Why are other dogs so aggressive towards my mastiff?

[MyBackHurts]

My OEM is still intact, and this never seemed to cause problems with other dogs, but lately, it does. When I walk him, whatever neighborhood we're in goes up in flames. I took him to the dog park today, which I've stopped doing because of problems, and the same thing happened with the dogs. My OEM just wants to play, but has been attacked twice at the dog park, and today I took him one final time to confirm my "parting ways" with the dog park. My OEM is only 18 months, but he is big, but I don't think that's what it's about. Any thoughts? I want to be able to socialize him with other dogs, as he did for the first year of his life, but not if that means he gets hurt or, in self-defense, hurts another dog or human. None of my friends have dogs so my OEM is trapped in human life which I think is probably boring. I just think about how unfulfilled I would be only being able to socialize with dogs!

 

[Smart_Family]

The same thing has happened with my english lab who's not fixed yet. I've been told it could be because the fixed dogs are jealous or that the other dog isn't fixed as well. I will no longer do dog parks with him as last time this one lady would not control her dog who kept going after him. Honestly, I think in theory dog parks are great but they never work out the way one would like. I've heard way too many horror stories for my liking and won't go to them anymore.

 

[dpenning]

Is there anyone in your area with a similar sized dog you could arrange play dates with? I'm going to take mine to a daycare once a week so she can get to know the regulars.

 

[tyler.burdette]

I have a similar issue with my Cane Corso. I would agree with Dawn, in finding dogs close to the same size. My CC is 17 months old, 86 pound, very socialized with human and animals, but their are many other owners that do not realize the important of socialization of their animals. Many of these individuals take their dogs to the dog parks, I have also given up on the dog parks because of this reason. My last trip to the dog park ended up with my CC putting a GSH in its place. That GSH had also attacked four other dogs in about 20 mins at the dog park and the owner did nothing about it. Then when my CC reacted to the GSH it was all the sudden my fault for correcting both dogs actions. I now treat my dog as my sister treats her kids, know who they are playing with and supervise them constantly. Just know how the other dog is going to react to your dog. Try and find a Mastiff meet up group, as mastiff owners we know they are big babies, and love others of the same breed with the same personality.

 

[Appa'sMom]

I have the same problem. My OEM is only 6mts old and every dog that we interact with gets an attitude. I don't understand it. Appa will bark and wag his tail wanting to play and the other dogs freak out. So sad

 

[MyBackHurts]

Sounds good. Good to know I'm not alone in this. Thanks for the idea about mastiff "meets". Guess that makes sense, and maybe I could find someone that way. It also sucks that I can't take him to a daycare unless he's fixed. He only has one testicle...he's halfway there, right?

 

[AKBull]

I've read that it could possibly be the black mask on our Mastiffs. Some people think it might be that the other dogs can't distinguish the Mastiffs faces.
I don't know, just something I've read.
I can say that 9 out of 10 times we go to the dog park, it's just fine. It's that other 1 time that sucks.

 

[Sabrina]

Think of it how young men act when they are out on the town with their friends...they are always threatened by someone bigger, more masculine, etc and will pick a fight just to show they are tougher...dogs behave the same way...they are threatened by the amount of testosterone a unfixed male exudes and feel the need to assert themselves over him...

 

[Bentley]

Agree with Sabrina's comment. adding to that hormone production scales up with size as well, so not only is an unfixed mastiff putting out an alpha scent, they are producing alot of it.

 

[Caleb]

I stay away from dog parks...but then again I have the means to let my dog stretch his legs in other places. I realize not everyone has those means. With large dogs that can do damage, particulary "dominant" breeds, you will typically have problems at a dog park or around other large dogs....if not strictly supervised. In my opinion, I believe that mastiffs are a rarity in the case that they can stay happy with just dog/human relationships. My family owns a few small dogs such as schnauzers, etc. and my CC is pretty much indifferent. He could do without them. I do make sure that I make plenty of time for him and give him good, stimulating exercize.

 

[JennQ]

Where are you located MyBackHurts??

 

[MyBackHurts]

Thanks for the info all. Sabrina, that was really helpful. Size plus scent is probably making a Molotov cocktail for the other dogs. JennQ, I'm in the Bay Area (CA).

 

[Sabrina]

We are also in the bay

 

[Murray]

MyBackHurts/ Sabrina by (CA) do you mean Canada and by the Bay do you mean North Bay?

 

[MyBackHurts]

Murray, by the Bay, we mean SF Bay Area, California. You know us American Nationalists! =) Sabrina, maybe oud dogs can meet one day. Kepp me updated if there are any mastiff meets I don't know of...