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Merlin has been socialized with a variety of dogs from day one. He came from a big litter and the breeder allowed him to play with the older dogs to formulate some valuable manners.
Recently, when we have been going and playing with dogs for the most part 95%, he plays nice. He can get rough, but is told off by older dogs. Which he seems fine with.
Today I had a friend over with two shichons that are VERY friendly and are very laid back.
Merlin took immediately to the 1 year old and they played beautifully. The older male (who is quite large - about 20bs) wanted to get in on it and started barking at Merlin. Merlin was a tad frightened and snapped at him but continued to play nicely with the other dog.
Finally other guy really wanted in and barged in between the two and tried to play with Merlin.
Merlin did not have it. I have never seen him react like this - it was full on snarly, growly teeth and lunged at him. I went to separate (as they were not giving in) and the other dog was trying to pin him hard. Got them apart and removed the older dog from the situation.
Merlin seemed confused, but went back to the other pup and played very nicely. No growling etc.
I feel like I am getting an aggressive dog on my hands.. (this is where I feel like I am overreacting)
This is the second time he has snapped at other dog who pushed him too far.
I just don't want an aggressive dog. The other owner got my back up by saying " those schnauzer breeds are so aggressive" I almost fainted. That is my MOST WORST fear.
I talked to over with the other half and we sort of came to the conclusion that for now one dog at a time for him. I think it was overwhelming for him and he panics.
Thoughts?
Recently, when we have been going and playing with dogs for the most part 95%, he plays nice. He can get rough, but is told off by older dogs. Which he seems fine with.
Today I had a friend over with two shichons that are VERY friendly and are very laid back.
Merlin took immediately to the 1 year old and they played beautifully. The older male (who is quite large - about 20bs) wanted to get in on it and started barking at Merlin. Merlin was a tad frightened and snapped at him but continued to play nicely with the other dog.
Finally other guy really wanted in and barged in between the two and tried to play with Merlin.
Merlin did not have it. I have never seen him react like this - it was full on snarly, growly teeth and lunged at him. I went to separate (as they were not giving in) and the other dog was trying to pin him hard. Got them apart and removed the older dog from the situation.
Merlin seemed confused, but went back to the other pup and played very nicely. No growling etc.
I feel like I am getting an aggressive dog on my hands.. (this is where I feel like I am overreacting)
This is the second time he has snapped at other dog who pushed him too far.
I just don't want an aggressive dog. The other owner got my back up by saying " those schnauzer breeds are so aggressive" I almost fainted. That is my MOST WORST fear.
I talked to over with the other half and we sort of came to the conclusion that for now one dog at a time for him. I think it was overwhelming for him and he panics.
Thoughts?