and an older dog). We broke her in gently slowly meeting them all. She fits in well now. She has issues with 1 cat.
But you don't want an inscure, timid animal. This could cause them or you to be harmed.
Hope this helped, Good luck.
If you can check out The dog whisper. He's on the National Geographic channel.
Julie