First Time Dog Park Aggression

[JacksMama]

Originally Posted by Lilie

Also - there are many, many mixed breeds on this board as well. The only rule we have is that you HAVE to post pictures! We love pictures!

Welcome to the forum! I look forward to seeing your pup progress back to his ole' self.

Yes Ma'am! Here you go. Pictures from the "candid" file. Both times - caught on places he knew he couldn't be on. My favorite is the couch - he's got this "What?? Why are you freaking out about this?" look on his face.

And thanks for the welcome, both from you and everyone.

[CarrieJ]

Welcome Jack'sMama,
I'd have to agree with Lilie, poor guy had some massive changes in environment. It sounds like he had to escalate his "NO" or "Knock it off" when dogs mounted him. More like a "I MEAN NO!!!!!"
And, to be honest....Boxers just don't take "NO" unless it's a in your face lots of exclamation points put on the end of the statement. Bulldogs are the same way.
If I was leashing my dog and a dog came up and mounted her then I'd be the one to literally shove it off. That's a space issue.

[Nikitta]

I agree about boxers. Both mine are very dog friendly but this boxer at the park got both of them at the point of growling because that boxer was so aggressive with them including trying to hump them. And what was with those other lazy owners at that park? Did they think it was funny that you were trying to control the situation while they sat on their lard butts and watched while they're uncontrolable dogs acted out?

[Lilie]

Jack is a cutie pie! He has that old soul look in his eyes.

[JacksMama]

Originally Posted by Nikitta

And what was with those other lazy owners at that park? Did they think it was funny that you were trying to control the situation while they sat on their lard butts and watched while they're uncontrolable dogs acted out?

Honestly, I have no idea. I was so frustrated that I actually looked at one of the men and pretty much said "Could you grab your dog? Please?" It was met with blank stares. I'm petite and while I can handle my dog, handling four of them starts becoming challenging.

CarrieJ: as for shoving off the humpers, I did at first when their owners refused to "engage" in the situation but I was focused on trying to remove Jack from the rapidly escalating tension. I wondered if my tension with the situation may have fed into Jack's aggression. Uh. It was just a mess.

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by Nikitta

And BTW, ANYONE is welcome here. Purebred owners or not. And I totally agree with the above posts. Your poor pup was only reacting to lots of stress, trying to defend himself. I agree with Lilie's post.

Agree - your guy was defending himself.

Personally, while better to all get along, I would much rather have a dog who will defend himself (might have to do so for you one day!) than one who runs behind his owner or goes belly up when challenged.

And don't forget, your guy is starting to grow up as well.

[codmaster]

BTW, many times "mounting" is a dominance behavior not a sexual one. Like a dog putting a paw on the back of another dog. Can be "instant fight"!

Either one would cause my 5yo male GSD to "defend" himself with vigour!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CarrieJ]

Originally Posted by JacksMama

Honestly, I have no idea. I was so frustrated that I actually looked at one of the men and pretty much said "Could you grab your dog? Please?" It was met with blank stares. I'm petite and while I can handle my dog, handling four of them starts becoming challenging.

CarrieJ: as for shoving off the humpers, I did at first when their owners refused to "engage" in the situation but I was focused on trying to remove Jack from the rapidly escalating tension. I wondered if my tension with the situation may have fed into Jack's aggression. Uh. It was just a mess.

Take a deep breath and remember that in 200 years, no one will know.

The next step is to lead your dog either collar guide or have him follow you unleashed to the gate and leash him there. That way your dog isn't feeling restrained in a pack setting while you lead him across the park. (I have no idea how big your park is; but I tend to cringe at leashed dogs inside a dog park)
Also if you have to at the gate you are a bit better at blocking the path of dogs intent on dominating your dog. Usually, most dogs will respect a human and give them space. Note: usually, *shrug* I have met a few that had to be introduced to my knee at the gate.

I have used the term: Manage your dog or I will. Your dog is being dominant, and he is NOT playing.
You'd be surprised if you stay calm, that you can find yourself managing several dogs just on your body language.
(see first sentence )