I totally disagree with your vet!!!
Please, knew that vets are "experts" in medical issues with your pets, not necessarily behavior issues. I'm shocked she would tell you to crate your dog until he "knows you're alpha". How old school is your vet? Sweetie, please don't do this to him.
I agree that it sounds like he's fearful of the other dogs...and dogs act out so as to not become the prey of the dog that's making him fearful. Does that make sense?
I've got to tell you I'm in the same boat as you are with my boy.
We rescued him a little over a month ago. I had to baby him a lot at first as he was very ill. I assume this attentativeness and his loss of who knows how many other homes has caused him to fear losing his home with us as well.
I think he's scarred that other dogs may interfere with his loving home, so he thinks he needs to keep them away from me.
I had a new neighbor stop by with her 6 mth old GS pup while I was in the back (fenced) yard with him today. I went outside the gated picket fence (so he could see me) and pet the puppy while Barley watched us, but I talked to him too.
After a few minutes I let them sniff each other through the fence and this went well. I then let Barley greet her and they did wonderfully. Though I'm not fooled into thinking this will work with every dog. I continue walking him daily and hope this will help as well.
I don't take him to dog parks as I'm too worried that too many dogs would be on him at once. I think it's like taking a shy child and throwing them in front of a class to talk about themselves...only made me more shy and nervous...so I won't do that to my baby.
I'm optimistic that Barley is beginning to realize that he is in his forever home. And hopeful that he will become a social butterfly like my other two are.
By the way...he's very handsome and looks like a Yorkie to me too. I had the same thoughts about Barley when I first got him as well. Others here helped with that question as well. Is this just the best site ever!!!!
