My 14-month old GSD and I both got quite an adrenaline rush yesterday...
I took Gus for a bike ride around the neighborhood (leashed, of course), as we often do. Usually we ride to the library to work on our socialization and desensitizing, as he is fearful of strangers. I have been working in earnest with him for about a month at making positive associations with strangers, and so far I've seen some small improvements in body language, but it's a long road.
As we rode down a familiar street, Gus trotting happily by my side, I spotted some people in a driveway ahead of us. Then their (unleased) dalmation made a beeline for us. I stopped the bike, put myself between Gus and the dalmation, and said in a low, firm voice, "No. Back."
The dalmation stopped a couple feet away from Gus and they just calmly observed each other for a moment. By the body language, I didn't feel anyone was in danger, but I don't take any chances with dogs I don't know.
All of a sudden, Gus pulled back violently on the leash. I looked back, and saw the owner of the dalmation running -- no, CHARGING -- toward us, very aggressively. It even startled me! He was obviously just concerned that his dog got away from him, and was coming to retrieve it, but because Gus is afraid of strangers approaching him head on in a normal, calm fashion in the best of circumstances, this scene of a big scary stranger running full speed toward him COMPLETELY freaked him out.
I started to tell the man, "Don't run, stop where you are, my dog is afraid of strangers," but I only got as far as "Don't" before the leash was ripped from my hands and Gus was off like a shot. I ran after him and called to him, but he didn't even look back. I ran back to my bike, and all the stupid man could say was, "did he run that way?" I just said curtly, "I'll get him," and took off.
When I rounded the corner to my house, I saw my husband and Gus standing the yard, just as happy and calm as could be. Gus knew right where he was going, and thank god for that. I thought I'd never see him again, the way he took off like that. He had expelled his anal glands, so we gave him a bath and took him out back for some play time. Then a few hours later I took him on another bike ride (different route) just to build his confidence up, and although he was hesitant for most of the run, he got through it without incident.
I'm worried now that all the work we've been doing the past month is down the tubes because of this stupid man. I was so angry at that man, but the emotion I felt most strongly was sadness that my beautiful sweet Gus was so terrified. I wish there was something more I could do for him. Any thoughts or similar experiences out there to share?