For Dog Folks

[ttusa]

I have a very sweet Boston Terrier(that's him in my avatar), but he's been bad at the dog park in the last few months. He shows dominance towards some of the puppies by growling and making a lot of racket (no teeth action). Any advice for a Boston Terror?

[Cope]

I've owned two Bostns, a resuced timid 10# female and a 20# male who spent his 1st 4 months in a pet store cage. Neither was agresssive. The female would not back down from our Sheltie, but didn't start anything. We have 2 neighbors with a total of 3 Bostons and I have never seen any aggressive behavior from them.

If he only displays this behavior at the dog park, he may be trying to defend you.

[Patti Edens]

Therese, Have you ever watched the Dog Whisperer? There are a few snippets on this website and more info about times when it comes on, etc.

http://channel.nationalgeographic.co...preview_1.html

This will not help your immediate problem, but it is an interesting show about dog behavior and how to achieve a calm, submissive state for a dog that is showing dominance.

I had a Chesapeak Bay Retriever that didn't like other dogs (or people for that matter) and would growl and even lunged after a few people. We never could get her to behave. I think if I had known about the techniques that Cesar Milano (Dog Whisperer) uses, she would have gotten along better with other dogs and people and been a happier dog.

The great thing about the show is that he says over and over that all dogs can be taught how to behave in the "pack" with correct techniques and repetitive reinforcement.

Good luck,

[ttusa]

Dapper just displays bad behaviors toward the puppies (Meanie). He doesn't mess with the older dogs. It's usually at the dog park only.

[mjdmike]

Originally Posted by Patti Edens

Therese, Have you ever watched the Dog Whisperer?

Great show, and well worth the time for all dog owners. I no longer have a pup, but his logic and techniques for managing difficult dogs are simple and sound.

The bottom line is that he trains the people, not the dogs. Check it out -- it's always interesting.

[byarger]

Therese -

Our Boston Lucy is an alpha dog where other dogs are concerned. She almost "flunked out" of Petsmart's puppy school because she also was too aggressive around the other dogs, even our Black Lab (at times). We have not taken her to the dog park yet and we just make sure we control her interactions with other dogs. She will not back down! She is very loving and sweet with people, but doesn't always get along with other dogs in a neutral setting. We have not been very proactive in trying to change her personality, so I don't know if I can offer any real good advise. I think, though, that dog training would be helpful.

[suzyjazz]

I don't really have much advice, but I second the Dog Whisperer. I like watching that show.

I know you said there has been no teeth action, but I would get a muzzle and take it with you to the dog park just in case things escalate. Of course, the fact that your dog has a muzzle on in that setting might attract unwanted/undeserved attention.