Unfortunately sometimes your dog can get into an altercation through no fault of there own which can leave them shaken or hurt. I always tell my clients to look for signs of an aggressive dog before the attack takes place and to totally avoid them in the park. Do not feel rude for stereotyping certain breeds or owners as it is always better to be on the safe side rather than polite!
However if your dog does suffer an attack then please make sure that your dog gets back out to the park and socialised as quickly as possible. They will be shaken and this sometimes leads owners to keep them indoors which just adds to their anxiety and the longer you leave it for them to socialise the greater this anxiety becomes, which sometimes can lead to aggression. Please get your dog back to the park and off a lead. Being off a lead is really important as a dog can often feel restricted and under much greater threat on a lead. Also it is very important that you do not carry the trauma of the attack back to the park as your dog will sense your nervousness which will also make them resistant and fearful. Try to be positive and act as if nothing has happened and soon your dog will forget as they are in the moment and if we create a positive off lead walk then overtime they are out all of the anxiety/fear will dissipate.
I know it is really tough not to baby your dog and feel protective. But it is like the saying ‘if you fall of a horse you must get back on’. A dogs joy is that freedom off lead in the park, the sniffing, the playing, the running and just being a dog. Once they feel this again, their confidence will return I promise.
