You know my hugely dog-aggressive dog....?

[Cinnamontoast]

The one that can't be off lead and doesn't recall? Well, yesterday, the OH walked him and came back saying he'd been playing off lead with a staffie and a Rottweiler!! I was massively sceptical. So today, I went with him and the same two dogs were in the park. Initially, the staffie, a gorgeous little bitch and Zak had a very vocal, scary sounding handbags fight as soon as they were off lead. The other owner apologised for her running up to Zak! This is them playing:

Zak playing - YouTube

I'm amazed as Zak hasn't been able to play with other dogs for over a year.

We then wandered round and met the Rottweiler, who growled but went past nicely. Zak then tackled the staffie again then started playing nicely until the Rottweiler had a fit of jealousy and basically sat on Zak! No teeth, but the canine equivalent of a half Nelson! Unfortunately, the staffie got involved and bit Zak so he has two puncture wounds. We're off to the vet for cartrophen today anyway so I've hibiscrubbed, lavaged them and given him a Synulox.

The upshot of this is that after an awful lot of talking and thinking, we have decided to neuter both youngsters. They are not copies of Brig and his brother, they are very different dogs with different needs. I think Zak will be happier without the drive that the testosterone is giving him and despite lots of training, Bear is a hump machine currently I'm not thrilled, I'm a massive fan of keeping dogs entire because after lots of research, I believe it's better for their long term health, but I think for their mental health and happiness, this is the right thing to do.

 

[Dobiegirl]

Well done Zak, from what you have said Im not convinced he is dog aggressive. Having had a real dog aggressive dog(only certain dogs) and now currently Darcy a fear aggressive dog both which can look similar but are different.

I also wonder if he is a bit of a bully boy and only picks on dogs which he thinks will not fight back. My friends Springer is like this and used to pick on Fred just nipping him until one day Fred nailed him, didnt hurt him just held him down and when he let go he started jumping up and licking Fred submissively. He tried it again on Diesel and Diesel put up with it until one day he just told him vocally in no uncertain terms not to do it again.

As for the neutering it does take that horrible drive away from them and I couldnt be doing with a dog constantly trying to hump everyone and everything. I dont think Ive met one vet who didnt have their dog neutered unless it was a stud and I cant think vets would do it if they thought for one minute it was detrimental to their health.

 

[Boxers]

That's great, but I have to say that in your video he is far more interested in his ball than in the staffie! Perhaps distraction with the ball is the key.

I am glad you're getting your boys neutered. I have a GSD who was aggressive and we had him neutered when he was two and it did make a difference, but he can still be aggressive. He is 6 now and for the first time played with our neighbours two dogs outside, he never could have done that a short time ago. Although I believe his aggression is fear based or anxiety based.

Also on the neutering subject, he will not risk a testicular tumour if he doesn't have any! My rottie died in March with a tumour in his testicles. It was a terrible time.

Anyway, you have a lovely dog, and I am please that he could play with another dog, it's lovely for them to interact.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Ooh, so sorry about your rottie, how awful.

I did think Zak was fear aggressive originally and I thought neutering would remove all his bravery. I have become more convinced that he is a bully. He sometimes ignores big dogs although did tackle a bloodhound one day! He was happy to take on the rottie today but the dog just sat on him. No chance!