Among my long list of things that annoy me about dog owners is the ignorance people show towards their own dogs mis-behavings.
Just today I was walking my dog at the park and a couple walking two small dogs passed me. Their dogs started to growl and lunge at my dog, a 65lb shepherd. I looked at them and wondered what they would do. Would they correct their dogs for doing something that could cost them their lives? NO, they laughed – because it is so cute. Now, if my large dog would show that behavior toward a small dog it would not be funny. The problem is that aggressive and dominant behavior is not OK, funny or acceptable no matter what size dog you have.
If your dog shows aggressive behavior toward another dog and that dog attacks your dog, it’s really not the attacking dogs fault. No matter how “cute” you may find your dog’s behavior, another dog probably won’t share your sense of humor. These types of dominant behaviors often cost small dogs their lives. And this is the fault of the owners who allow their dogs to continue this behavior. Dogs see dogs as dogs. Nutty behavior is not excused because “it’s just a cute little mini tea cup yorki-poo.” If a dog feels threatened, he will attack to protect himself. Aggression is a bad thing in small dogs and big dogs alike and it should be corrected. Dogs that have issues with other dogs should be trained by a professional that has experience in dealing with this issue. Be sure the person you hire is a qualified trainer, because a bad trainer can make the problem worse – much worse.
The most important thing to remember is that lunging, growling and aggressive actions are not OK. Not at all! NEVER!
Please be responsible for your dog and protect them, they depend on you. You are all they have. Don’t let young puppies get used to bad manners because “they are only puppies.” These puppies will grow into dogs and the behavior will be much harder to solve once it is ingrained through your re-enforcement. And remember, by not training, teaching or correcting you are enforcing the behavior the dog is showing. They don’t suddenly learn at a magical age that things they did in their youth are suddenly no longer OK.
Some simple training and socialization as puppies will give your dog the tools to have a long, healthy, happy and safe life. And if your dog is already grown, some time spent teaching him structure through a fair training regimen will be the best help you can give your dog.