Hello,
I need some assistance with a 10-12 week lab/golden retriever mix puppy from the shelter. I've had her for about a week, and she lives harmoniously with my other puppy (6 months of age). We go to the dog park daily so they can get some exercise, and I've noticed some aggression in this puppy. She's approx. 15 lbs. now and has started three not-so-playful fights with other puppies. She plays very well with dogs that are larger than her, and displays absolutely no aggression towards any people. Typically when she starts these fights, she approaches another puppy and then lunges and flips the other puppy, stands over it, and starts growling and biting. We've started basic obedience training, and she never displays this type of behavior at home. I don't know how to handle this--is this something she'll likely grow out of, or is this behavior indicative of the future? I'm looking for information on how to handle this when it occurs, and how to handle it for the future- should I stop taking her to the dog park? I know dogs need to be socialized with other dogs, but it's embarassing in the least, and dangerous at most. Thanks for reading...any insight would be greatly appreciated!
~Rachel
I need some assistance with a 10-12 week lab/golden retriever mix puppy from the shelter. I've had her for about a week, and she lives harmoniously with my other puppy (6 months of age). We go to the dog park daily so they can get some exercise, and I've noticed some aggression in this puppy. She's approx. 15 lbs. now and has started three not-so-playful fights with other puppies. She plays very well with dogs that are larger than her, and displays absolutely no aggression towards any people. Typically when she starts these fights, she approaches another puppy and then lunges and flips the other puppy, stands over it, and starts growling and biting. We've started basic obedience training, and she never displays this type of behavior at home. I don't know how to handle this--is this something she'll likely grow out of, or is this behavior indicative of the future? I'm looking for information on how to handle this when it occurs, and how to handle it for the future- should I stop taking her to the dog park? I know dogs need to be socialized with other dogs, but it's embarassing in the least, and dangerous at most. Thanks for reading...any insight would be greatly appreciated!
~Rachel