April 22, 2011
My Doberman was attacked by a pit bull. Now she acts afraid of every dog she comes in contact with. What can I do to make her brave again?
Full Question:
Hi, I really appreciate your article on breaking up dog fights. Recently, my 85 lb. Dobie was attacked by a pit bull while we were out hiking. It was really frightening but she is physically OK. However, now she seems to be afraid when she encounters any dog, even if it is non-threatening. She flops over on her back, exposing her belly, even though she snarls. I'm interpreting this as a sign of submission. She didn't act like this before the pit bull attack, and I'm worried that any dog will take advantage of this & hurt her, even if that wasn't the original intention. We do a lot of walking & hiking with our Dobie and encounter a lot of dogs that either aren't or can't be controlled by their owners. What can we do to help our Dobie be brave again? Thank you. 
Ed's Answer:
You are correct – this is a sign of submission. Here is another way to look at this:
Put yourself in her position. You are out for a walk and a pit bull attacks you and locks on and you can’t get it off. Imagine the panic in your mind because you did not do anything to warrant being attacked, so you have RAW FEAR going though your mind. The fact is you have probably never known that kind of fear. My guess is you would react in a very different way to strange dogs after that.
There is no reason for your dog to be brave and protect itself. This is your job. When a dog comes near your dog you should attack it. You are the pack leader and your dog looks to you for protection.
I do not allow strange dogs near my dogs – never. There is NO REASON FOR THIS.
Put yourself in her position. You are out for a walk and a pit bull attacks you and locks on and you can’t get it off. Imagine the panic in your mind because you did not do anything to warrant being attacked, so you have RAW FEAR going though your mind. The fact is you have probably never known that kind of fear. My guess is you would react in a very different way to strange dogs after that.
There is no reason for your dog to be brave and protect itself. This is your job. When a dog comes near your dog you should attack it. You are the pack leader and your dog looks to you for protection.
I do not allow strange dogs near my dogs – never. There is NO REASON FOR THIS.
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