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Cooper

Dominant Dog Greeting?

Hi there!
Just recently, we heard on the radio of our water park allowing dogs for a play day. I REALLY want to take my boy, Cooper. But sometimes I'm not so sure about his behavior. I used to think he was dog agressive, but my friend brought over her Labrador, and he was fine. He just corrected him if he did something wrong with a big ear full.

Another thing is, we took him to Petsmart, and other dogs he was fine with the presence of them. But this puppy pulled towards us the ears pricked and he lost it. I had to take him around a corner to calm down.

Is this dominant nature? If so, is there a way to make him submissive natured to other dogs? He really loves other dogs, but sometimes I think he is to dominant or protective.

Thank you so much for your help!


Asked by Cooper on Sep 8th 2011 Tagged dominancetowardtowardsotherdogdogshelp in Other Behavior & Training
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Snickers

A day at the water park will draw out all sorts of excited dogs. That level of excitement can be overstimulating for a dog that isn't as good at social skills as others.
If you can't be sure of his behavior, he shouldn't go. There is no magic switch that can change a dog to submissive nature.


Snickers answered on 9/8/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 3 Report this answer


SNEAKERS

I certainly agree with the over-stimulation point of view.
But, one can't be sure if it's just an enforcement of Dominant posture, or the possibility of his perception of a threat, and is in his "Protection" mode. That can happen with even a dog as small as a puppy.
My Male is quite protective, and can get very offended at approaches from some Dogs. When I have him out and about (parks/shopping) I aways have him on a Reel, just to see what happens, and IF he likes what he sees, then I allow him to be free. Keep a close eye on new entry's into the area, and slowly adjust his exposure levels to multiple animals.


SNEAKERS answered on 9/8/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Bubbles

If your dog doesn't do this 100%, it's probably a socialization/play thing that needs to be learned. Key points on socialization:

1)Dogs on leashes can be aggressive:When dogs approach on a leash, if owners do not allow the initial smell interaction, dogs will get upset. It's normal to smell each other! Let your dog smell other dogs on leashes-it's their handshake. BUT ask the other owner: their dog may be aggressive or lack socialization!

Stand outside dp gate or dog store, w/dog on a leash. Practice smelling dogs (ask first). If your dog reacts poorly: snap leash, no!, turn & walk away. Do this over and over until he gets the idea of what is acceptable.

2)Meet other dogs! Find a dogpark that separates large dogs & little dogs. If none,visit different dogparks until you find one where the owners are aware of their dogs. Those owners offer the most help! Let your dog off leash before you walk in! Never walk into a dp on a leash! Dogs will correct each other and owners will help you.


Bubbles answered on 9/12/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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