My dog just went for another dog

[pipwoes]

My dog has got more and more reactive since another dog went for him about 6 months back. The incident was more snarling and snapping and neither was hurt but he's since started to get more and more reactive. BUT here's the thing. It's only to certain dogs. Husky's, German shepherds, odd black labs and specially one pug at park who previously he's played with. He's taken against this pug as he on a couple of occasions repeatedly started to mount him and repeatedly lick my dog's bits (my dog on his back in a Submissive pose ) I tried to
Gently push his dog away as owner wasn't nearby. He eventually appeared and said " oh don't think you're special. He does this fo all the dogs " He did move his dog but it was awkward. Next time we saw him, and a couple more times his dog did same and the last time, my dog snapped at him but we quickly separated them and no harm done. I've since avoided him if ever I see him on same path, change direction if I see the dogs loose and never let my dog off lead if I've seen them and never knowingly have him off lead if this dog is nearby. Tonight I didn't see him and his dog raced up and my dog went for him, snapping and snarling - I don't think he bit him, but I really fear he would have, had I not dragged him off. The guy went nuts, called my dog a little twat and told me he should be muzzled.
I'm sitting here crying and so worried my dog is turning into something bad. I'm going to take to vet and ask for behaviourist recommendation and won't take off lead or to that park again for at least a while and might book dog walking field instead
IM so shaken and wondered if anyone else has had their dog have a particular issue with just one dog. Like I say, I've always kept on lead and if spotted quick enough avoided altogether but the pug is always off lead and runs up to us.
Ive had nice chats to him before and he was clearly upset and I'm mortified but he said tonight he doesn't remember ever seeing me before

Please don't tell me how awful a dog owner I am. I didn't shout back,( wouldn't have, how could I, we were the bad ones here), explained their history and apologised again, checked his dog was ok and said I'd never have him off lead near his dog ever again (if at all at this point). My dog is skulking round my legs now but I can't look at him. I'm too upset. I just had to get it out. I've had dogs all my life when I lived with parents but he's my first dog of my own and I love the bones of him but cannot continue with this uncertainty. Thanks for reading.

Look up trigger stacking. It sounds like your dog is quite tense and not getting a chance to decompress. Whilst we think parks are great because they are pretty etc. your dog could be thinking it’s bloody awful because there’s lots of off lead dogs waiting to ambush them. Your dog won’t be put out if you so some sniffy walks on the streets where all dogs will be on lead.
otherwise behaviourist is the right call

You poor thing. Like the others have said, your dog was communicating the best way it knows how to the other dog. The owner of the pug is an arse for having an off lead dog running about with no manners.

There are lots of materials for reactive dogs and you absolutely can work with yours to make it manageable. Speak to your vet and don't worry if it takes time to find a behaviourist that clicks.

I think people can get a bit overly precious about dogs snapping and barking at each other. Some dogs are aggressive and of course they need to be properly handled and ideally muzzled. But a growl and a snap is not high aggression, it’s just basic dog communication. People seem to forget they can’t actually speak to each other like in ‘The Secret Life of Pets.’ The pug owner is being ridiculous. What did he expect you and your dog to do? Dogs hurting each other from a minor snappy scuffle is rare - it’s not their intention to harm and they are certainly wary of being harmed themselves. If he’s that concerned he needs to not let his dog off the lead. It’s just a dogs way of saying ‘I’m not keen on you’, ‘leave me alone’ or ‘keep away from me’. Your dog did nothing wrong.

Tbh it doesn't sound like he's done anything wrong. He's told the other dog off that's all. That's what dogs do! He recognises the pug as a dog who doesn't respect his boundaries when asked so he told him very clearly. It doesn't mean it would escalate beyond that.

The other owner should not be letting his dog run up and harass other dogs. Your dog won't be the first and probably not the last dog to tell him off if his owner does not correct him.

In term of the reactivity I would consult a good behaviourist. I have a reactive dog and what worked for her was lots of exposure to other dogs where they did not have opportunities to interact. Dog training classes, social walks (on lead) and walks in places where dog would always be on the lead. Gradually we have built things up and she now plays with a few trusted dogs. But the road is bumpy!

I have a very reactive dog following an incident where another dog went for her (both on leads at the time). She is a very sensitive soul anyway and I now NEVER let her off lead when I know there are other dogs. Also avoid places like parks. If another dog ran up to her and she went for it - well, the owner of the other dog really should not be allowing their dog to run up to other dogs! So although I'd feel bad in one way I certainly wouldn't feel it was my fault. And if the other owner started verbally abusing me I would rip them a new one.

Some dogs are just, for whatever reason, reactive and it's best for them to be walked in quieter areas. No big deal at all.

Thanks all. I've still been tearful today and kept him home with a nice chew today and lots of cuddles and he's slept all morning so I think he was tired too after busy week at dog boarding.
I'm planning a v quiet walk tomorrow with him probably on lead unless it's dead (which is possible. I've got a nice walk which is rarely busy. It's a drive but he loves the car.
I've been so pleased to not be toasted here. Thank you. Also booked appointment with trainer who I sort of know who knows behaviourist

The other dog owner is completely the one at fault, not you. From the sounds of it, he lets the pug do what it wants, without recall so I'd be very surprised if this is the first time (or will be the last time) it's been warned off. Owners like that are completely irresponsible and are the cause of many dog fights, that end in injuries and sadly deaths.
You have done nothing wrong, and neither has your dog in this situation, no matter what the prick pug owner says!

The other dog was completely in the wrong. It drives me insane the whole ‘oh he was just being friendly/this is just what he does’ type shit when your own dog is terrified and reacts and then is the one that looks unfriendly.

My dog loves her immediate and wider family, the dog Walker and a few other people she knows. She loves our In-laws dog. She tolerates SiL’s dog but isn’t over keen. She loves some of the dogs that go to her dog minder but isn’t always keen on the others so just gives them a wide berth. She never approaches dogs she doesn’t know and will happily coexist and ignore them if they’re playing nearby, but has no interest in making dog friends.

Dogs don’t need ‘friends’ in the same way that people do, and actually what we see as ‘friendly’ behaviour in dogs is actually often extremely poor dog manners.

im sorry you had such a bad experience and I hope you feel better soon.

From the sounds of it, he lets the pug do what it wants, without recall so I'd be very surprised if this is the first time (or will be the last time) it's been warned off. Owners like that are completely irresponsible and are the cause of many dog fights, that end in injuries and sadly deaths.

Indeed. And it’s really unfair on the pug because with it’s build, stature and squashed up jaw its unlikely to win any fights. He’s going to get his dog seriously hurt or killed one day.

Your dog wasn't in the wrong at all, he just gave a warning as he didn't want the pug near him.

Some people just allow their dogs to behave badly. I have a 6 month old pup who I don't let offlead in a park yet as he hasn't quite got the control to wait until i say its ok for him to go over to dogs yet. He is hit and miss amd because he is a big dog (alaskan malamute 31 kg already) some dogs dont like him so its not fair on him or them.

Unfortunately other people are not so considerate, recently a much smaller dog was in his face constantly, my poor pup had his tail under him and wasn't really sure what to do, I think he wanted to play but wasn't happy with the jumping up at his face etc. In the end my other dog, a pug (2 yo) came over and told the other dog off.

I totally understand where you are coming from though, I am prone to being very sensitive about dog incidents, it's a hindrance to be honest as I am sure my stress rubs off on the dogs. I need a much thicker skin have a large breed and a pug TBH. It can be very upsetting.

SandyDog can make her mind up about other dogs very quickly. She is tolerant most of the time but is never off the lead. But it did get to the stage last year when I was going to remember that in winter I walk in steel capped wellies and I was prepared to use them next time.

Thankfully for everyone, things seem to have settled and I haven’t had to use that particular method.

I had a lovely seaside walk yesterday - purposely asked for recommendations of quiet walks and parked at an out of the way "nothing there" spot. He bounded about, splashed in pools and had a fab walk and best of all I met a lady with Jack Russell/ Corgi cross who I saw me say "it's ok pip it's ok as she approached and shovelled treats in". She shouted "he's friendly ..." but then, wonderfully, added "but let me pick him up
So he doesn't upset your boy'. I could've cried with gratitude. Pip loved his walk and was knackered after a charge about with a Labrador pup, again with gorgeous owners who asked if they were ok to play. Pip was very very wary then saw it was a bonkers pup and ran about like a loony then came straight back to me to move on. I feel WAY better and have behaviourist call this week