Dog park aggression/help

Valorieb · 12-06-2012, 08:37 PM

My normally sweet 16 month old fixed female surprised me today at the dog park by fighting with two dogs at separate times. I do not understand what this is about. I have two fixed females, one is 9 and then my 16 month old. We have been to the dog park many times before with no issues. Shortly after arriving we met up with a young female lab, they started playing but in just moments were in an all,out dog fight, even causing the other dog owner to get hurt pulling them apart. At that time I thought they had both started it and after being pent up for a few days (weather has prevented us from being out at below 0) my young one was just over excited, so we want on our way where she met up with a group of other dogs, one of which she has played with in the past, so they ran for 30 minutes or more chasing each other, life was great, she needed to burn that pent up energy. Then came time to come home, as we were still in the park, walking to leave another boxer mix was just arriving and after a minute of playing my girl started fighting him, full out had to pull her off and the she tried to get away from me to go after him more! What is up with this behavior? She is normally very obedient, on the verge of too good, she doesnt like to get into trouble, when reprimanded I can almost see the remorse in her eyes. I am worried about taking her to the park again!

Jeanie Marie · 12-31-2012, 10:47 AM

Good morning,

We had a female Boxer, Daisy, who was occasionally aggressive toward other dogs. She loved her adopted brother, O.D., but he was very passive. It was distressing when she would be aggressive toward other dogs. She loved kids and people. Our approach to this was to not take her to canine events. We would choose off-leash areas that weren't frequented much, or certain times of the day, so that she would still get her exercise. And, if on leash walks, if people asked if their pups could be introduced to Daisy (she was so cute), we'd politely decline. They understood.

A behavior specialist might have a different approach, but this worked for us.

Georgiapeach · 12-31-2012, 12:30 PM

Dempsey is very overbearing at dog parks. He hasn't gotten into a fight, but he pins down other dogs that he figures out are more passive than him - embarrassing, to say the least. I've had to go and get him more than once to let him chill out.

If a dog stands up to him, it's a whole different story. He tried bullying an Argentino Dogo pup (his size or bigger - she was around 9 months, I think). After a few pinnings on Dempsey's part, she finally stood up to him, and he turned tail and ran! After that, he was very careful around her and all was good. Unfortunately, most dogs we've encountered won't stand up for themselves, so Dempsey ends up bullying them - not a good situation. As a result, we've decided that dog parks are not a good place for him, and we quit taking him after a couple of visits.

Breezygirl · 12-31-2012, 02:23 PM

I have a very different opinion then some trainers.... I am not a fan of dog parks! Too many personalities, both with dogs and owners not to mention some bring dogs who are not well. Your dog may have been reading things in the other dogs that you didn't and wouldn't notice. OR its possible your dog was just not in the mood to be there. I love to socialize my dogs.. but I try and do it where I know the owners and the dogs. (as a trainer thats not hard) Be cautious but try not to get overly nervous because she will pick that up from you. Pups go through many stages and developmentally change both mentally and physically. Good luck with her .. she may just have had a bad day.

12-06-2012, 08:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Valorieb New User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2	Dog park aggression/help My normally sweet 16 month old fixed female surprised me today at the dog park by fighting with two dogs at separate times. I do not understand what this is about. I have two fixed females, one is 9 and then my 16 month old. We have been to the dog park many times before with no issues. Shortly after arriving we met up with a young female lab, they started playing but in just moments were in an all,out dog fight, even causing the other dog owner to get hurt pulling them apart. At that time I thought they had both started it and after being pent up for a few days (weather has prevented us from being out at below 0) my young one was just over excited, so we want on our way where she met up with a group of other dogs, one of which she has played with in the past, so they ran for 30 minutes or more chasing each other, life was great, she needed to burn that pent up energy. Then came time to come home, as we were still in the park, walking to leave another boxer mix was just arriving and after a minute of playing my girl started fighting him, full out had to pull her off and the she tried to get away from me to go after him more! What is up with this behavior? She is normally very obedient, on the verge of too good, she doesnt like to get into trouble, when reprimanded I can almost see the remorse in her eyes. I am worried about taking her to the park again!

12-31-2012, 10:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jeanie Marie New User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 9	Good morning, We had a female Boxer, Daisy, who was occasionally aggressive toward other dogs. She loved her adopted brother, O.D., but he was very passive. It was distressing when she would be aggressive toward other dogs. She loved kids and people. Our approach to this was to not take her to canine events. We would choose off-leash areas that weren't frequented much, or certain times of the day, so that she would still get her exercise. And, if on leash walks, if people asked if their pups could be introduced to Daisy (she was so cute), we'd politely decline. They understood. A behavior specialist might have a different approach, but this worked for us. __________________ ~Jeanie Mom to Duke and Buster (and our kids at the Rainbow Bridge Daisy and Original Duke)

12-31-2012, 12:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
Georgiapeach Super User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Newnan, GA Posts: 1,869	Dempsey is very overbearing at dog parks. He hasn't gotten into a fight, but he pins down other dogs that he figures out are more passive than him - embarrassing, to say the least. I've had to go and get him more than once to let him chill out. If a dog stands up to him, it's a whole different story. He tried bullying an Argentino Dogo pup (his size or bigger - she was around 9 months, I think). After a few pinnings on Dempsey's part, she finally stood up to him, and he turned tail and ran! After that, he was very careful around her and all was good. Unfortunately, most dogs we've encountered won't stand up for themselves, so Dempsey ends up bullying them - not a good situation. As a result, we've decided that dog parks are not a good place for him, and we quit taking him after a couple of visits. __________________

12-31-2012, 02:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
Breezygirl Advanced User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Ontario Posts: 831	I have a very different opinion then some trainers.... I am not a fan of dog parks! Too many personalities, both with dogs and owners not to mention some bring dogs who are not well. Your dog may have been reading things in the other dogs that you didn't and wouldn't notice. OR its possible your dog was just not in the mood to be there. I love to socialize my dogs.. but I try and do it where I know the owners and the dogs. (as a trainer thats not hard) Be cautious but try not to get overly nervous because she will pick that up from you. Pups go through many stages and developmentally change both mentally and physically. Good luck with her .. she may just have had a bad day.

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