My fixed dog has problems with dominant unfixed dogs, how do I correct this?

Question

I have a 1 1/2 year old cocker spaniel mix. He gets along with my other 2 fixed dogs. Recently I took him to a local dog park and he played well with another small unfixed male dog. After about 10 minutes, they both sniffed each other and it seemed like they froze, then looked at each other and went at it. They started fighting. I separated my dog and pinned him down. A few minutes later they sniffed each other and went at it again. This is the 2nd time its happened. The 1st time he instantaneously got in a fight with another unfixed male dog. How do I correct this? I cant even predict when this will happen. It seems that he has this problem only with unfixed dogs who are willing to defend their rank in the dog hierarchy. If I am aware that there is an unfixed dog at the dog park, should I leave with my dog? I feel perplexed about this, just b/c I personally believe that unfixed dogs shouldn't be at dog parks, but then again, my dog is getting into fights with unfixed male dogs.

Update:

Thanks for your answer Gal. No, unfortunately this wasn't play fighting, they both tried to bight each other and were growling. At first it seemed like play fighting but it quickly turned into the attacking each other.

Update 2:

Thanks for your answer Gal. No, unfortunately this wasn't play fighting, they both tried to bight each other and were growling. At first it seemed like play fighting but it quickly turned into the attacking each other.

Update 3:

oops, I apologize for the mispellings. bight ..bite.

Owned by Rocco the Staffy. · Accepted Answer

I have a male unfixed dog who is often being attacked by fixed male dogs and female dogs. It is just that youre dog is being agressive and you need to train it out of them. Often dominant dogs show this behaviour. And you are right, theres definately some hierarchy going on. Dog parks are there for all dogs including unfixed dogs so it is youre responsibility to train youre dog effectively and do not avoid going to the dog park. In fact go more often and watch Cesar Milans dvd and use his techniques and it should  help really fast. No use worrying about why hes doing it just stop him. My dog never starts fights, he loves other dogs and even tho youre dog is fixed he may still have high testosterone levels causing him to behave this way.Take a water bottle and squirt them both when it happens and be careful you dont get bitten seperating them, you can often make it worse by doing that.

Anonymous · Answer

You do have an idea of when it is going to happen and you need to prevent it. Don't let your dog be in a situation in which it can practice this behavior, it can get worse. You can teach your dog to focus on you and work on recalls so that if you need your dog to get away from another dog he will. You might want to check out some books

Feisty Fido
Click to Calm

www.fearfuldogs.com/books.html

I would leave the park with my dog if he was getting into fights with other dogs, for any reason. You can work on counter conditioning your dog but you'll need to understand triggers and thresholds. If I were you I'd work on getting really solid eye contact and recalls. Keep your dog on a leash and reward your dog for not reacting to other dogs, this is detailed in the books. You need to change the behavior AND how your dog feels about these dogs. If your dog is picking fights you might also consider getting a basket muzzle for him. Remember don't punish your dog for behavior you don't like, train for the behaviors you do.

www.fearfuldogs.com

a gal and her dog · Answer

Are they actually fighting or are they play-fighting? Sometimes it's hard to tell as some dogs play really rough, growl, and the whole thing, but are definitely playing.

If they're actually fighting, then keep the dogs separated. Avoid intact male dogs.

Anonymous · Answer

yeah strange

Trending News

My fixed dog has problems with dominant unfixed dogs, how do I correct this?

4 Answers