Is This The Beginning Of Aggression?

[:ange:]

My female Weimaraner who's just 18 months and desexed has been getting in a few scuffles as of late and I'm wondering if this is the beginning of dog aggression or if she's just simply standing up for herself and 'holding her own'.

There's been a couple which has just been her teeth baring at the dog and snapping at them, then 2 seconds later they are fine again and playing. Bi-polar maybe??? LOL

One over the weekend worried me where she had the other dog pinned and was biting them. This happened because the other dog kept biting her/bullying her and running off as she turned around to warn the dog. She warned the dog numerous times until she just decided to have a full on brawl. I had to pull her off and yell for the other dogs owner to get his dog. No injuries but it still worried me..

She's always been to dog parks all her puppyhood and never had any problems with any dogs until recently. Very social and happy dog.

We have noticed that she has become more aloof in recent weeks, decreased interest with playing with other dogs and just wanders around the park on her own.

Should I still be taking her to dog parks with the chance that she could become dog aggressive? I know alot of people steer clear of dog parks for this very reason..

[Cosmolo]

No- i would not be continuing to take her to dog parks. You should have removed her when the other dog did not heed her warnings, although preferably before this point if you saw she was annoyed by the dog. Its too difficult to say with any certainty whats going on but i'd suggest you seek a professional to help you work out whats happening.

[poodlefan]

It is certainly the beginning of decreased tolerance of other dog's "rudeness".

Heed the warning. I'd not be taking her to dog parks where such incidents are likely to happen.

[Kavik]

I agree with poodlefan. There is no point in putting her in a situation where she is likely to react.

[:ange:]

I'm going to re-start obedience with her to see if this will help. She's generally very exuberant and unfocused around other dogs when we've been to obedience, however I think she has calmed down a bit more recently. Thanks for the suggestions.. we'll be steering clear of dog parks.

Thanks..

[Staff'n'Toller]

I agree, go back to training and work on your focus, do understand though, that this may take some time to rebuild as she learns she can't play with every other dog in the class.

She doesn't need to go to dog parks to lead a happy life with you. You will find a lot of us don't use them, generally because we have multiple dogs...but more because there are a lot of rude dogs with little self control as you have described, and very difficult when the owners cannot identify this needs to be rectified.

Mel.

[Nekhbet]

not all dogs will tolerate all other dogs, and some none at all. Just like you will not immediately love every new person you meet :rolleyes:

its better to find others who have compatible dogs and have play dates like that. I have not used dog parks in a long time and never will.

[fainty_girl]

I can sympathise!

My dog Tilly is about the same age as your dog, and a few months back I started having some issues with her getting into scuffles at the dog park (a particular dog at two different dog parks that she did not get along with). Like your dog, fortunately she did not cause any injuries to other dogs, but it was upsetting and embarrassing when it did happen.

She does not just go and attack any dog she sees or anything like that, but there are certain things that trigger her behaviour.

I just have to be weary about the places I take her...

-I don't take her to any dog parks in the day and there is only one empty dog park that I take her to at night after dark when there aren't any other dogs around.

-In the day time I have recently started taking her to a local park (not a dog park), so she can have a good run around. There might be the occasional person walking their dog through the park (on/off leash), but that is not an issue for Tilly. Or instead of this park, I also take her to an empty sports field to play fetch.

Maybe eventually when Tilly is more obedient off the leash, and more controllable when excited, then I might venture into dog parks again in the day, but I don't think she will be that way for a while. In my situation, keeping Tilly away from dog parks and taking her to quieter places where she will just see the occasional dog is a safer option for now.

I did try taking her to the dog park in the day wearing a muzzle or keeping her on the lead instead, but neither of these options worked for Tilly. She wasn't her usual happy self when she had the muzzle on and wouldn't run and play as usual. And with staying on the lead, she just appeared to be frustrated when she couldn't run and play with other dogs.

I suppose it's trial and error, with trying to find what works best.

Edited July 8, 2009 by fainty_girl

[Agility Dogs]

I think you've made a really good decision about the dog parks.

My boy was monstered a couple of times in a dog park early in his life and I learned a valuable lesson that socialisation is not throwing dog in together and hoping for the best.

As a result of his early experiences he has ZERO TOLERANCE of rudeness from other dogs, he will run around happily with other dogs, but the minute one jumps on him, grabs his collar or commits any other 'offence' then they are told off immediately and quite forcefully. He's a 19kg BC and the last time he told off another dog it was a 35kg Weim that didn't know what hit it - no damage, just a lot of noise. CK came away when he was called and they are now friends and the Weim has a few more manners.

That said I try really hard not to put him in situations where he feels or is likely to be threatened. He does agility 2 or 3 times a week and plays flyball and frisbee so he is around other dogs all the time, we just don't let him interact with dogs he doesn't know or who don't know him until we are comfortable they will get on.

Keep up the good work - at first it feels like they are missing out, but in the long run you will be proud of your puppy and it will all seem normal!!