Hi everyone,

New poster here. I have a 1 1/2 year old boxer mix named Maddie. Up until about three days ago she had never shown any agression towards other dogs. We've been taking her to our local dog park since April and had no problems with other dogs, she doesn't have a mean hair on her body. We took about a two week break from the park because of other activities and took her back again last week. All of a sudden she became very diffensive over things like toys, balls, and when she is drinking from the water bowls and began to snarl and snap at some of the other dogs. Like I said, she has never been anything but sweet so my wife and I are freeking out about it. We just talked to our vet and and they didn't think anything was wrong medically so this is obviously just behavior and her probably trying to show her dominance all of a sudden. I know when she does snap to move her away from the water, and I do, and to take the toys but she is to fast for me and I can't get them away from her. She is still sweet as can be at home and with other people so it's just dogs at the dog park. Is it because of the break and needs to be re-socialized or is it an age thing? I'm just looking for some suggestions from some of you who may have experienced similar defensive/dominant behavior in dog parks and around other dogs. I'd hate to stop going because she really does love the park. Thanks and sorry for the long post!

Aggression does not equal dominance. Your dog is resource guarding - this is the result of stress, confusion, and conflict. It begs the question, how well have you controlled the dog's resources at home? Was the dog raised around other dogs, starting at birth? How often did you visit the dog park before? Has anything changed at home? New baby in the house? Did you move? Is there any reason the dog may not be as stimulated or enriched during her day? Has she bitten another dog? If so, how hard?

Since she does love going to the dog park, use that as an incentive for good behavior. As soon as she exhibits unwanted behavior, take her out of the park, immediately. Also, do you walk her before going to the park? If not, definitely do so. Let the park be a reward for good leash manners. Does she have any toys that are not "high value" items, or does she covet all of them for herself? I even wonder (and I only thought of this just this minute, so I don't know) if you were to have a specific toy or two that is only played with at the dog park, and never at home-- if that would help. She might be able to make some associations there: Good behavior= dog park= special toy. Possessive behavior= go home= no toys. As for the water dish: Does the park provide a community water dish, or do you bring one for her, and she does not want to share? If the former, try bringing her own, and water her in a quiet corner away from everyone else. If the latter, try watering her in a quiet corner away from everyone else, or teach her to drink from a people sports bottle with a pop-up spout. It will make it easier to water her by herself, without having to water everyone else's dogs too. (I've found the bottle to be much more convenient to carry on walks too!)

Good luck, I hope I could be of help!

[rayter]

Is your dog spayed? It may help if you get it done. Have you been through training classes? They are also great.

A new dog coming into their house. Territorial problems. As for you being the pack leader, very good, but the dog below you have to sort out who is next in line. You cannot sort it out for him. If the aggression is not that bad, let it happened. Eventually it will establish who is the boss amount him. If you feel something bad might happen, I would highly suggest going to training classes with him to make them "ask" you to perform their next action instead of take it upon themselves to act.

[lil mutt]

Originally Posted by rayter

Is your dog spayed?

I think spaying your dog can also affect their behavior sometimes...

She may have experienced another dog trying to gain dominance over her and didn't like it very much. My female cocker spaniel became aggressive when we decided to bring another cocker spaniel into the home (male). She went from loving and friendly to a snarling beast. This went on for about a year until she submitted to him.

Anyway, it seems that she may have experienced some dominance from another dog, most likely male. If she did, it will be difficult for her to adjust unless she submits to him. There is no telling whether that will happen or not.

You should take note as to which dogs are around her every time she goes to the park.

Hope this helps!

Happy K-9 Dog Care: Your All-in-one Resource Guide
SitStayFetch: Effective Dog Training

I agree that what you are seeing is probably resource guarding and even little puppies will do, scared dogs will do it, confident dogs will do it. To understand what is going on and how to help your dog read

MINE!