Re: re: learning to fight

Posted by: Heather Reid
Posted on: July 30, 2001 at 11:17:07

In Reply to: re: learning to fight
Posted by: May Agagon
Posted on: July 30, 2001 at 10:26:22

Question:

: I just wanted to thank Linda for her response on my post "will she learn to defend herself", and I wholeheartedly agree with her that I like my dog friendly, does not growl or bark at other dogs, and loves the world. But I had an experience last weekend that made me think otherwise. Again, at the dogpark, my female JRT rushes to an adult german shepherd to greet her by trying to lick her mouth. The german responded back by barking and putting her teeth on my dog's head! Well, both Loki & I screamed, but Loki wasn't hurt, just spooked, and the owner, surprisingly didn't do anything, not even a reprimand to her German shepherd! That really upset me, and now I am afraid for my dog, because she has no mean bone in her body...I wish she barked back or did something to fight back, you know??? Any thoughts on this?

------------------ Response Area -------------------
Hi Mary,
I agree with Linda's earlier assessment completely. I'd much rather have a dog that doesn't "fight back." Some dogs will never fight until another dog starts something or mouths back. The GSDs reaction to your dog was one of dominance, not aggression (unless she actually bit hard and shook which is not what you stated). What if Loki had snapped back or barked, and that then triggered some real aggression from the GSD? Would Loki have won a battle with a 100 pound dog?
My best suggestion, since you are obviously seriously concerned about Loki's outlook, is to not go to the dog park and expose her to dogs you are unsure of. The story you tell next time could be very different. If she wants to have a play date with other dogs, meet with dogs you know. IMO, exposing her continually to dogs she doesn't know may be exposing her to serious danger, may teach her to be more submissive (which I would guess you don't want, given your wish to have her fight) or it may teach her to fight (which trust me, you do not want!).
It would also be a good idea for you to do some reading on dog physcology and behavioral issues. You are misinterpretting some doggie body language as negative, both in your dogs and others, when it isn't neccessarily so.
Heather