[MDC]

Hello, I have a 2-year-old mix, she is not inherently aggressive but when other dogs try to play with her she starts fights. She can be around other dogs and behaves fine, but as soon as they try to play with her she starts to fight. Is there any way to work on this with her? She grew up with cats and even had extended stays with other dogs and there were no issues. (IDK if that is relevant or not) I'm just looking for suggestions to see if there is anything I can do on my own or if I should seek professional help.

Thank you

 

[Lillith]

You dog is likely dog selective. She doesn't want to play with most other dogs. That's not something that can be trained out of them, and any trainer you tells you they can is full of it.

If she can be in the presence of other dogs without issue, that's a plus. She is clearly capable of ignoring other dogs and does not wish to have an altercation. I would respect your dog's wishes and keep her away from situations where other dogs who are going to run up to her and try to play are present. Dogs do not need to interact with other dogs, and she will be perfectly fine and happier with that arrangement.

 

[K9luv]

Maybe she feels nervous/fearful when other dogs intend to start play with her since she doesn't exactly know what they are doing. My pup loves to play with almost every dog if they are around eachother long enough. He will play bow. But at times the other dog (especially smaller than him) don't appreciate it so I keep away a bit to give the other dog space and encourage calm behaviour and move on. If she was my dog, I would keep social encounters with other dogs short and sweet, before they attempt to play. The more positive encounters she has, the better she will associate other dogs with happy times.

When my pup was really young, he was nervous of other pups/dogs and I was advised to do 3 second greetings and move on. It worked, now he is the one that wants to play.

I really only have him in lead when we are out, I would not appraciate any dog running up to us and charging.

 

[MDC]

You dog is likely dog selective. She doesn't want to play with most other dogs. That's not something that can be trained out of them, and any trainer you tells you they can is full of it.

If she can be in the presence of other dogs without issue, that's a plus. She is clearly capable of ignoring other dogs and does not wish to have an altercation. I would respect your dog's wishes and keep her away from situations where other dogs who are going to run up to her and try to play are present. Dogs do not need to interact with other dogs, and she will be perfectly fine and happier with that arrangement.

This is kind of what I was thinking but just wanted some confirmation it's a roommates dog but they can easily be separated so it isn't that big of a deal I appreciate the input!

 

[MDC]

Maybe she feels nervous/fearful when other dogs intend to start play with her since she doesn't exactly know what they are doing. My pup loves to play with almost every dog if they are around eachother long enough. He will play bow. But at times the other dog (especially smaller than him) don't appreciate it so I keep away a bit to give the other dog space and encourage calm behaviour and move on. If she was my dog, I would keep social encounters with other dogs short and sweet, before they attempt to play. The more positive encounters she has, the better she will associate other dogs with happy times.

When my pup was really young, he was nervous of other pups/dogs and I was advised to do 3 second greetings and move on. It worked, now he is the one that wants to play.

I really only have him in lead when we are out, I would not appraciate any dog running up to us and charging.

That's what I've mainly been doing she does seem like she is slowly getting more comfortable with the dog but as soon as the other dog shows too much energy it seems to spark her ill keep contact between them minimal for a while and see if I can improve their relationship. If not that's okay as they can easily be separated. Thank you for the reply!

 

[3GSD4IPO]

What Lillith said. Dogs do not need other dog play mates. Fact is, pushing it could create reactivity and that is something you do not want.