Curious what exactly constitutes an *attack* on a pup 8 weeks to 8 months? Hypothetically, an adult dog (overall, balanced, focused and easy going) from outside the pack playing with a pup between 8 weeks and 8 months...would an attack consist of a snarl, a growl, a jump...just a full on attack? (of course the pup needs supervision and intervention if necessary) just wondering where exactly intervention must take place, because I know shit can hit the fan with dogs SO fast...is it just a risk taken if the dogs appear to be playing and wagging tails...also ignoring each other?

Opinions? I know, to be 100% sure, just never let a pup play or be around outside canines, but in my situation, there is a particular dog who will be a part of our lives on going...our introduction went well yesterday, met on neutral territory and the dogs did fine, but only had them together for about 15 minutes.

My guess it is pretty variable and depends pup to pup as to what constitutes an attack, I'd just like to hear thoughts...

Hi Michele,

With my own pup and my co-worker's adult dogs, I considered it an "attack" when my dog felt uncomfortable or insecure with the other dog. That situation happened only once, when he was much smaller and the level of play became too boisterous. Outright aggression or minor bullying is the same thing in my book and I never wanted to risk any negative associations with other dogs.

I think you're right...it depends on each pup.

Exactly what Sarah said

If I see so much as a hint that my dogs are uncomfortable around another dog, I step in between them and firmly tell the other dog OFF.

Simple over-exuberance on the part of another dog could be interpreted by your own pup as an "attack" (or a threat) so there's no point in us trying to define what is or isn't an attack. The perception your dog has of the situation is all that matters and you, as his owner, are obviously the best one to judge that

It's also a good way to avoid offending other dog owners (for people who care about things like that ...). If, when you intervene, they get defensive saying "but my dog is so gentle and friendly!" and you don't want to argue with them for whatever reason, you can just say "oh I'm sure your dog is very nice, but my pup is uncomfortable so I'm stepping in".

I always say that (even if my dogs clearly want to play) and it always goes down very easily with the other dog owner. They're very understanding and call their dog off (and you don't have to start arguing about whether the other dog was just playing or "attacking" lol).

Personally, I don't ever allow ANY dog to charge over to mine, no matter how friendly it is, or how small it is, or how young it is, or how many times it has played with mine before.
Even if I intend on letting them play, I will step in and make the charging dog stop and approach quietly. My own dogs also have to sit quietly and wait for a release before going over to greet another dog. If they're acting stupid and jumping around or not paying attention to me, I say no and walk off in the other direction. No play.

Of course it's hard to keep your pup calm and focused on you if he expects you to allow other dogs to come charging over to him at any time.

If you ALWAYS step in and prevent strange dogs from approaching your pup, he'll never worry about having to watch his back and he'll relax more.

I'm sure you'll know when to step in and stop the play if it gets out of hand - you definitely know Cato well enough to judge by his reaction whether he's happy or overwhelmed.

Good luck with the other dog!

(And Cato is looking GORGEOUS!! Amazing how quickly they grow... )

Thanks for this insight, your thoughts and notions (bout the possible commotions)

Honestly, Cato is *quite* fearless, and somewhat, well, does show some signs of dominant doggie...I just don't want his confidence (as a pup) to somehow "offend" the mix who is IMO, a balanced dog who stays focused on his owner.

Will go with the flow today, allow him short intervals of play time. Thankfully, the farm is neutral ground to both dogs. I have a feeling it's gonna go over fine, fine.

Oh, and thanks for the Cato compliment, I'll tell him!!!

I just had an incident today, at my local Petsmart store. I took my 10 week old GSD, Cheyenne, in to socialize. She really didn't like the double sliding doors last week, so we went back today, and last Wednesday, so we could practice the doors and eliminate any fear. Also to walk her past all of the dogs and cats up for adoption to get her used to other animals.
A lady had a shiztu/cocker mix (I think) on a leash, but not held. I spotted the dog before it got to us, and stepped in between them without saying anything. The other dog kept trying to get to Cheyenne, but I stayed in the way by putting my legs between them. The lady was going nuts calling her dog, telling me that her dog wouldn't hurt my dog, but I explained to her that it is my job to protect my dog from even being fearful at being chased. Even if the other dog wouldn't do any harm.
My protective instincts kicked in big time I really don't know if I handled it right or not. All I know is that Cheyenne didn't freak out, or even bark, and I felt like she knew that I was going to protect her no matter what. The end quantified the means...........

 Quote: Michele McAtee

I have a feeling it's gonna go over fine, fine.

It went fine. Cato barked his brains out when we arrived and he saw the other dogs...however, took them out and away, then let him out. Everything went really smooth and he would even recall to me when playing with the dog. Very encouraging and I believe we hit a milestone!

I want to edit from my last post regarding "playing". Actually, the dogs did not do any playing per se. Cato did a couple playful gestures, but the other dog did not reciprocate, basically ignored him. Cato caught on and did really well focusing on me. So, the dogs were more or less "around" each other and was not doggy play group. Just wanted to clarify that...