Snapping At Younger Dogs

[Ms James]

Didn't want to threadjack the other topic, so I thought I'd post a new one :rolleyes:

The "Is there a point" thread got me thinking (yes, it hurt!), I have a 3 year old BC X Kelpie who's your typical exuberant, squeaky loving, hyperactive kelpie type; extremely well socialised although she does react if a dog is being aggressive towards her (normal, IMO) and is usually the submissive dog in our 2 dog pack household.

What I have noticed is that, at training, she'll be snippy towards a younger dog that's acting like a little poop around her, especially in a crowded situation. When I say "snippy", it's just a quick bark towards the offending pup, she's quite happy to let them have a sniff around but if they get too nosy she'll react. I understand that in dog terms, she's putting the younger dog in its place for annoying her. It is at this point that I don't know whether or not I should allow her to react to an offending dog. As her handler, should I discourage her snipping at another dog (ie a correction when it occurs), or should I just let dogs be dogs & let them sort out pack hierarchy?

I know that not all people at dog training aren't 100% dog behaviour specialists, and that they might not know the difference between an older dog putting a pup in its place and a dog exhibiting true aggression towards their pup - so I'd be worried that they'd view my girl as being the offender and take it out on me.

Does her snipping show bad leadership on my behalf? Should she be seeing me as the one that deals with offending behaviour towards her? Should our training goal be to have a 100% non-reactive dog in situations such as these? I'd appreciate your thoughts

[Scarlet]

Speak to the instructors. They may have a policy about this and give you advice how to handle it.

I would let my girl chastise an unruly pup as long as there was no contact and I had her under control. But I would also comment on what was happening to the owner of the pup. Let them know that you dog is putting the pup in its place and if they are at all concerned then they should remove their pup.

[poodlefan]

I would not be discouraging her disciplining a younger dog. I would be attempting to prevent a situation that required her to have to do it.

You might find this article helpful.

[Erny]

To some extent I do turn a blind eye to another dog putting an insubordinate in its place but only IF the action is appropriately executed and warranted.

If my dog is in my close proximity (such as you describe, MsJames .... eg. at obedience training), IMO it is my job to stop/prevent 'rude' behaviour from another dog to mine. My dog is my pack and it is my job to protect her from 'rude' annoyances.

But if my own dog's behaviour is unwarranted and unreasonable, I will - in my right as pack leader - correct my dog for the wrong and undesireable behaviour.

I believe it is the other dog's owner's responsibility also to control his/her dog and only permit calm interaction.

Edited July 20, 2007 by Erny

[skip]

One of mine does the same to dogs who invade his space too much. I just avoid these dogs if I think they are unsocialised and likely to jump all over him.

At obedience others think my small dog is a good dog to introduce their young dogs to as he looks calm and is only small. So I just explain he will maybe snap if their dog gets too pushy so maybe he is not a good choice. He loves to say hello but mainly to other calm polite dogs. He just isn't mad on playing and off lead will usually say hello quickly and move on. He'll play chasing if and when he feels the need.

Great question though as some owners at off lead park think he is being very rude when he shows his teeth as much as he can and heels off their out of control no recall young big dog. He doesn't want to be knocked over.

How about this scenario? At agility recently a young very large friendly dog got loose from owner and charged to my dog. Mine showed his teeth and snapped. This dog ran off and my dog was still calm. The young dog made a bee line for the female chi x I also own in a puppy pen nearby. I was concerned he could knock the pen over but before I can react my boy goes into "knight in shining armour " action. He gets between the pen and the young dog and puts on a very ferocious show.

Nothing too scarey as he is a 10 kg kelpie x type. But enough to drive the dog back to his more inviting owner.

But nobody there thought it was savage or uncalled for as he was defending his mate and his pen. They actually thought it was very acceptable. I was just glad he didn't get squashed. The other is a ridge back ?x hunting dog type. Thou he may not have been so brave if he decided his hide was in danger.

I try to avoid some interactions but I do need to watch and concentrate more on what is going on.