attacked a puppy

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pess77

Boxer Buddy
I haven't had to post in a long while. Any questions I had I could just search the site and I was all set. But I have a question I cant find the answer to. My buddy brought over his 9 week old male mastiff today so he could meet tyson, who's 3yrs. They were smelling each other and all of a sudden tyson got angry and jumped on the pup. I pulled tyson off and seperated them until my buddy left. I thought tyson would know it's a puppy and be nice to him. Should I have put ty on his leash then introduce them? not sure what happened or what I should do next time. thanks for any advice.
 

gmacleod

Elusive Moderator
Staff member
It's not a great sign. Indeed, most adult dogs are pretty lenient with young puppies. Has Tyson had much socialisation around younger pups? Also, is he intact or neutered?

For future interactions, I'd suggest an introduction on neutral turf, rather than in Tyson's home. Even though it's only a baby pup, that can make a bit of a difference.
 

pess77

Boxer Buddy
Thanks gmac. He hasn't had much interaction with pups at all. Maybe twice in three years. He's not an aggresive dog at all. Good with other dogs. I really thought He'd be great with the pup. Next time, should I have them meet with tyson on the leash? also I'll do neutral territory like you said. Yes he has been fixed.
 

gmacleod

Elusive Moderator
Staff member
Well, braodly speaking, dogs do better in introductions if they're not leashed. Possibly because the presence of the leash removes the option of "flight" in the flight-flight decision about possible threats, and possibly because it restricts the dog's ability to communicate.

On the other hand, if you feel that there's a likelihood of Tyson injuring the pup, then it may simply be the safer option. I think it's something you need to use your best judgement on. I'd go leash-less if you feel you can quickly grab and control him, should it be necessary.
 

Murp.mm

Boxer Insane
I had an experience with Ali similiar to yours only Ali was with her buddy Brooke. We were on the trail and we came upon a man with a puppy off lead and Ali started playing with it. Ali was on her lead and at first everything was fine but then she just got really rough with the puppy and turned him over. I got so upset with her. She was showing her dominance but I felt so bad for the puppy. He was fine but I never thought she would get like that. So now I am very cautious of her around puppies. What I find with Ali is that when she is alone she is much better with other dogs and pups but when she is with Brooke she thinks she has to be the boss. In her case Brooke is the dominant one over her and everything works out fine.
 

ELubas

Boxer Insane
Dogs in packs (Ali and Brooke) don't always act the same as when they are alone. I have also found that some dogs are not necessarily good with pups and the usual "puppy license" does not seem to apply. My girl can be like that and I am very cautious of her around young pups. She is has never bitten but can be rough for a young pup
 
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