Dog reactivity

[CreatureTeacher]

I have to agree with Boston. I don't react particularly well to a stranger jumping all over me, either. It's not unheard of for labs to be this way. From the other side, my dog is the sort who thinks everyone else is his BESTEST FRIEND the moment he spots them. But I've taught him to listen if other dogs tell him they don't necessarily want to get married before they shake hands. People frequently don't think to teach their dogs manners when it comes to other dogs.

Something that may help is to walk him on-lead for a while, maybe even in the doggy park, and if one of *those* dogs comes barreling for him, put him in a stay and just step in front of him. Stand straight, don't smile, and put your weight into your toes. Let the dog barrel into you instead. Your dog will appreciate the gesture, which says that you've heard him loud and clear. It will probably also help his confidence; he's no longer on his own when it comes to interacting with strangers. You're telling him, "It's okay, I'll deal with this because I know it makes you uncomfortable." A well-executed body block should take the steam out of the oncoming dog, although they can be pretty oblivious. Unless they're especially committed, they should decide it's not worth it to have to push you down to get to your dog, and they'll go do other, more entertaining things instead.

I think the thing to watch for here is that your pooch doesn't decide to be snippy with dogs who are perfectly polite. As long as they're respecting his space, you shouldn't see these reactions. If you do, we've got something else going on.

[Zhucca]

Originally Posted by CharlieDog

I agree with Boston. Really the only other thing might be if he's uncomfortable or has a painful back maybe? I know when Enzo tweaked her back, she didn't want to play, she held her head down like you described and hunched her back up a little bit and would show tooth at other dogs approaching her.

It was just a pulled muscle, thankfully, and she didn't need to visit the chiro, but that's also something to think about.

I think it's been going on long enough though, that that's probably not it, and he's just doesn't feel like socializing with everyone, and like Boston said, that's perfectly fine! Ozzy doesn't like most dogs, so he isn't put anywhere where we might run into an off leash dog.

Actually that is a good point, since with his on going allergy problems he might be a bit crabby because of that. He's been a little bit off lately and I think

Originally Posted by Southpaw

This was my thought as well.

In some ways Juno is similar. As a puppy she was OBSESSED with playing with other dogs. Really obnoxious about it. We'd spend hours at the dog park almost every day. Then she became an adult and now she'd rather just be left alone. Actually she just wants adult dogs to leave her alone... the rare times we do go to dog park, it never fails that whenever she finds a dog to play with, it's always less than 12 months old.

We still on occasion go to the dog park just because she likes the landscape and being able to run off leash. Most times dogs don't even really go up to her. And maybe this makes me a horrible person that shouldn't set foot in the park, but I have no problem with my dog telling off another dog that's being rude or obnoxious.

I'm glad others experience the same thing in their dog. There are corrections I don't really blink at (which might have others whispering to their walking buddy about my 'aggressive dog'). Duke corrects dogs immediately when they hump him, it's one thing he doesn't tolerate. Which is a-okay with me, as long as he doesn't over do it. And he doesn't.

Originally Posted by CreatureTeacher

I have to agree with Boston. I don't react particularly well to a stranger jumping all over me, either. It's not unheard of for labs to be this way. From the other side, my dog is the sort who thinks everyone else is his BESTEST FRIEND the moment he spots them. But I've taught him to listen if other dogs tell him they don't necessarily want to get married before they shake hands. People frequently don't think to teach their dogs manners when it comes to other dogs.

Something that may help is to walk him on-lead for a while, maybe even in the doggy park, and if one of *those* dogs comes barreling for him, put him in a stay and just step in front of him. Stand straight, don't smile, and put your weight into your toes. Let the dog barrel into you instead. Your dog will appreciate the gesture, which says that you've heard him loud and clear. It will probably also help his confidence; he's no longer on his own when it comes to interacting with strangers. You're telling him, "It's okay, I'll deal with this because I know it makes you uncomfortable." A well-executed body block should take the steam out of the oncoming dog, although they can be pretty oblivious. Unless they're especially committed, they should decide it's not worth it to have to push you down to get to your dog, and they'll go do other, more entertaining things instead.

I think the thing to watch for here is that your pooch doesn't decide to be snippy with dogs who are perfectly polite. As long as they're respecting his space, you shouldn't see these reactions. If you do, we've got something else going on.

Thanks so much for the advice. I will have to try walking him on leash and be vigilant to body block the dogs getting into his bubble. Thinking about it now, his reactions are much better when he's on leash in the park. I leash him when we pass certain points by the river, since he goes hunting for dead ducks. (and he ALWAYS finds one) So that's a good idea.

[Donna Hill]

BostonBarker is right on the money! There are many, many dogs that outgrow being social with strange dogs. This is a normal dog behavior.

Typically, what you see are people that make a real effort to socialize their dogs when young, hang out successfully until the pup is 18 months or so, then stop coming. You'll see very few dogs that keep going to dog parks after about 2.5 years.

I am personally not a fan of dog parks, especially if they are small fenced area as it is hit and miss who attends them. There are also many dogs who should not be at them but are. This creates trauma for those who have carefully socialized their dogs.

Quite frankly adult dogs don't need to be social with every dog they meet. All they need to be able politely meet and greet unknown dogs and move on while on or off leash. Or behave politely while the pet parents stop to talk (sit or lay down while waiting-no need to expect continued interaction with the other dog).

Walking with a group of dogs can also help as if they keep moving, they tend to interact less as they are more focussed on the environment than each other and it is more comfortable for them in both leashed and unleashed situations.

You will find once you remove the expectation to socialize with unknown dogs, that your dog may relax and be more comfortable to interact briefly.

It is up to you to intervene to prevent greetings to go on too long for your dog's comfort.You can simply get your dog's attention and turn and move away. Hopefully the other pet parent will take the cue and leave in the other direction.

There many rude dogs out there.

Good luck!