[JulieK1967]

I took Molly to a dog event yesterday where there were a variety of dogs, some on leash and other off. All the dogs, probably 15 total, were mellow & well behaved & Molly had fun meeting several different dogs, including a huge Newfoundland. However, when a tiny Shih Tzu puppy moved towards her, she shied away and wouldn't go near it. No more than one moved toward her at a single time so I don't think she was overwhelmed with the number of them. These pups (5 in all) were tiny fluff balls & not making much noise. Is it possible she didn't understand that it was another dog coming towards her? They did look very "gremlin-like" and so I was wondering if she wasn't sure what it was.

 

[Abbylynn]

That is odd .... maybe they did not look like puppies to her ... but like little tiny rodents scurrying about. Actually I am surprised prey drive did not kick in .... you know ....Terriers and mice, squirrels ......... If they did look like little rodents .... maybe it was scary and she did not know which one to go after first! :/

But really .... you would think the scent of another dog would be present. Hmmmmmmmm ..... ?

 

[HollowHeaven]

Troubles is afraid of puppies. He will walk up to any dog you hand to him, but will run from puppies. They freak him out xD
He loves baby kittens though, not cats, just kittens.

 

[JulieK1967]

That is odd .... maybe they did not look like puppies to her ... but like little tiny rodents scurrying about. Actually I am surprised prey drive did not kick in .... you know ....Terriers and mice, squirrels ......... If they did look like little rodents .... maybe it was scary and she did not know which one to go after first! :/

But really .... you would think the scent of another dog would be present. Hmmmmmmmm ..... ?

Oh, the prey drive! She's got a strong one & if she'd thought they were rodents, she'd have been going nuts to get at them. She has no problem diving after moles in their holes or trying to catch passing garter snakes. Whatever the cause, it's definitely inspired me to try to find some small playmates for her. We don't have a segregated dog park here so she doesn't get any play time with other dogs anymore though we do say hello during walks. I was a little concerned that it was a sign that she's losing socialization.

 

[hanksimon]

Most dogs easily recognize other dogs. However, many adult dogs don't know how to deal with the body language of puppies...

 

[JulieK1967]

Most dogs easily recognize other dogs. However, many adult dogs don't know how to deal with the body language of puppies...

Ah, that's interesting. Thank you for the info.

 

[CptJack]

Most dogs easily recognize other dogs. However, many adult dogs don't know how to deal with the body language of puppies...

Yeah, this. Kinda like how dogs don't quite know how to deal with toddlers or infants, but can be fine with older kids. The way they move, the smell, and body language are all different with puppies, and some dogs are just - not sure what to do with that, and therefore want nothing to do with it.