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Old 10-22-2006   #1 (permalink)
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Default my shep./husky is a bully - help!

My 4 yr old husky/shepherd mix aggressively dominates some dogs when she's off leash at the dog park; specifically there are about 7 or 8 dogs that she has "gone after" since we got her 2 yrs ago. "Go after" means she'll pounce on these dogs, snarling and growling - these episodes end in less than 5 seconds (not sure if it's only because I yell at her or if these other dogs are sufficiently subordinated by then!).

My dog generally seems quite proud of herself after an "attack" unless she gets a big scolding. She has never drawn blood. I have often thought that this was just big-time alpha female behavior, but I would appreciate some knowledgable opinions on the subject.

My dog is a 60 lbs; we got her from a rescue when she was two years old. I have thought that if my dog wanted to inflict harm on another dog that she could do so in heart beat - is this faulty thinking?

More info: the dogs she chooses to dominate/"go after" are always the sweetest dogs - one of them is incredibly submissive and my dog just seems like a big bully who wants to make sure that this wimpy dog knows her place. These dominance attacks are awful and embarrasing.

Is this behavior part of "normal" canine social structure? Advice please.

(I should mention that my dog is not aggressive towards people and she's expecically sweet and playful with children).
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Old 10-22-2006   #2 (permalink)
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You've hit the nail on the head. She's displaying normal alpha female behaviour. The object is not to hurt the other dog, but only have it submissive to her. Now, that she does this at the park is kind of unusual unless she considers the park to be part of her territory. It sounds as though you go there often and see the same dogs, so she may have started accepting it as an extension of her territory and pack.

Now, then, what to do about it is a problem. I have seen an alpha in my pack "go after" a submissive dog in the park and, once the dominance thing is taken care of, they play happily together. But it still made me nervous and embarrassed at what humans perceive as bad manners. That's just it. To the dogs, what is happening is just part of their normal behaviour patterns. It takes training to make them understand that it is not acceptable behaviour.

Since you allow her to run freely at the dog park, there are a couple of options. When you catch her at this behaviour, say "No!" in a loud firm voice - enough to startle her - and then put her on her leash and make her stay on her leash for the rest of your stay. She will soon associate that behaviour with your displeasure and restriction in her play.

The second thing you could do is to buy a long leash (20') that will allow her to run a bit, but still give you control over her movements. It takes practice to learn to manage that much leash, but you'll get the hang of it. Then, when she takes off after a dog, you can stop her and say a firm "No!".

Of course, there is another trick but it's kind of "off the wall". When she runs one way, turn around and run the other way. Often, that will catch their attention and they will chase after you thinking you are leaving them.
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Old 10-22-2006   #3 (permalink)
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Thank you granma_ota; your comments are very reassuring and affirming to boot! You are right that we go to the dog park all the time - I had not considered that the dog now sees it as her turf. I will be especially stern with her when this happens again, becasue it likely will. I'll add that most all of the dog park regulars are familiar with my dog, but this does not make her boorish behavior any more acceptable. I REALLY like your idea of leashing her up immediately after a "domination" attack. If fact, I may just take her right home afterwards so she'll really get the picture. She is a smart dog.

Thanks again for the kind words and wonderful advice.
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Old 10-22-2006   #4 (permalink)
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Thank you granma_ota for the kind words and wonderful advice. I think I will leash her up and take her home immediately after the next "dominance" attack.
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Old 10-22-2006   #5 (permalink)
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oops - sorry for posting twice... I didn't think the first one went through.
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my shep./husky is a bully - help!