Giant Schnauzer - Needs 're-socialising'!

[PurpleWolfe]

Hi, I am new here and could do with some advice please.

We got Libby, a Giant Schnauzer, over 3 years ago. She was 18 months old. She came with a Wheaten Terrier who, we were told, was very good with children. Unfortunately, the terrier wasn't good with children and after 2 months of trying, we let her go to a home with 2 newly retired people.

After this, Libby hasn't had very much 'social' time with other dogs. We live in a rural area with hardly any other dogs. I wasn't too concerned until last summer when, out on a walk with the three children, she spotted a golden lab which was at least 200 yards away and not even in the direction we were going, she turned and charged at this poor dog and attacked it! The worse thing was that it was a guide dog! It's owner stood, terrified for her animal not knowing what was happening! There was no blood but a whole lot of aggression - and it was totally unprovoked. After this, I have been wary and, to be honest, done the wrong thing by avoiding other dogs. It's quite easy where we live.

Anyway, I have recently been trying to put this right, taking her lots of different places. We have been going to places where there are usually lots of dogs - unfortunately (or fortunately) the dogs have been few and far between - and on leads - but lots of good smells! We go up to the school to pick the children up and she gets lots of attention from the little ones who she is totally fine with - she has never been aggressive towards people. There are always other dogs there and she is quite good as they are all on leads (excep for a Border Collie - they seem to hate each other on sight!). She has done a bit of 'getting to know you' whilst they are all on leashes.

Yesterday we met a JR Terrier. Libby was on the lead and the terrier had a good sniff round and Libby wasn't too bothered. The owner said it would be OK if I let her off. They were fine! They played really well, dancing about for about 10 mins until they got bored and wandered off to do their 'own thing' Today, however, in a local woods, at the end of our reasonably long walk, she spotted a Border Collie from a distance and took off like a bullet out of a gun! She was quite aggressive and the other owner wasn't too pleased. I was so disappointed.

We really don't have the money to go to any classes at the moment. So, please can anyone tell me where I go from here? She really is the perfect dog in every other way.

Many thanks.

PW

[mags]

Hi, This may be too late to be of any relevance to you, but I see you have had no responses and I feel this must be very frustrating for you - I am new to the forum and have posted a question and to date (although early days) have not had a response yet, and feel a bit disappointed.
I realise that some dog classes can be quite expensive, but I have also found some that are very reasonable. I know some local councils also offer dog classes and you may wish to pursue this.
I feel your problem is one which can be solved, and the dog is so young that this may also be of importance in the success of changing things, that it would be sad not to find a solution. Libby appears to feel more confident when she is on the lead, as these two episodes have occurred when she is off the lead. You may have to keep her on the lead, which would be a shame, or increase her confidence by more involvement (on the lead) with other dogs. Why not try the different dog rescue web sites, as I have found them to be informative. I have a border collie, and their website has a very useful free telephone help line, you may find your dog's breed has the same on offer?
Keep trying.
Mags