Portia is doing fantastically well socializing with dogs and people. She is nine months old and does very well at the dog park, in the woods, and on the street. Of course, she's started getting the "is that dog safe?" and "is that a pit bull?" questions. But I'm happy to tell people she's a Presa -- she's a great breed ambassador.
My question today is how to manage the situation when another dog reacts poorly to her. Today, she met a small lab mix (20 lbs to her 80) who immediately tried to bite her. She yelped and ran behind my legs. I don't think he managed to do any damage, but I've been very careful not to let her have bad interactions, and I feel sad this one happened. I don't want her to become afraid of or reactive to ANY dogs. What advice do you have about minimizing the trauma if and when that happens again?
Second question: I anticipate her first heat will occur soon. What behavioral changes have you seen in your females following that heat? Did they remain safe to play with other dogs, especially females?
Obligatory photos attached.
My question today is how to manage the situation when another dog reacts poorly to her. Today, she met a small lab mix (20 lbs to her 80) who immediately tried to bite her. She yelped and ran behind my legs. I don't think he managed to do any damage, but I've been very careful not to let her have bad interactions, and I feel sad this one happened. I don't want her to become afraid of or reactive to ANY dogs. What advice do you have about minimizing the trauma if and when that happens again?
Second question: I anticipate her first heat will occur soon. What behavioral changes have you seen in your females following that heat? Did they remain safe to play with other dogs, especially females?
Obligatory photos attached.