OK, so when we picked up Isis from our breeder, she had already been sold to another person whom had her for a couple of days but could not keep her because they had an older bigger dog that apparantly picked up her too much. I didn't think much of it until now.

When I took her to the vet the first time a couple of month ago a little pomeranian walked up to her and she backed off (Isis at 8 weeks was bigger than the pom). Last week I took her for a walk at night and she heard barking from other dogs and actually waited for me to walk with her instead of walking in front being curious (she's still new at walks). We went on another walk a few days later and as we pass this house, two large dogs (chow and GSD) barked at us and the GSD actually ran towards us (the stupid owner was sitting out in front as well and the dogs WERE NOT ON LEASHES) and Isis ran behind me and my brother had to scare the GSD away. I told the owner your dogs should be on leashes and continue walking. Aside from the last incident, because obviously a huge dog running towards a puppy would scare then, should I be concerned that she would be scared of dogs herwhole life? She loves people but I do not let her go towards them. Is there anything I can do to help her overcome her fear?

I have two friends with two super friendly big labs, do you think that after I get her to a level of training where I have good control over her that I should bring her to hang out with big labs so she'll be comfortable around dogs? I mean I don't want her to want to play with every dog she sees but I dont' want her to be afraid either.

On another note, it does make me feel good knowing that she looks to me for protection (I.E. waiting for me when she's a little nervous and hiding behind me). That shows that she knows I'm her leader right?

Sorry for the long post guys. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or tips.

Johnny

She is definately looking to you for leadership, which is great. I wouldn't be too worried about the other dogs thing because as your bond develops and strengthens you can build her confidence. Positioning her behind you while you (and your brother) chased off the dog is a classic leader pose, and done perfectly. As your pup grows and becomes more confident (and understands that you are the strongest leader around because all the dogs that scare her run away from you!) She should start to relax a bit more. Just keep stepping between her and other dogs until she gets a bit more confident. On another note, if there are large dogs that run loose near your house, you may want to start carrying pepper spray in the event that one of them becomes aggressive towards you. Read the article that Ed wrote about aggressive dogs to get an idea of how to deal with the walking scenario. Not saying that YOUR dog is aggressive lol, but to give you ideas of how to deal with other dogs as you meet them.