I had a very similar thing happen when my latest was around 12 weeks old and I did the same thing. As far as I'm concerned, picking her up was the only way you could be sure of her safety, and I hope if the situation presents itself with other uncontrolled dogs rushing up, you pick her up again! She will key off your reactions, so you must be calm & confident if it does happen and whenever you walk by other dogs (that are leashed or behind a fence). If she reacts do as Cindy says and also keep her moving forward.

 Quote: carol boche

Trust me, you and the little one will be fine.

Chin up and keep the band aids on hand.....

I know for a fact that Carol knows what she is talking about!!!

Same message others have posted, carry on...

I just want to add, so you are prepared (intellectually AND emotionally) if and when an aggression time comes with your pup Maybe you already are aware of how to deal with it...but I'm going to share my experience.

I know that I had read a lot about aggression and felt prepared, however, when it first reared its crazy head in my dog around 5 months...I really was freaked. All the reading I had done: OUT THE WINDOW.

Like you said, "I wasn't as calm as I should have been". Man-o-man. Neither was I and was ready to send the doggie back to the breeder!

But instead, I got my emotions figured out and meditated on CALM, ASSERTIVE. Made a total decision to side with my DOG!!! It's all going well with him now (dogs and humans alike!!

Just my 2cents for you to plan ahead if and when that time may come that she gets aggressive, cuz she'll likely be bigger, badder, (faster, MORE). Never hurts to be prepared. Keep it positive!

Kim, everything Cindy said.

Also, I don't know how realistic it is to stay calm in the middle of a situation like that, but now you do need to stay calm when you see another dog when walking your puppy. I don't think you did anything wrong by your puppy, on the contrary, and you definitely did right by trying to pick up your pup in the midst of that.

What Cindy said about the owner of the dogs getting an earful from you, absolutely. That owner needs to be held accountable for leaving her dogs loose. I'd talk with her and tell her the position she put you and your puppy in, your puppy could have been hurt badly, and that if you see her dogs loose again, you're going to call Animal Control. Don't hesitate to talk with her. Dog owners need to be held responsible for their dogs. That's not too much to expect.

Thank you everyone for your comments and advice. I feel much better about the whole thing (the owner did get an earful--I'm usually quite mild tempered, but DON'T mess with my kids). Mika is doing fine. We walked around at the library today and saw a man walking his dog. She was very alert but no barking or puffing. I just calmly praised and we walked on.

Thanks again. I don't think I could raise my first Mal puppy right (without losing my mind) without the support of the people on this board.

 Quote: Kim Condon

I don't think I could raise my first Mal puppy right (without losing my mind) without the support of the people on this board.

Sure you could, but you would use more band aids...hee hee
And, our minds were already gone when we decided to get them, but, once ya have a Mal or Dutchie, ya never go back.....

Just remember, we are a click away for ya....always.