So Banx and I have been doing therapy work since Sept. and everything was going great until about a month ago. A large Greyhound and Banx seemed to come nose-to-nose in the facility and Banx got a little "grumbly". No one could hear him, I just basically felt it through the leash. Now Banx wants nothing to do with this dog (who is really a sweetie). I don't know what to do. I know I am getting nervous around the other dog now, which doesn't help Banx's issue at all.

Does anyone have any suggestions please?

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Hmmm, Tess and I are usually the only ones on the floor. When there is another therapy dog, I go to another part of the hospital. However, growling at another dog is not good. Are you always with more dogs together? In any case, can you prevent them from meeting? Sometimes certain combinations do just not work. I take it this behavior is new for him?

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Is there anyway you could do some training with this paricular dog present, work on basic obedience and focusing on you, and Banx gets treats and praise for not reacting to the other dog.

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Whatever you do, don't risk an incident while you are visiting.
See if you can visit at another time or at a different facility.

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Vicki (alpha bitch)
Sienna THD, CGC (at the Rainbow Bridge)
Jillian THD, CGC
Olivia CGC

I just wouldn't take the risk of this escalating. I'd suggest keeping your distance by working in a different area of the facility from the other dog or working at a different time. Banx, who's very good looking, appears to be young still. I'd be attentive to whether there's a broader issue developing.

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Zoe, Rockwall Nantucket Breeze, BN, CGC, Delta therapy dog
Zeke, our introduction to the world of Golden Retrievers

This behavior is really new! He had done perfectly well before this. They kind of met in a tight corner. We go with a group of 3-5 other dogs. We have tried to meet and walk by each before we go in to try and get Banx used to him and he seems to do fine. We have been keeping our distance from each other.

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Broader issue? What should I be looking for? He is 2 years old. He loves the attention from the people, and they love him. The group I go with is really great..I think I am just so new to this that I don't know what to look for as far as broader issue? Thanks so much for any input!!

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My thought was only that as a young dog his temperament isn't completely settled yet and I'd be sensitive to any signs of changes.

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Zoe, Rockwall Nantucket Breeze, BN, CGC, Delta therapy dog
Zeke, our introduction to the world of Golden Retrievers

I agree with giving your dog space. Our therapy group has a '2 ft' rule. Dogs are suppose to stay two feet away from each other. When other dogs come too close to Gabe he thinks it's time to play - usually when we first get to a facility. We always have a meeting time out front before going in to 'work'. The dogs get a chance to settle down. I have had dogs growl AT us - and I now keep space between all dogs, just to be sure. I like to be last so keep back from the others. Also, I keep out of a room until it is empty - too many dogs jammed into too small a space has caused issues before - many times the little ones react to the big dogs crowding them. If you have four months of no issues, it may just be this specific dog - some dogs don't like other dogs like people don't like other people. Protect your dog.

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Joan and Gabe

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD.

I don't have any experience with therapy work, but if your dog doesn't want anything to do with the dog....let him not have anything to do with the dog. It sounds like he's doing the right thing by not being reactive to the dog and ignoring him. I prefer to have my dogs ignore other dogs when we're out an about, trying to play with every dog they saw would get irritating after awhile.

I think any dog can react defensively if put in the right (or wrong, I guess) situation, perhaps introducing him to a big dog in a tight corner was not the best idea. Keep it in mind for future reference, correct any behavior you see that is inappropriate and move forward.

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