My dog was barreled over from behind by a strange dog off leash, since then he has become aggressive towards other dogs. What's the best way to approach the socializing of him to help him gain some confidence?

Hey,

Firstly let me say "thank you" for the your website. I have found it very valuable and great info. I am interested in some of your DVDs, as I have a 10 month old shep, but don't know which ones would best suit. We currently attend obedience training at our GSD club every week, my problem isn't the obedience side, it is my dog's reaction to other dogs. When he was approximately 4/5 months old he was barreled over from behind by a strange dog off leash and he got sent flying, since then he has reacted to every dog, hackles up and sometimes bearing teeth, another could be within eye sight unless he became very defensive, almost trying to get in before they did. I am sure his reaction is out of fear and I need to find a way to give him back his confidence. He has always been a bit shy but I don't want him growing up thinking this is how he must be. We have worked hard with the trainers at our club, correcting aggression for no reason and rewarding for calm meetings even if only for a couple of sec's and he has now made friends with some dogs and is now willing to play but he still is very wary of dogs not known to him, what's the best way to approach the socializing of him to help him gain some confidence? Some people have suggested to take him off leash at a park and "let him figure it out" but I'm not comfortable with this idea, and don't feel its the right approach, need a professional opinion. Also are your DVDs advertised in us dollars as I am in Australia?

Cathy