extremely anxious dog

[mommariffic]

I have two dogs
A German Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain dog mix.

The Shepherd [Logan] loves other dogs, loves people, and has thrived in the past few months [I posted about him once..] and he's really enjoyable to take on walks, to the dog park etc.

My problem is with Bailey my Bernese! GRRR. Since he was a puppy he's been socialized amongst other dogs; he did once get attacked by a Pitbull but there wasn't blood/he continued to go to dog parks after that.

He's just getting more and more anxious as time goes on. If I have the windows open and he smells a person/dog he will cry/growl and bark despite any correction. On walks if he sees another dog he will growl/cry and freak out even with corrections. He basically is only happy if he's home, which is fine because he's a great family dog BUT I want to be able to take my other dog out. If they are separated they both loose it since they are best friends.

I've continued to socialize/we correct anything that happens RIGHT away but it's not helping. I REALLY think this dog needs a Xanax!

Any advice?

[stardogs]

How old is your Berner? What are you doing when you try to correct the behavior?

[lifeguard]

During times that you can anticipate anxiety (such as going for a walk) you could try a little bit of rescue remedy. I have a really anxious gsd-mix & have been pretty impressed with how well the rescue remedy works on her.

[Maine Mama Doula]

They put some dogs on Prozac

[Ann-Marita]

Another vote for Rescue Remedy.

I mix it in a one ounce bottle. I fill it up with water, add 4-6 drops of Rescue remedy, and shake. Then I use THAT dilution to put a few drops in each water bowl as needed (or daily - we deal with rescued and feral cats). That way, it doesn't cost nearly as much to use.

[mommariffic]

Hi! Thanks everyone

How I deal with & correct Bailey:

If we are out and walking and he sees a dog and starts crying/growling, I will immediately make him submit. He's a dominant dog and if he's starting to act up I encourage the other person to bring their dog over while he's in a submissive position. He's fine with girl dogs/older dogs and even some males but once in awhile he just despises a dog -- that's when I mostly try to work with him and get him to try and relax.

He's honestly great with kids/great with people it's just his anxiety is annoying. I would like to have windows open without hearing my 95lb dog whining and crying/growling at a tiny dog outside. The rescue remedy sounds like it might be up his alley!

[stardogs]

Originally Posted by mommariffic

If we are out and walking and he sees a dog and starts crying/growling, I will immediately make him submit. He's a dominant dog and if he's starting to act up I encourage the other person to bring their dog over while he's in a submissive position.

Please, please, please think about changing how you deal with this behavior. In most cases of growling at other dogs on walks there is no 'dominance' involved, it's often insecurity (or fear, or distance increasing behavior). By forcing him to be exposed to other dogs that he's already indicated he's concerned about you could very well be confirming his fear/insecurity about those interactions - after all his owner suddenly becomes unpredictable around certain dogs!

Ideally you could find a positive reinforcement based trainer to come to your home and assist with a conditioning program to help him change his behavior. I often suggest looking on the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Counselors) and APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) websites to find a good trainer.

In the meantime, the following links might be helpful:
The History and Misconceptions of Dominance Theory
Nothing in Life is Free
Desensitizing Dogs to Other Dogs

I also recommend the following books:
"Culture Clash" Jean Donaldson
"The Power of Positive Dog Training" Pat Miller
"Click to Calm" Emma Parsons