Punk Snap
why is my dog such a bully toward some dogs, and nice to others?
Our dog loves to play with other dogs so we take him to the dog park frequently. Most of the time he just has fun running around with the other dogs but some dogs he'll be so mean to. It doesnt matter what kind they are (mostly "aggressive" breed dogs like pitbulls, pinchers, etc.), but he'll "punk" them in a way. he'll snap, bark and will not let them move! Even if they want nothing to do with him and just try to mind there own buisness once he decides he doesnt like them he will harass them and we have to leave. Why is he so mean to some dogs and how can we make him stop?
hes a pretty large dog, and he generally picks on smaller dogs, like today was a little blue pitt.
Dogs are individuals and they will like some new playmates while disliking others. When I still went to dog parks, I took my young adult Aussie. Most dogs he'd play with with wild abandon, large or small. But one white small terrier he took an instant dislike to and pinned it down with snarling. I gave him a very strong leash correction with an "AHH!!!" and removed him immediately. I had to go over and leash him to do it, but I had to impress upon him that unprovoked aggression is NOT ALLOWED.
These days I don't go to dog parks because they are a bad idea by good people. Dogs that are regulars form packs that may not welcome newcomers but treat them as intruders. Dogs may take a dislike to each other, you may encounter idiot owners who can't/won't take control if their dog becomes aggressive. If your dog is mellow and friendly he may become a fighter for life after a few attacks. You also never know how many dogs there are unvaccinated, have worms, fleas, ticks, etc. In my town there are several strains of Parvo found at the local park that are not in the vaccines. Fortunately they usually don't kill the dogs, but you can spend several weeks getting them over it. It just isn't worth it. Now my dogs just play with their own packmates unless they're under 6 months old and can play with other puppies.