My female 8 month old GS is sometimes terrified of other dogs even if they are smaller then her. I had her for a walk yesterday and this basset hound came up waging his tail and wanted to make friends my Gs hair stood up and she growl and ran into my legs shaking trying to run away. We passed the same dog on the way back and this time she was different just plain aggressive pulling me on her leash trying to maybe attack the dog. What would cause her to react in two different ways? One day last week she was chasing my neigbors pomaranian so she sure was not afraid of that one. Also does fear of most dogs mean that she will never be able to be bred will she grow up afraid or maybe bite other dogs? Is it to late to make her get socialized with dogs? how would I go about doing that when she runs away?

aggression is sometimes out of fear. so just because she chases a dog doesn't mean she isn't afraid. it sounds like she is afraid.

she is still just a baby, and some dogs go through a fear stage around her age. i would say the jury is still out on whether you have an inherited problem. probably you don't. probably you just need to socialize her more and in the right way.

your first step is to work on her obedience. dogs can't focus on two things at once. if you've told her to sit/stay, she can't be focusing on the other dog. if you tell her to heel, she can't be focusing on the other dog.

you also need to learn about dog body language so you can read her signals and correct for aggressive posturing before it turns into aggressive action.

there's lots of good reading on this site. take a look at ed's articles on these subjects and you may also want to order one or two of his videos. and then search the archives of the discussion group here. there are some great posts on how to deal with your problem, if you look.

you still have lots of time to socialize her right. and as for running away, keep her on a leash!