Socialising issues

[flappylove]

Hi
I have a problem when my three year old dog is put in social situations with other dogs and people. She barks and snaps when a person or a dog approaches her.
I sometimes think she is scared when it is happening but on occasions she wags her tail at the same time?
Also sometimes if someone goes to stroke her, she will appear open to the affection but then snap at the last minute.

I would just like to point out that her snapping is not with an intent to bite. a friend who is very confident with dogs allowed the snap to happen without withdrawing her hand and my dog only mouthed her.

When she begins to bark it is impossible to get her attention.

Unfortunately I live in a rural place and socialising has been limited.

Any advice would be very gratefully received.

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by flappylove

Unfortunately I live in a rural place and socialising has been limited.

Any advice would be very gratefully received.

This is I suspect the very reason for this behaviour.

Your dogs sounds to be almost certainly nervous aggressive, and I would take a serious approach to this as unpredictable behaviour can get you and the dog into trouble down the line.

Tail wagging in such circumstances come under the 'Calming Signals' heading (worth a Google) and do not suggest joy in this situation, but concern.

Let us know where you are and we can begin to look at pointing you in the direction of somebody that can calmly walk you through this one to one.

HTH,

Nick

[flappylove]

We are based in Skye, this location makes it difficult.
Is there any advice on approaches we could take in terms of social situations? Also are there any online resources we could make use of for further help?
Thanks for taking the time with my query

[nick_j007]

Sorry for the delay.

Is this a collie?

Buy and gradually introduce a muzzle to be sure and safe in the shorter to medium term. Google 'introducing the muzzle to a dog' for a few ideas on that as it's worth getting right so as not to stress the dog unduly. Safety should be your biggest priority to start with. Ensure lead and collar is well made and not about to break etc.

Is the dog food motivated?

If yes and a collie, then I feel the book 'Click to Calm' Emma Parsons, would do you very well and can be bought from Amazon. It's an easy book to follow with sensible thoughts on leadership as well as building up a better response to her fears than her current activity.

There you go

Nick

[mac.]

is it true that i have heard tail wagging is a sign of dislike? or on guard kinda thing?