Doodle Aggression?

[Dori]

Last night I witnessed some disturbing aggressive behavior from my normally super sweet Teddy 1.5 year old GD to another dog. We are traveling this weekend with Teddy (normally we live in the country - super quiet, we are currently in the heart of Los Angeles) so I know he is out of sorts and his element. Lots of noises and sound and no fields to do his business in! My sister has a dog - a large Wheaten mix - they get along fine. In fact Teddy has always gotten along great with all dogs and has many friends and is quite social at the kennel we sometimes board him at. Last night my sister had a family over who brought their small very sweet and submissive King Charles Spaniel. He was kind of timid, but friendly and all of 20 lbs tops (compared to Teddy's 43 pounds). Teddy kept snarling and lunging at this sweet dog who did nothing to provoke him. What's up with that? Up till last night I would swear he didn't have an aggressive bone in his body! I'm very distressed about it. It was very loud and noisy in the house - and he is out of his element - could that be it? Or do dogs sometimes take a disliking to a specific other dog? We kept telling him no and pulling him away - but is there something specific I should be doing to nip this kind of behavior in the bud? Thanks....

[Jacque Reynolds]

Oh! hahaha...I need to look at dates! Sorry...glad that it was nothing. :o)

[Dori]

It only happened the one time about 1.5 years ago. Must have been out of sorts. Thankfully he has been his sweet kind doodly self ever since!

[Jacque Reynolds]

Dori, are you sure that Teddy is feeling well? Often if a dog is out of sorts, hurting or ill, they will be aggressive. When this happens in the wild, they try to hide because weakness in dogs can be fatal to them, they become easy prey to other animals...so they hide their illness with aggression.
It could also be a possessiveness issue...maybe Teddy is not sure where he stands in this new environment and this dog was just "one too many" for Teddy's comfort.
It could also be fear. Even though Teddy is larger, he could be afraid of this dog for some reason.
Since it is a temporary situation, I'd just keep him close so that you can control him if he decides to act on his impulses.
When you get him home, I'd visit the vet to have an exam and be sure that he is okay and discuss this behavior with the vet. If he is healthy and if this happens again, you might want to consult with a behaviorist.

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

I remember the first time Yankee growled at another dog. It was when he was over a year old and I was totally shocked. I think sometimes they just don't like certain dogs just like people don't like certain people. I'm sure the change in surroundings didn't help. He probably felt vulnerable. I would just leash him when near this dog to show him this behaviour is unacceptable.

[Holly St Pierre]

I do know a dog not a GD, but a very sweet dog. She loves everyone & all kinds of dogs. She gets along great wtih Gunner, but met another dog & according to my friend growled at the other dog & the other dog did nothing to provoke her. There was basically no size difference either. I think sometimes its just that particular dog, or maybe they pick up a scent. The dog has never done it to anyone else & has been fine ever since??