Zig gets attacked by other dogs

[jcfoetoo]

My 2 year old male loves to play with other dogs. But even when he just meets a new dog and stands there while the other dog sniffs him he gets attacked by the other dog or they growl and bark at him. He does not ever fight back but rather runs from them. It seems as other dogs just dont like him. I've never seen this before. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

 

[auntthelm]

Poor Zig. I just have a few thoughts. Perhaps a day at doggie day care would help or just one on one play with a friend's dog. Our babies are really good at reading our emotions is there any chance that you are inhibiting Zig's greetings. With my Crystal I tended to pull her back some if a large dog was near, she just liked small dogs more and was comfortable at play with them. With a large dog she would immediately use her front paws to greet and I guess it must have seemed aggressive because the dogs would respond aggressively. After a couple of time of that I just felt safer keeping her a little distant from the big guys.

 

[kayboxer]

Has he been neutered? That's my first thought. Usually dogs who haven't been neutered can have that happen.

 

[dmajor]

This is coming from a trainers point of view. I can't say for sure what is happening in Zig's case, but I can discuss a little about canine behavior. There are certain ways that dogs greet each other or expect to be greeted. If your dog if not giving the appropriate body language to the other dog, the other dog could be mis-interpreting his intent. If he is just standing there but is showing dominant dog signals (e.g., ears very forward, standing stiffly tall, tail nub held high), this could lead to the other dog believing he is challenging them rather than just standing there. I am just using this as an example. This may not even be Zig's intent but if he has not learned appropriate "dog language" this can be ongoing. Auntthelm is right about the throwing of paws over the shoulders or backs. This is seen as a dominating gesture and can lead to conflict. Honestly, to know for sure, it would help to talk to a very good trainer or like Auntthelm said, maybe finding a really good doggy daycare center who understands canine behavior who can help see why this happens. There are so many factors that can be at play here. Where is this occuring? At the park, at a friends house, walking down the street? Are both dogs on leashes? Only 1 on a leash? How well do you know the other dogs? How often has your boy had the opportunity to play and be with other dogs? How old are the dogs? All of these questions matter. The other dogs may sense that Zig is more submissive and they are asserting their position.

There is more to this than probably meets the eye. If it is happening with almost every dog he meets, then chances are you will need a professional to help determine what is happening and why. I don't know if this helps, but I hope Zig can eventually meet and play with other dogs as he so wants to do.

 

[ELubas]

Has he been neutered? That's my first thought. Usually dogs who haven't been neutered can have that happen.

That is what i wondered too. If it is all dogs then this would be the most logical explanation though some dogs, due to temperment, would not challenge him period. And you say he loves to play-who does he play with? If this is happening wtih new dogs then, as dmajor said, he may be displaying some dog body language that is provoking this. I know a lovely Siberian Husky who's mode of "greeting" is to charge up into a strange dog's face. The first time he did it to my girl she was not nice about it :eek: but he did not socialze much as a pup and just never learned-he is truly a great dog that got beat on a lot but now has learned and does great everywhere-he learned from other dogs!

 

[jcfoetoo]

Thanks, all good answers

He is not neutered, this has happened while both him and the other dog were on leashes and when they both were not. It does not happen with every dog he meets but does happen often, at the beach, hiking trails and even our own yard. He plays well and gets along with our friends dogs, and neighborhood dogs, although, sometimes his youthfullness gets on the older dogs nerves after a while. I am starting to think it is his stance as like you said he stands very still, stiff, and tall when meeting a new dog. He does not act submissive, shy or scared, although I do believe he is submissive on the doggie totem pole.
Thanks again,
Jeff and Ziggy

 

[nooric]

My Boy Gets the same reaction

I have a neutered white male who gets the same reaction from other dogs especially little dogs. Several of them have just charged him without the whole smelling intro. Its so frustrating as I'm afraid to let him go to far in case they bite him or he "plays boxer style" and it freaks them out. I thought it was his color that turned the other dogs off :0

 

[karen mambo]

I would almost guarantee it is the "not sterilised" dog factor coming into play. Mambo has the same problem although he is the friendliest dog on the block. He has never acted aggressively but he absolutely gets the same "howdy doody" from other dogs. particularly male dogs. It was really bad for a period although seems to be improving (mambo is only 13 months). I did put it down to him being intact and not displaying the overtly submissive behaviour when he meets other dogs. He now waits for the play behaviour from other dogs before he shows any signs of "anything". He has been attacked several times but luckily I am never far away to intervene.

Good luck
Karen & Mambo

 

[bruno!]

We had the same problem with Bruno. he was attacked numerous times and never fought back, would just run away. I would definitely consult with a professional because as a result bruno developed a fear of other dogs and would rarely socialize. he's 3 now and in the past month, has just started showing signs of fear aggression, attacking ANY strange dog that comes near him. We can't even take him to the dog park any more, and I'm wishing we had spoken to a professional sooner.