[salazark]

I started to post this when it happened and the whole thing got deleted before I hit submit. I'm ready to try again. I'll warn you it's going to be long.

The week after Halloween we were at Beemer's obedience class. We were working on target. A target is basically a plastic lid that they put their nose on. Beemer is still learning target so the teacher was loading the target (with a treat) and I was releasing him with the command target. There was a border collie that was further along. She was in a stay waiting for her target command. Her handler was not holding the end of her leash. When I sent Beemer to the target she released herself and went for the same target. This dog is resource aggressive and they got to the target at the same time. She attacked him. I mean really attacked him with him in her mouth. I instantly tackled her and laid on her. She released him really quickly. His only injury was that he bit his own tongue. Everyone went on about how well I handled the situation but I completely fell apart when I left. I just can't erase that image in my mind. Beemer only weighs 3 1/2 pounds and that dog was probably 40 or so pounds. The good news is - my stepson is living with us right now with his lab mix. Beemer has not shown any fear of her. He still steals her toys whenever he gets a chance.

Anyway - we went back to class the next week. With my approval they gave the other dog another chance. As soon as she walked in the door Beemer started shaking and backed into a corner. It broke my heart seeing my little fearless bugger so scared. We put up a barrier so that he couldn't see her but he never did relax enough to participate in class. After class when everyone was gone we let him play in the room without the other dogs and he seemed fine.

As it turns out they still had to remind the other handler several times to keep hold of the leash. So after that they did tell her that she couldn't bring her dog back.

Move forward another week. We went to class this week and Beemer was freaked out even without the other dog there. There are only little dogs left in the class now. I think he's developed a fear of the room. I'm not sure what to do. The teachers at the school are working with me on it and here's what we've decided to do so far. There's only one more class in this session. Next week when there is no class going on I'm going to take Beemer, Sadie (my other yorkie) and my stepson's lab and just let the three of them play in the room. Also, I'm going to bring Sadie to the next class. She also takes classes there and is very comfortable. We're hoping that she can help him realize that it's still a good place. We're also going to move Beemer back a class next time so that he can build back up his confidence. I've also spoken to my groomer and asked her to give him as much positive interaction with the other dogs as she can. It's a great "spa" and they will really work with me.

Does anyone have any other ideas? I'm open to suggestions. I think this is just going to be a long road but I really hope he can get past this. Fear is usually not part of his personality. It breaks my heart to see it.

On a side note - I'm going to begin teaching at this school (as an assistant) in January. My ultimate goal for both of my kids is to be a therapy dog. They need every bit of their confidence for this.

If you've read this whole book - thanks for taking the time!
Karen