I have a problem with Quinn, my male Rott. Well, it is not really his problem, but every other dog around him (maybe a slight exaggeration ).

Today I was at a local dog park for proofing training. No, I don’t go to the dog park the way most do. We do OB work out side of the park with the loose dogs on the other side of the fence. IF there are only a few dogs there, and I have been observing them for a while, I may take him in for an even greater distraction.

So tonight there were 2 dogs that were left in the park, and after observing them for 20 min or so, saw that they were both low energy dogs that seemed quite submissive. We went in and were doing OB work. He was giving perfect attention in a fairly high drive state and did not even look at the other dogs once.

As we were working, one smallish (20 lbs) Chow X came over. He was following us a little, sniffing and generally hanging out around us. Problem was, he was posturing up and growling at Quinn! Again, Quinn did NOT even glance at him.

I would stomp or give a loud “NO!” and send the dog away with little problem. I know my dog’s temperament, so knew there was not a problem with us (even had the dog started something, Quinn would just stand there with a "are you kidding me?!?" look), but had this been a larger dog that was in any way a threat, it would have been a fight. (I would have been long gone or not even in the park had that been the case. :wink It turned out to be a great distraction, but made me think on the way home. What was the growling all about? Was it his energy level (High, but controlled&hellip? I had watched the Chow X walk past at least ten other dogs (some on the little dog side of the park), and one was lunging and pulling on leash, without so much as a sniff (remember I was watching for 20 min.)

It seems that everywhere we go he attracts angry dogs. Yes, sometimes he gives off overtly dominate signals, and is corrected for them and successfully redirected or asked for attention. I am usually really good at catching them early/instantly. But often, even while in low energy states (after a seven mile run&hellip and walking quietly that it happens too. My tenants lab bent open a screen to attack him while we were walking across the street and I know Quinn was not paying attention to the house.

Is he that young, cocky college football player (or cop, ‘cause it kinda happens to Rob too… :grin that walks into a bar and gets the hackles up on all the men in the room? I have worked on his self control (the dogs!) while being picked on (figuratively&hellip by angry pups, and he is not dog aggressive, but sheesh! A guy can only take so much!

So is it an aura, or am I still missing signs?

A dog that exudes dominance doesn't need to be posturing for other dogs to recognize it.

 Quote: Mike J Schoonbrood

A dog that exudes dominance doesn't need to be posturing for other dogs to recognize it.

Aint that the truth! The same goes for a human. It's all about your attitude and how you project yourself.

We've all met people who are natural leaders, they don't necessarily say or do anything special but we just feel and sense it.

Jessica, the same thing happens to Caleb all the time. He's sitting there quietly, not even GLANCING at another dog, and he seems to piss off a lot of them. The nice ones just get really submissive. People are always perplexed about what caused their dogs' behavior b/c it doesn't appear that my dog is doing ANYTHING. I have acually used his 'no need to get into an altercation because I am already God' attitude to try to help a fearful dog w/good results b/c he is not looking for a fight and uses body language almost invisible to an inexperienced person to convey his temperament.

Don't sweat it. A lot of people don't like me on sight, either! LOL.

Hahaha!

The problem is when the other dog or owner has no control. I think Quinn actually enjoys the fight if it happens. He does not walk around looking for a fight, but when it happens… My tenants lab for example… He will wait until there is no choice but to react, and my pepper spray and kicks/shouts have all failed. Non aggressive dogs or low threat dogs are no issues at all, but there are those others.

Maybe I just worry too much about everybody else, but he is a Rott. It is always his fault.

I agree about other people's dogs...and many times I have been so proud of Caleb for ignoring as much as he did at my "leave it" request (or plea, in certain circumstances!) but every dog has a threshold. I also know what you mean about "it's always his fault." Having had several Pits over the years, it's your worst nightmare that they're put in the position to defend themselves. German Shepherds are starting to get a little of that stigma, and that worries me too.

 Quote: JessicaKromer

, but he is a Rott. It is always his fault.

Yup... you would think all Rotti's have horns with a perpetual ball of fire over their heads the way some people carry on.

 Quote: Matthew Grubb

 Quote: JessicaKromer

, but he is a Rott. It is always his fault.

Yup... you would think all Rotti's have horns with a perpetual ball of fire over their heads the way some people carry on.

We're really finding that out now too

Some people, inc kids, are fascinated and want to come over, say Hi and chat, especially seeing a Rott and Dobe walking together.

Others look at us like I've got horns and a pointy tail and am coming to eat their children.

As for the aura - I agree with the other posts here. A strong, positive and confident energy can cause both positive and negative reactions, with both dogs and humans, particularly around those with insecurities. I don't think you have anything to worry about, just be aware of.

My two are black and tan Coonhound mixes, they have the black and tan markings like a doberman or rottweiler. But really big ears and long tails LOL.
To me they look nothing like either a dobie or a rotti, but most people only see the coloring.

I have people cross the street when we walk by, or gather their children in close.