Is this Aggression?

I’m a no nonsense person so my dog would get a slap on the snout, quick and no other antics , back on lead and total me not happy mode, no most on here are different and that’s fine ,

 

I'm on my first dog in 38 years so don't take what I whaffle on about too seriously, however, I am guessing they are like humans and all other animals really, it is NOT unusual to take a dislike to another - just by gut feeling! If it is not unfriendly to all dogs then clearly it has possibly good taste in a nice dog or a not so nice dog and the growling and barking is the way your dog expresses its feelings. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however, it could, I'm thinking get a little out of hand! So perhaps some form of diversion when it occurs might not be a bad thing, and certainly do not make a big event of it, because that will imprint it more. Best of luck!

 

I like dogs to be dog neutral. That means if my dog is indifferent to others, he can be more focussed on me which is always a good thing.

I agree with Jan's comment, if she is unsure of another dog, get her out of the situation. And, learn all you can about canine body language because that will help you a lot in anticipating problems before they start. She is a collie I think, so read about the collie 'stare' and I'm sure there will be pictures and videos online.

You may also find these links helpful -

Body Language

Dog Reactivity

I wouldn't recommend a slap on the snout - partly because the snout is a sensitive part of a dog's body, and mainly because I don't think it's right to punish her for this. What she is doing is telling the other dog she isn't comfortable and to get out of her space. If you felt anxious - let's say about spiders and you squealed when you saw one - if I slapped you every time you might stop squealing but you wouldn't feel less anxious about them. In fact you'd probably feel more anxious because you know that the sight of a spider is accompanied by a slap.

You should also never reprimand a growl, it's an important communication that your dog is unhappy about something. Stopping her from growing would be like taking the battery out of a smoke alarm.

So lurcherman is quite correct when he says there are people who will disagree!

 

AOA? Sorry, I don't think I know that term?

 

It isn't random dogs, it's rude dogs that she is warning to mind their manners. Dog communication is mainly body-language, and we humans take a while to learn about it. But just the same as we don't like certain people and certain approaches, nor do dogs. She is quite within her 'rights' to do this in dog terms, but in a human world, we are best to avoid it. You need to be her protector so she doesn't feel she has to deal with other dogs, and this involves being PRO-active not RE-active. Move her away before things kick off and don't let her run up to other dogs by teaching her: see other dog, return to owner, get rewarded and if you can't trust her to stay with you - I wouldn't as she is still very young - pop the lead on, have her to the side of you that is furthest from the other dog/s, and walk away.

Walk her places it is less likely to happen because her stress levels will rise every time another dog stresses her. As a separate exercise, you go to the park without her, and study all the dog/dog interactions. This will teach you the signals dogs give off when they approach other dogs.

 

I think this is very telling. Imagine going to a bar and literally everyone there came over to "say hi". Whether they knew you or not, they think "Ooh! Person! Must meet!"

First couple of strangers you'd be polite, and probably say "hi" back. But the 20th? 50th? 100th?

At some point, you'd snap, and tell them to shove their "hi's" where the sun don't shine and leave you alone. You only came out for a quiet drink with a friend, for god's sake!

Now imagine your friend witnessed all this. He or she can do one of 2 things:

1) Smack you around the head and tell you the strangers are only "being friendly", so settle down and accept it, or I'll frog march you out of here, put you in a cab and that'll be the end of our catch-up.

2) link your arm with theirs, and say "How about we get out of here and go get something to eat instead, eh?"

Which would you prefer?

I know you never suggested hitting your dog, but I had to address Lurcherman's comment that his dogs get a smack on the nose for showing normal behaviour. Going somewhere quieter - or even, go in to the park at quieter times is for the best.

Glad I'm not the only one.

 

Maybe try to distract her before she stares too much - a lot of dogs find the 'collie stare' quite unnerving and that in turn might make their body language either defensive or aggressive (sayng back off).

 

Can I add having worked in rescue where dogs come in 'having snapped at a child' it's always the hands and little fingers- and I'd put money on the dog having been slapped on the muzzle for discipline. The only thing this teaches dogs is that hands are weapons. But I do have a reactive dog and do try the distraction method which usually works...when it fails it's because I haven't judged the situation in time, which does happen.

 

Do you still Drag your women into your cave too ....

 

"Aggression is a behaviour not a dog".

All of us have felt aggressive at some time, and all of us have been the victims of another person's aggression. It's a natural behaviour albeit an unwanted one. So the very best way to avoid aggression is to observe everything that goes on around you (no using the mobile when you walk your dog) and use pre-emptive behaviour any time there is a chance of it. Even if it means turning around and going another way. As dogs mature, and as our behaviour teaches them that they can trust us to protect them, they become more confident and so more dog-neutral.

Sometimes other people make ignorant comments when we move away and body-block their ill-behaved dogs. Treat it as mind over matter. You don't mind and they don't matter.

 

Tiny Tom, they never escape the cave as they are chained up , anyway my slap on the snout is mainly a distraction and I will do it again, I am the boss, as said before I don’t have these problems 90 % have with dogs so like I’ve said I’m giving my opinion on what I do with great rewards, people who know me do see the results, and for the ones who think the dogs nose is hanging off with blood dripping you need to just calm down and chill.

 

My pet peeve. It's just asking for trouble.

A knee to the groin doesn't result in blood and gore either, but still hurts like heck.