Dog to dog aggression

[rosebury29]

Hi,
My Lab puppy is only 15 weeks. He is great with our family (5 kids) and loves all our visitors too.
The only time Cocoa has seen another dog was at the vet a couple days ago and there was a 10 week Lab pup that was barking and growling at Cocoa but he could have cared less.
Well today during a walk he saw his first dog outside. It was a little puppy on a leash that looked less than 10 weeks old. Cocoa didn't growl or bark (he never barks) but his hair on his tail and back stood staight up and he stood all tall and dominant. I never saw that before.
Is that normal for friendly dogs to hate other dogs?
Thanks,
Stacey

[Rottielover]

when the hair raises on a dog, it can mean many things. They are trying to make their appearence larger for the other dogs. Some do it before they attack, but most dogs do it out of fear.

[Lucky Rescue]

Agree that the raised hair is more alarm and fear.

The only time Cocoa has seen another dog was at the vet a couple days ago

That's not good. I suggest you get him into obedience school or puppy kindergarten and get him more socialized. He needs to learn how to interact with dogs and how to be one. Otherwise if he never sees them he could end up very dog aggressive or overly fearful.

[StaceyB]

It can also be excitement but I would agree fear in this case.

Classes are so very important and will help you to get through your pups first year with success. I would be getting enrolled now and have the family take part.

[Prin]

If you want your dog to be social with other dogs, you should expose him to other dogs often when he is young, provided he is vaccinated, of course. What age was he when he was removed from the litter?

[K9Friend]

Don't worry about his hackles just yet. Your pup is still young. Get him into some puppy classes where he can be socialized with other pets & get his confidence up. Good Luck.

[rosebury29]

Cocoa was removed from his litter the day I got him at 10 weeks old so he had a healthy amount of time with them. Even at the vet he was totally fine with another Lab puppy in the waiting room and a huge Rottweiler too. But, for some reason he did this on our walk. Maybe territorial as it was a few doors away from our home?
Stacey

[LavenderRott]

You need to get this puppy out and around other dogs!

I have a pom that I got when he was 6 months old. Before I got him he was socialized with his parents and spent absolutely no time meeting any other dogs what-so-ever. I have HUGE problems with this guy when he SEES other dogs. Vet visits are a nightmare!

Find a puppy kindergarten class to get your pup in.