This is Penny, 2 years old. Very well socialized daily and often out and about on public transportation and in crowded public places due to living in a walking city with close proximity to nature.
We had a domestic dispute outside our front door in our building. The perpetrator charged up towards our front door when I came to his wife’s aid and it was the first time I ever heard her growl or bark. (I mean…what a good girl, it felt nice to be protected.)
However, any man that looks like this person she is now reactive to. A few times a week I have to hold her back when she thinks she sees him again. It has been several months since the event happened so I can no longer ignore it.
We just saw a fellow dog dad out (minus the dog) and she didn’t recognize him at first and when he called her name, she barked, growled and was petrified when he knelt down to try and calm her.
I know I could work with a trainer, but since this is selective reactivity, I think it would be difficult.
I can still control her in these situations and she doesn’t try to bite - but I’m concerned it could grow into something bigger.
Any advice? Many thanks.