Bulldogs World

I don't know what to tell you about the doggie day care.

The dog park is different. I used to take Maybull (when she was younger) to the dog park. It's a very large park that partially runs along the Missisippi, narrow at this point, with woods and paths. She ignored other dogs. She would not run into the woods. She would walk a few yards ahead of us and would sometimes stop and look back to make sure we were following. She would often turn and block the path of people coming in the other direction until they petted her.

The only time she played with another dog was when she met another bulldog. They play-fought and wrestled, making huge amounts of noise and having a great time. Other dogs, especially small dogs or working/hunting dogs don't play the same way. Your dog likes to fetch. Your dog likes to play with you and not other dogs who don't play bulldog games.

I hope this story helps. It might be the same thing with your dog. The 'agressive' actions might just be play, but I haven't seen it, so I can't be sure.

Brewer goes to doggy daycare every Thursday and he loves it. I also have been socializing him with other dogs since he had his last set of puppy shots. Every once in a while he hip checks another dog, but the daycare says that's normal. Having him neutered will help, at least it did in Brewer's case. I would talk with doggy daycare and see if they have any suggestions.

they are not designed nor staffed for appropriate interactions between multiple dogs. Its more like a "free-for-all" aimed at tiring the dog out. Most facilities and their staff know nothing about dog behavior, if the dogs are not fighting-all must be well. Not so. They don't group dogs by play styles/age/breed/energy levels, just throw them all together and hope for the best. Its NOT socializing a dog. First, the responsibility of appropriate socialization is up to the owner, not a group of strangers with no vested interest in the outcome.

The facility that you are using is wrong, very wrong for deciding that your dog is the aggressor and separating him. Your dog is acting socially correct, he is giving a clear and fair warning that he wants the other dog to leave him alone. The body freeze and growling is perfect, its the other dog that is acting like a social jerk and not taking the hint. Punishing him for growling at another dog may very well teach him to stop growling but not change his emotional state. So, you may end up with a dog that doesn't give a warning but escalates to an attack instead. That would not be a good thing.

My opinion of dog parks is about the same as daycare. So what if your dogs doesn't want to share his toys, most dogs don't. I wouldn't bring any toys with me, its going to lead to a battle some day. Your dog is giving you information, he isn't particularly thrilled with other dogs but he is trying to be socially correct, I suggest you listen to him and don't push the issue. Maybe find him a few good friends and set up controlled play dates, he will be much happier.

Good luck