I am baffled!

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

I am baffled by Yankee's behaviour. Several months ago we met a black doodle puppy named Jackson at the dog park. Yankee played with him on several occasions and we watched him grow. He was almost as big as Yankee at 6 months. Well since I got Finn, we went less to the dog park and I haven't seen Jackson in a while.

About 2 weeks ago and again today we saw Jackson coming into the park as we were leaving. Yankee attacked him!!!! Jackson is very energetic and comes running towards us and Yankee slammed him to the ground while snarling and growling. He just stood over him snarling. I pulled him off and held him because he was going to go after him again. The owner knows Yankee is a sweetheart and very submissive so he wasn't concerned. Yankee did not hurt him.

What would possess Yankee to do this? He knows the dog and has played with him. Jackson isn't a threat.

I am somewhat shocked to see him do this.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Was either of them on a leash? Where was Finn standing when Jackson came running over? I agree that Yankee may be trying to protect his puppy. I see Samantha watching who is sniffing around Charli.

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

Jackson is extremely hyper and was flying at us. Maybe that's it. It is just so out of character for him.

[GBK]

Maybe he was trying to protect you? Mine act different on leash, and even more protective if allowed to walk in front of me when other dogs are approaching.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Could it be that he is trying to protect Finn? Was Finn with you? Just to let you know, when we are on walks and a big dog plunges toward Peri, Taquito makes a bee line in front of Peri and growls at the dog. It is like he is trying to protect her. I don't really get it either and I don't know how to stop it. And Taquito couldn't do anything to protect her...Napoleon Complex is what it is.

[Adina P]

Maybe Jackson was coming on too strong (running over with energy) and Yankee was put off by that..and was telling him to knock it off and CHILL. ???