agression toward other dogs.

[JudithMary]

Jake is now almost a year old he is neutered and fairly well excersised. We go to the dog park pretty often so he does get to interact with other dogs. Recently however he has become more assertive/agressive not really sure what to call it. In the pet store today he growled at another dog then when the other dog growled back he got most upset and growled more. He then went out into the car. Is this just normal adolecent behavior? What is the best thing to do with it. I didn't make a big deal just took him outl I know sometimes we interperet dog stuff as being worse than it really is. Any thoughts?

[bubbatd]

Wish I could help ...I've never really had DA ....just some rumbles at home .

[Sweet72947]

If your dog is a terrier, then yes it is normal adolescent behavior. I would put more work into his leash manners and teach him that it is not acceptable to act like jerk on leash, because DA can be controlled in this manner. But be prepared for him to not like other dogs, especially males.

[SisMorphine]

Originally Posted by Sweet72947

If your dog is a terrier, then yes it is normal adolescent behavior. I would put more work into his leash manners and teach him that it is not acceptable to act like jerk on leash, because DA can be controlled in this manner. But be prepared for him to not like other dogs, especially males.

I agree with this. You can still make him a model citizen, even if he no longer wants to be social with most other dogs. Breed traits, always a joy.

[Dekka]

Welcome to Jack russells lol. He will likely have to stop going to the dog park (at least when other dogs are there) The 'change' tends to happen around 2.. as they hit maturity and realize they want to take on any dog who looks at the wrong.

As for around dogs on leash (where they are leash too) its much easier to keep his focus and keep other dogs from invading his space.

[Bigpoodleperson]

I agree with working more on his leash manners. He may not want to like other dogs, but he must learn to tollerate them. It doesnt sound like DA at this point to me, but more a reaction to being on leash (confined) and meeting a strange dog.

When Riley turned about 3 he started to not "like" every dog on leash. He is perfect and tollerant, but he has manners and Expects everyone else to also. If they get in his face on leash he will let them know he doesnt like this. If they sniff politely then he is fine.

[MissMutt]

How large was the dog in the Pet Store? Sometimes size can make them even more crazy.

I agree with the others, I wouldn't say DA just yet. Maybe this dog in the store just got under his skin -- it may not happen again for a long time. Can't like 'em all! Watch him closely at the DP and make sure he is still 100% okay with being there.

[smkie]

I was going to ask what you did when he did growl. TIming is everything. I agree with what Sweet said.

[JudithMary]

I removed him when he started growling and barking. The other dog actually growled as well although it seemed mutual. He has gone to 2 sets o classes and I may do another. I guess I will just have to keep on top ofthis. Going to the dog park alone is no problem as it is always deserted on a nasty or cool day. I can also run him loose at the barn. He gets way more excersise out in the fields and so do I.