Reactive dogs

 Here is a link to search for an American Pet Dog Trainer based on your zip code.  You will have to call and discuss with them if they handle this sort of issue.

 http://www.apdt.com/petowners/ts/

I am sure others will be along to discuss this subject with you.

It's not easy to give up the idea of having a wonderfully social, friendly dog you can take anywhere without a problem. It's kind of the American dream but believe me you aren't alone.  My dog Belle can be reactive to other dogs and I've learned to limit her exposure in situations I can't control.  It's not something I think will ever be "cured" completely.  It doesn't mean you've failed or the dog is a bad dog or a failed dog.  Dogs are all unique and what we get may not be the dog we wanted but it's often the problem dogs that force us to expand our thinking and knowledge and that's always a good thing, IMO.

 Dogs don't think it's bad to let other dogs and people know that they want their space.  It's us humans who are shocked and dismayed when dogs growl or snap to get some dog or human out of their space.  We put a lot of pressure on our dogs to be perfectly behaved at all times and especially in public.  Sometimes letting go of unrealistic goals is the first step in the process of trying to make a dog more confident. 

In another thread it was mentioned that training a reactive dog to wear a muzzle can help the owner feel more confident and you might try that as a starting point.  Feeling confident that she can't injure someone will transmit to your dog. Use positive reinforcement to introduce her to the muzzle.

Dr. Sophia Yin has some good videos on ways you can change your dog's emotional response to what she fears.  The booklet written by Patricia McConnell called the Cautious Canine might be a good one for you also.  Good luck.

I have a friend who has a selectively aggressive dog with people and other dogs.  She's just really realistic about her dog and what she can and cannot do with him, he's a large breed dog (Rhodesian Ridgeback) and I know it's a lot to manage.  I imagine it would be even more daunting with a giant breed.

Just to point out she's at the age for Fear Stages, which goes on for 6-12 months depending on the dog, breed, etc.  But, you could be seeing a flux in this, possibly due to that.  I second what everyone has said and would like to add more.  Maybe taking her to a park (on leash!!!  And don't take her to an off leash park) that she can watch without necessarily being required to do anything.... basically allowing her to take it in without her needing to feel that she has to participate.  Take lots of high value treats and finding those positive moments and rewarding them.  Sounds like the problems started when she felt she needed to DO something with the combination of the stress of something new.  So, take one of those out of the equation and see if it helps.

If you're showing her, odds are you got her from a breeder that is asking you to show.  Have you spoken with your breeder about the issues you are seeing?  They may have some insight into this, some suggestions... or even offer to take her back.  I know that's not easy to think about, but, if this is truly a significant temperament issue, this may be a good option, though a very difficult one.

Yep that age is prime for fear problems. I hate that the AKC even has the age at 6 months to begin...its lame. Puppies should be puppies...but that's neither here nor there.

Shows...can be scary, busy..noisy and everyone is shouting obscenities at you from their crates ;) Okay exaggeration, but you know what I mean...

If your puppy is not up to that yet then just leave her alone and let her stay home. I bet in another month or so with some really careful interactions on walks with known dogs and people...some strides can be made! You might also consider that she could be coming in season here soon. My bitches were like different dogs week before, during and week after. SERIOUSLY. "DON'T TOUCH ME! DON'T SNIFF ME I HATE YOU" etc.

Do handling classes where the instructor can be told up front "she is not liking to be gone over, someone was rough" and have them help you. Classes are great for that.

Just some other things to consider.... 

I've done much reading as well as having followed a Facebook friend with the same issues (before I even had this pup, actually). I already do have Patricia McConnell's Cautious Canine and have done other reading as well. I've used clicker/treat/sit/watch methods on walks with fair success in many cases, so I can usually take Kenna for walks in our neighborhood without great issue. In fact, with my efforts, we can usually walk with success past certain dogs that are in their yards (with Invisible Fence). Sometimes it takes a few sits/clicks/treats but we can actually do it with no barking and lunging. Other dogs - not so much. I can deal with that for now but my concern is people. I'm fortunate to have one male neighbor who is very good with dogs, very patient with Kenna, and he has actually been able to take her leash and run her down the sidewalk and back as well as to sort of play with her (if his dog in inside). Kenna was actually okay with his young dog but his dog became the one who snapped out of fear. I know there is potential to help Kenna but I just came off having such an easy dog but one who had a hard life physically which, in turn, made my life physically hard as well, so it's emotionally and physically exhausting winding up with this personality. Still, there she is. In my life. I do not think a muzzle is necessary at this time since Kenna is currently inclined to back up rather than go toward a person, but that is why I am working so hard with her now - to prevent the need for even more drastic measures.  I've not heard of Sophia Yin before so I will look into that. My big concern is that where I live, getting someone who truly understands training for a reactive dog versus training a mildly fearful dog  isn't a sure thing. I don't want someone working with her and mis-training her so I'm trying to arm myself with loads of knowledge as well. The biggest challenge is that she is unpredictable around the other person in my house - and that is heartbreaking.

I understand why you feel the way you do about your reactive dog and admire you for doing your best to educate yourself on how to help her best. http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/help-my-dog-bites-how-to-deal-with-dogs-who-bite

Some good videos and articles on this site. http://abrionline.org/videos.php   The resource page is also helpful.