[Lego&Jacub]

Geddy, our female, seems to have problems with Rotties, in general. I really don't understand what goes on, but when I've taken her to the dog park, if there is a rottie in there (it's usally females also), they will come up and get in her face, and then won't get out of her face. That's when she loses it and starts grumbling, which leads to problems with the rottie.

This happened just the other weekend, we took the kids (Ged & Sawyer) to the dog park, Geddy was running around and meeting all the dogs, then she found a rottie, sniffed up under her back legs, and when she was finished the Rottie was just in her face... like weird in her face... and wouldn't stop... so Geddy started growling, and if we hadn't taken Geddy out of the park then there'd have been a fight.

We put Geddy on leash. No one came to get the rottie... So hubby held onto it by the collar. I started walking to the door, and hubby let go of the rottie and it ran right over to Geddy and tried to get in her face again. Told hubby to hold it until I got her out, which he did. There are two gates, and we were inbetween them, the rottie came right over to the gate, and hopped up still trying to get to her.

And the owner was NO WHERE to be found. WTH?

Anyways, any ideas why we might have a problem with female rotties? Do they sence that Geddy thinks she's superior to them? Or do they sense that she is weak and vulnerable?? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Makes me never want to go back to the dog park. But I do so enjoy seeing her play nicely with the rest of the dogs.

 

[GoldenSail]

What do you mean specifically by 'get in her face'?

When my Scout was smaller and younger (not that long ago, just a few months) she was terrified of a neighbor's rottie. In this case, the rottie was a sweetheart Scout just didn't adjust well at first to this massive tank built dog who played rough. Definitely not on the same page.

 

[BeauShel]

I think that some dogs just dont like one another. maybe take a break from the dog park for awhile so she wont associate that place with the rottie. Or go during a different time if you can. Hopefully then the rottie wont be there.

One thing I might consider is go to the dog park without Geddy when you think the rotti is there, and if she is, walk up to every person and ask who's dog. When the person asks tell them what happened and they need to keep an eye on the dog and quit chatting up a storm.

 

[chloe920]

just curious what part of ontario you're in. We wen't to a dog park a few weeks back and Chloe was attacked by a rottie. not sure if it's the same place.

pm me if you need to.

L.

 

[Penny & Maggie's Mom]

A major reason I don't like dog parks. You don't know the temperments ( or even health) of dogs there.... and some owners are just unbelievably negligent. Personally, I wouldn't put her in that situation again.

 

[honeysmum]

I have no problem with Rotties, just sometimes a problem with the people that have them, we are in the UK and don't have dog parks, many years ago I was out in a field with Nybble my GSP (she was a pup about 6 months) and she was off lead and went hell for leather up to 2 Rotties I went into full panic mode the owners were in their 60s, they said hello Nybble you come to play (Garry had not told me she had friends) they said the bitch could be a little grumpy but wouldn't harm her but the Male (full grown) was a sweetie and they played for ages, so I have since came to the conclusion that with certain breeds Nurture over comes Nature that Rottie was the sweetest boy and they played for many years.
Sorry may have gone a little off topic here but it was such a nice memorey.

 

[Merlins mom]

I'm probably way off base, but I have a harder time reading the body language of the rotties that come to our daycare. Maybe some dogs have a harder time too? And I've noticed that they (rotties) tend to approach dogs differently too.....more of a head on approach which another dog may see as aggressive.

On the other hand, Merlin doesn't like beagles. I don't know why??!! There's two (brother and sister) in particular that come to our daycare on a regular basis and whenever he sees them he runs after them and rolls them (this has been going on for almost a year). He never does this to ANY other dog, and he doesn't hurt them, but it's so weird and I don't understand why.

 

[Griffyn'sMom]

Griff's first problem with another dog was with a Rottie too. They give a head on - dead stare glare. If the other dog is willing to avoid it they get along but most other dogs take it as a challenge.

 

[Doolin]

While I am not an expert on the breed I have a good friend who breeds them and Dutch Shepherds. I was always told that they will rarely pick a fight, but are the first to jump in when there is one happening. They can be really nice fun dogs and when properly socialized and great playmates at the dog parks.

But I agree that far too many people at the parks have no idea how to handle or be responsible for their dogs.

 

[wagondog]

I am by far not an expert on the breed but having had so many rotties in my past I know the breed fairly well and I don't think they are any more confrontational than any other breed, however, when stuff happens they are a physical force to be reckoned because of their size and strength.
I know there are reponsible dog owners everywhere that love to take their pets to the dog parks and really have enjoyable times there, I am not one of those people, I have witnessed way too many injuries to dogs because of irresponsible owners.
WagonDog

 

[beccacc31]

I understand the great concept of a dog park but not knowing the temperment of the other dogs has always made me wonder. I also feel the same thing about doggy daycares. How does the owner of the daycare determine which dogs are a good fit for thier facility.

 

[Noey]

she might be picking up on your unease and putting out a protective stance...which in turn can make conflict. If the Rottie is coming up to her and sheis submissive, perhaps the Rottie and Golden are not communicating correctly because the human is around.

I would say it involves protecting you in some way.

One bad encounter with a Rottie can put yours on defense with you around.