Johnny G.
Well-Known Member
Here are a couple of pictures of my boy Deacon. He's 99 lbs...although I think he's heavier but the experts say 99 lbs. Lately he's been acting bad; destroyed a pair shoes, pairs of socks, most of his toys and dug a nice hole in the yard...LOL...But I love him. He had is his first squabble last week. I took him to a dog park in my community and there were a couple of dogs already in the park (small park). One of the dogs was smaller than him but the other one was about Deacon's size. Before we actually made it to the gate, both dogs came over to the fence and seemed friendly. But shortly there after, the larger dog barked at him. I usually don't bring into an environment where there is tension. The owner assured me that his dog was okay and that he'll leash him so we can get in.
Well, as soon as we get in, the owner lets his dog off the leash. Why? I don't know but I normally let Deacon meet other dogs on leash before I let him off leash. Mind you, Deacon has never shown dog aggression. He's very playful with a balanced temperament. So, the dog comes over and there staring each other down. Deacon doesn't like other dogs sniffing his butt...LOL...so he wouldn't let the dog go there. So, the next thing I know, the dog lunges at Deacon, I place myself in between him and Deacon (looking at the other owner like 'any time now, you can come get your dog'...I was almost ready to kick his dog because he was trying to get at Deacon while I'm holding him back. He finally gets him and I take Deacon to other end of the park.
As they were getting ready to leave, they asked if they could come by us while leaving. They didn't understand why they're dog acted that way. So, I say sure...so both dogs are on leash and they're about a foot away from each other. Deacon's tail is wagging and they said 'see Bo, he's friendly'...then he snaps at Deacon again. Now Deacon has had enough...LOL...and lets the other dog know that he ain't playing with him. Deacon was up on his hind legs trying to get at the dog. I was able to calm him down but Deacon is now on guard and is so focus on this dog.
Like I said before, I normally don't bring him around situations like that but I was glad he stood his grown. There were times before where other dogs (smaller) would snap at him and he wouldn't do anything. He didn't cower but he just looked them...ignored them. I was proud of him then but part of me wanted him to let the other dogs know 'hey, I'm not a punk'.
But I think the reason the other dog reacted the way he did was because another dog his size was in the vicinity, both were alpha males in one small area and both wanted to be dominant. But Deacon wasn't the aggressor but was ready to finish. I have yet to take him to the bigger dog park we normally go to since then. I don't want him to think that's the way he has to be. So, I have a slight concern. But I'm going to take him this Sunday and see how he reacts.
Well, as soon as we get in, the owner lets his dog off the leash. Why? I don't know but I normally let Deacon meet other dogs on leash before I let him off leash. Mind you, Deacon has never shown dog aggression. He's very playful with a balanced temperament. So, the dog comes over and there staring each other down. Deacon doesn't like other dogs sniffing his butt...LOL...so he wouldn't let the dog go there. So, the next thing I know, the dog lunges at Deacon, I place myself in between him and Deacon (looking at the other owner like 'any time now, you can come get your dog'...I was almost ready to kick his dog because he was trying to get at Deacon while I'm holding him back. He finally gets him and I take Deacon to other end of the park.
As they were getting ready to leave, they asked if they could come by us while leaving. They didn't understand why they're dog acted that way. So, I say sure...so both dogs are on leash and they're about a foot away from each other. Deacon's tail is wagging and they said 'see Bo, he's friendly'...then he snaps at Deacon again. Now Deacon has had enough...LOL...and lets the other dog know that he ain't playing with him. Deacon was up on his hind legs trying to get at the dog. I was able to calm him down but Deacon is now on guard and is so focus on this dog.
Like I said before, I normally don't bring him around situations like that but I was glad he stood his grown. There were times before where other dogs (smaller) would snap at him and he wouldn't do anything. He didn't cower but he just looked them...ignored them. I was proud of him then but part of me wanted him to let the other dogs know 'hey, I'm not a punk'.
But I think the reason the other dog reacted the way he did was because another dog his size was in the vicinity, both were alpha males in one small area and both wanted to be dominant. But Deacon wasn't the aggressor but was ready to finish. I have yet to take him to the bigger dog park we normally go to since then. I don't want him to think that's the way he has to be. So, I have a slight concern. But I'm going to take him this Sunday and see how he reacts.
