Recently, we have seen an increase in attacks at off-leash dog parks, so if you aren’t confident that your dog will respond to you when called, it’s important that they remain on-leash.
Aggression is a normal doggy behaviour that helps them to express discomfort in a variety of situations. That’s why, when you’re at the dog park, you cannot always predict what your dog will do or trust how they will react when put in a situation they aren’t comfortable with.
Some dogs, especially puppies, will bark or potentially jump up at other dogs’ faces while they are still learning how to play, which can lead to accidental dog fights. This is an overwhelming experience for them, so it’s always best to socialise puppies away from the dog park and instead find older, calm dogs for them to play with.
Make sure your puppy’s early socialisation encounters are kept short and fun, and in an environment where puppies can get away from the other dog if they feel uncomfortable.
Best practice is to ensure your and other dogs are safe by keeping your dog on-leash. If your dog does get into a fight, never attempt to intervene, as you are putting yourself at risk and will more than likely be bitten. If it’s an option, use a water hose instead to break up the fight.
If your dog is showing consistent signs of aggression, this could be due to a lack of early socialisation as a young puppy or frightening experiences, such as being rushed, tumbled, bitten or attacked. Make an appointment with us today if you’re concerned about aggression in your dog.
