Avoid Little-Dog Aggression on Walks

A neighbor of mine is concerned about her Yorkshire Terrier. A widow, she sold the family farm and moved into our urban area. When she starting taking her dog for walks, Arthur, her Yorkie, would growl and bark at bigger dogs.

Fortunately, all the dogs have been on leashes so the owners were able to restrain them and no dog fights ensued. There’s no way to know if Arthur will always be so fortunate.

This is not an uncommon problem. Some dogs like Arthur have not been exposed to many other dogs and don’t understand canine etiquette. Other small dogs may be fearful of larger dogs and react aggressively as a defense. Trying to get the first bite, so to speak.

This is dangerous behavior for small dogs! A larger dog attacked or challenged is liable to bite. That is normal behavior in dogdom. A bite that might not harm another Labrador could snap the neck of a 5-pound dog.

For puppies

If you have a puppy, it’s important to establish play dates for your puppy with older, big dogs that you KNOW are mellow and won’t harm your puppy. The ideal situation is that your dog learns how to behave with other dogs from other dogs.

Limit the play group to only one big dog although you can have other small dogs. It’s never a good idea to let one small dog alone with two or more big dogs – no matter how well trained the big dogs are. If one big dog in the pack becomes aggressive to the small dog even in play, all the other dogs are likely to join in. That’s instinctive pack behavior Remember, bites that wouldn’t harm a big dog can kill a small dog.

Four tips for any dog walker

1. If your dog is inclined to growl, stare or lunge at other dogs, especially big dogs, distract him before he reacts. Use a command, a toy or a treat to get your dog’s attention before encountering the big dog. Carry with you a ball or squeaky toy that your dog likes. Use the toy to make your dog watch you instead of other dogs.

2. Another alternative is to put your dog on your side away from the other dog so they don’t look at or pass one another. Do whatever you have to do so that your dog can’t stare at or make eye contact with the big dog. In dogdom, eye contact means challenge.

3. I don’t recommend picking him up unless the other dog seems aggressive. Picking up your dog all the time will teach him to be afraid. It’s also no guarantee the other dog won’t attack you as well as your dog.

4. If you’re amused when your 6-pound dog challenges a big dog, you should plan ahead on where you want to bury your dog when the inevitable happens. Don’t let your dog be the aggressor. That’s a death sentence for small dogs.

Next month we’ll discuss how to stop dog attacks.


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