Foster that’s snapping
I could really use some words of encouragement - I’ve had a new foster for about a month and I’ve really been struggling with anxiety about him. He’s been poorly socialized most of his life (almost 2) and is a big boy at over 100lbs. He recently was sedated for veterinary care and since being home has lapsed on a lot of the progress made.
He’s been snapping at home again but I thought we made it over the hill (and past 72 hrs from sedation). He is not normally one to snap at adult strangers unless they’re touching/petting him without his consent. Today we were walking and passed an adult man. The stranger paused to let him sniff his hand and I had him on a short leash hold with distracting treats. My dog took an about 2 second sniff and suddenly jumped up and snapped at the stranger. Everyone was fine - the guy said that it was totally open mouth, no attempt to actually latch on and that he was completely fine - no broken skin, minimal actual mouth contact to his forearm. I went back after dropping the dog off at home and apologized extensively and kinda just word vomited to the guy about how sorry I am and thankful that he was super chill about it. I am just still feeling mortified and ashamed that something so much worse could have happened.
Our fear free trainer had given feedback to set up introductions very similarly the only point of difference was that both I and the stranger should have treats vs. just me. He’s met plenty of strangers before and had minimal reaction that I am aware of. I genuinely thought we were just going to walk past the stranger like we’ve done before a million times. He’s been on pain and anxiety medication to help with his training and minimize snapping at home while we introduce new experiences.
I honestly would just really appreciate some support, I feel like I’m doing something wrong and now terrorizing my neighborhood.