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Why might my Newf have problems with a English Bulldog at the Dog Park? Is this Fear Aggression or Toy Possessiveness?
So Xander (Two year old Newf) and Rupert (13 month old English Bulldog) never had a bad experience with one another that I recall. Still, Xander has never really wanted anything to do with him, to the point that if Rupert went after a toy, Xander would immediately back off and watch from a distance of 10-15 feet away. This has gone on for months now.
Today, I bought a new toy and brought it with us to the park. Rupert showed up and took the toy from Xander without my Newf giving a cross growl or a lip curl. After perhaps 45 minutes of the Bulldog playing with the toy, he walked away from it and Xander approached it. When Rupert came back, Xander growled at him and the Bulldog backed off. When he made a second attempt for the toy, Xander was suddenly a 115lb black ball of teeth.
Rupert's owner grabbed him up, but Xander wasn't backing off and (I hope accidentally) nipped the owner while jumping after the Bulldog.
He didn't chill out until the Bulldog was out of the park. Ideas?
Asked by
Xander
on Jul 24th 2009
Tagged
in Aggression
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- This question is closed.
Best Answer
I am a Newfe /Chow mix.. and I can be possessive over toys and people
I love. I think Xander has taken enough of being used by the other dog taking his toys and finally stood up for what was his!!
Xander finally said that toy is MY TOY!! and leave it alone.. That was Xander's doggie way of warning the other pup!! Leave my Toys Alone.. I have been patient enough!!
I have shared enough..
Xander is being him self.. He isn't being bad..
People wouldn't tolerate sharing their cars the way Xander tolerated Rupert sharing his toy.. Sooner or later something has to give...
Harley answered on Jul 25th.
Other Answers
Answers
I really think your Newf had his limit of the bulldog. That last attempt at taking his toy was enough for your dog and he snapped.
He probably feels a bit bullied by the bulldog and decided enough was enough and unfortunately he didn't know how to use his "stop" button.
You should avoid the dog park when the bulldog is there and if you do go to the park again, keep your dog on a leash until you can see if it's just the bulldog or all dogs. And I'd stop bringing his toys into the park.
Guest 404377
answered on 7/24/09.
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Hi Xander!
I am a big fan of going to the dog park, but not of bringing toys from home. At the parks we go to, there are always dozens of "community" tennis balls around, and sometimes Katie will adopt one as "hers." If she starts seriously guarding it, I take it away and distract her by going to a different section of the park and finding some other activity.
Dogs go to the park to socialize and play with other dogs, but they are not human toddlers and thus do not need to be taught to share their toys. Instead of bringing a toy along, walk around with Xander and meet different people and dogs. If he doesn't follow you, encourage him by clapping your hands, calling in a high, happy voice, and running away from him, in the direction you want to go. You may find a particular dog he enjoys playing with (clearly, he's never been that "into" the Bulldog, anyway - BOL!)
Do make sure that at home, you can always take something of Xander's away, so he doesn't resource-guard with you. GL!
Katie
answered on 7/25/09.
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