#1
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I need help!
I just returned from taking our 3-yr old lab mix (Lucy) to the park. When another dog (on a leash also) came to greet her, she became aggressive, circling, "growling/talking" and trying to mount the other dog. The other dog did not like this, and they quickly were barking and growling at each other. I had to struggle to pull her away, and the other dog left. She is clearly intimidated by other larger dogs, and this happens nearly EVERY time another dog approaches. We used to live in the city, and it became clear she could not go to the doggy parks if there were larger or even other dominant dogs playing.
How can I prevent this behavior when other dogs greet her? Or can I just not let her greet other dogs? She desparately wants to play with them, but does not seem to know how to approach them "socially". Not to mention it is incredibly embarrassing to me! I hate having to leave the park simply because she then throws a fit, watching them play later from thne park bench after we have this initial "bad meeting". Help! |
#2
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I feel your pain! I have three Rottweilers - two of them are quite social, but Dutch (who was older & intact when I got him & quite set in his ways) has horrid dog manners. He pretty much wants to flatten every dog he meets - so I just keep him away from other dogs on walks.
A training class would help, where you can help Lucy pay attention to YOU when you're around other dogs. My dogs' default position is "ignore all other dogs" (easier said than done, I know) and they can only interact & play when I give permission. I could NEVER have taught Cooper this without classes. Rottweilers are really good with other dogs if they've been raised & socialised right. But they do tend to have an over-confident, bullying kind of way that makes shyer dogs naturally defensive. It sounds like Lucy is trying to be the "bossy bitch" rather than being stressed.
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Carina Cooper The WonderDog Daphne The Destructo-Rott |
#3
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Do you know your dog's history? She may have been taken from her mom and littermates before she learned social skills, or not socialized at all.
Or, like Carina says, she may just be a dominant and bossy "bitch"! Her behavior does not suggest that she is intimidated, as mounting is usually a sign of dominance. You cannot make her like other dogs, and I don't blame her for acting this way when rude dogs charge up to her. My own dog is a pit bull, and is also dominant and intolerant of rude or silly dogs. I agree an obedience class is a very good idea. But even if your dog cannot play with other dogs, that's not so bad. Also be aware that dogs are often more defensive and aggressive when on leash - especially a tight leash. And personally, I think dog parks are the work of the devil. |
#4
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Hehe...I agree about dog parks, generally. No WAY would I take any of my dogs to one. There's a couple of dog training places with dog parks, but at least the dogs have to be approved & they're supervised. I guess that isn't so bad.
Anyway, not all dogs even enjoy playing with other dogs. I've had two that didn't - Phoebe was like Lucy, but even with our resident dogs she wasn't interested in playing. She was kind of like the fun police. A previous male Rottie was just uninterested in other dogs...not aggressive in the slightest, just could care less. He wanted to be with his humans. Another option (if Lucy seems interested in playing) is to find someone with a yard & a compatible dog & let them have at it. Attending obedience classes can be a good way to make new friends & find playmates.
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Carina Cooper The WonderDog Daphne The Destructo-Rott |
#5
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try also visiting another dog park... or going to your dog park @ a different time.
it's normal for your dog to not like some dogs... s/he can like others tho dogs can sense tempraments about one another that we can't. before I stopped taking Chocolate to off-leash parks, he enjoyed playing with smaller dogs MUCH more than ones larger than him. he had no interest to be intimidated... unfortunately, the pointer within surfaced, and he quickly found a love of squirrels, hence this is the reason Chocolate is no longer off-leash. the boy made his own boundaries in High Park TRAINING could be beneficial as well... |
#6
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Mine are ok in the park..i hate to say this but Lizzy is quite known in our park as ahem shall we say slut? She loves to play fight with other dogs and has been known to do a stripper act with her jacket when the males come around lol1 Everyone laughs at her. Goldy is getting too old for all the play fights and welcoming. She does it but backs off right away. Motzi is the worry wart. Wants no part in anything and will stand between my legs until we are alone again. We go out of city to the dog park because of Liz's love of car chasing.
I agree not all dogs are that social no matter what you do. But try no to be too upset about it. We find all sorts of places to hike where we are alone. |
#7
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Try to distract her. Tell her to sit and give her a treat. If your not sure how she is going to act, put a gentle leader or muzzle on her so she can not bite the other dog. If she does have a muzzle or leader on, always make sure the other dogs are friendley. If they aren't, she could be scared for life because if the other dog attacked her, she wouldn't be able to protect herself.
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#8
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Hmm, is she spayed?
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