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Aggression with older dogs

Behavioral Issues
  • J

    We live near several parks and often see other dogs. Dexter appears to be fine with the smaller breeds, and gets tons of socialization in puppy class (he is fine with other puppies). However, Dexter has had two incidents with bigger dogs, coincidentally both being pit bulls.

    While I know there is a negative stereotype regarding pit bulls, they were both very timid. Dexter passed both of them in the park (different days) and they stopped to greet him. Upon doing so, Dex chose to jump up and put his paws on them, showing his teeth as I pulled him away.

    Thankfully, both dogs just backed away and moved on, but I am concerned with this habit. I want him to be able to be greeted by other dogs in the park and not have any worries about his reaction. Any thoughts/advice on this?

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  • MacPackM

    Is Dexter intact? How about the pits? That might be a contributing factor.

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

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  • J

    I didn't notice on the Pits. But yes, Dexter will be intact until probably August.

    That is a great point though, thanks!

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  • lvossL

    Why do you want Dexter to be greeted by strange dogs while on walks?

    I know this is a goal of many dog owners but why? We do not warmly greet every stranger we pass on the street and yet it is our expectation for our dogs.

    My observation of my adult dogs is that they are indifferent toward other dogs. They show no interest in greeting them and would prefer to carry on with their own business. If people ask if their dogs can greet mine, I say no. Mine do have dog friends but it is a small group of dog appropriate dogs that they meet up with to go for country walks. Even within the group some of my adults choose not to interact much or not with everyone in the group.

    If he is not reactive upon seeing other dogs but is content to just move on without interaction, I would not necessarily work to change that behavior. If he is reactive towards other dogs then there are things you can work on so he chooses to instead move on without interacting.

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  • P

    I totally agree with Ivoss - why expect a dog to like every other dog. Mine too, will ignore other dogs they don't want to know.

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  • dmeyD

    I have noticed that Ayo tends to greet other dogs by "slapping them" with his paws or jumping up. I have also noticed that sometimes growling occurs when I pull him back, as if he is reacting to me pulling him, suddenly becoming aggressive. Ive noticed that sometimes if I don't pull it doesn't happen.

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  • KipawaK

    @lvoss:

    Why do you want Dexter to be greeted by strange dogs while on walks?

    I know this is a goal of many dog owners but why? We do not warmly greet every stranger we pass on the street and yet it is our expectation for our dogs.

    Wow…. great comment! We do so many things to try to humanize our dogs that are not natural for them.

    Fran Harder, BAB

    With Barney in my heart

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  • S

    Has Dexter had any basic obedience classes?

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

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    @CanisBasenjius: And then there of course is your key phrase, "if the dog has been properly trained with the fence". Many are poorly trained with the fence and, IME, many are willing to run through it given a good enough reason. Just one more reason I dislike them. Gotta say, I agree with everyone else that has said, "Get a physical fence." If you had one, OP, this would never have happened. That is indeed the key phrase, and I should have emphasized it more. Of course, if a small dog teased at the fence when the confined dog was still in training, you bet an association could result! And I would agree some dogs certainly do learn to run through invisible fence. I have a friend with one of those. Two of her three (non Basenjis) never do it, one will with sufficient provocation. She knows she will get zapped, but she just runs fast and takes the punishment to get at those darn coyotes! To the original point, I don't have a handy dog example, but my friend's stallions have not learned to dislike mares in heat because they get zapped trying to get at them. They know it is the fence and they know they are going to get a jolt, but a mare flashing right by the fence is sometimes just too much temptation! They don't go through the fence, however. Gallagher has a way of changing your mind. :) However, they have no issues breeding the same mares when the fence is not in the way, and show no difference in attitude toward them and other mares that have not been close to the fence, so I would say there is no confusion there in terms of the cause of the shock. Of course, horses may be smarter than the average dog….. In the city, I think an actual physical fence is pretty much a necessity. In the country, depending on circumstances, maybe not so much.
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