Hi everyone,
I'm in need for some advice regarding our puppy. He is 8 months old, a border collie x kelpie and the sweetest little boy. From when we got him he was always super shy, gentle and always around us making body contact (sleeping on our feet, following us everywhere). From when he was fully vaccinated we started taking him to the local off-leash dog park, and he loves it. He was super shy at the beginning, hiding behind us and just slowly warming up. But now at 8 months old he has so much confidence running around and playing with other dogs and has even started playing with dogs that are bigger than him (but still comes running to us and sits by our feet if he is unsure of something). Most of the time its the best time of the day for all of us being there.
For the last couple of weeks, however, he started getting protective of either us or toys in the park at random times. We don't take any of our toys in, because we want to avoid that he gets upset about someone taking his things, but he goes and takes other dogs toys or he has a stick that he runs around with. He goes up to others and challenges them to take the toy off him and chase him, but sometimes if they end up taking it he might have a go at them (not all the time, just on some occasions). He never hurts anyone, just grabs them by the neck, pins them down or chases them and makes very intimidating growling noises. We have to step in and take him off the other dog, otherwise we can't get this attention. It's like he is completely zoned out during those times.
The other day, a young puppy came up to me wanting my attention and our pup saw it from the far and came sprinting towards the puppy and chased him away from me and pinned him down with those horrible growling sounds. The pup didn't get hurt, but was screaming and the entire situation was super scary. Today, another small puppy tried to take his stick in the park, and our pup pinned him down, growling and I had to pull him off.
Me and my partner decided that we would leave the park as soon as this happens, so he realises its non acceptable behaviour. We are not sure if that will work, but we don't know how else to get it under control. There are no clear signs prior to it happening, he can have hours of play where he shares the toys and is happy with other dogs getting our attention. And its not always younger puppies, but also grown up dogs.
I am just scared he is going to get in trouble for being aggressive at the park. I haven't seen any of the other dogs doing this, there are some that might put others in place, but all they do is a short growl the other dog leaves them alone.
Thanks in advance
