[salazark]

I'm just reading this. Oh my gosh - I'm sure you were so scared. Beemer was attacked last fall and I still can see it. It's horrifying. I'm so glad that Hepburn's surgery was successful. You have my prayers for his continued improvement.

I've recently begun working as a training assistant at a canine behavior center and I'm learning so much. Dogs are compartmentalized learners. When we learn something we generalize it. Dogs don't do that. That's why so often when you're out with your dog they don't do all the tricks that they know at home. In order for a dog to generalize something it has to happen at many places. At class we call it their file folder. They have to have many pictures in that folder for them to realize that it works everywhere.

This also holds true in a traumatic event. That's why some dogs will only be afraid of a dog that looks like the one that attacked them. Other dogs associate the attack with the place where it happened. Because they don't generalize easily, they don't generalize their fear. My Beemer was actually attacked at class. He has no fear of other dogs - he's a four pound giant in his mind. But, when we walk into the classroom where it happened he starts shaking if there are other dogs there. I'm working really hard to help him overcome this. One thing that is present in my mind everywhere we go is that he can't afford to get any more pictures in this particular folder. I'm very observant whenever I take him out. I also carry pepper spray. I will caution you though about picking him up whenever a larger dog comes close. By doing this you will be showing him that there really is something to be afraid of. You could actually end up with him being more fearful. Dogs play off of our emotions. I do understand wanting to protect him - believe me I do!! I think that in your situation, it might be easier to just not have him on the ground unless you are confident that the situation is safe. In other words, be proactive - not reactive. I wish the best for both of you!!! I'm sorry this is so long - it's just that this is something I'm really trying to learn about because I'm going through something similar.