For the record I just figured out how to add a photo to my signature and this is what I got. Seems pretty massive (unintentionally ) but he is cute...

So does this only happen to him with intact dominant males or intact males period? Our town had an event where people brought their dogs out and they had dog agility performances and so forth. We took Enoch who was 13 months at the time and intact and he got along great with every dog he greeted. Now granted he didn't play with any dogs. All the dogs were on a leash but even still there wasn't any problems. I heard about intact males antagonizing other dogs but it hasn't been the case thus far. Maybe it's because he's still young.

Maisha, it is a case by case basis. My Quinn is very much like those in this post. He is fine as long as the other dogs are respectful, things are great, but if not... that is why he does not socialize with other dogs... It is a very different lifestyle to live when you have a dog like this.

At my club, a cousin of Quinn's is the most social, easy going dog. He is happy to greet all pups, bitches and males and comfortable with all. He gives off calming signals.

Also, some dogs will be fine through puppy hood and adolescence, then suddenly switch.

Sounds like Enoch is doing great so far! Keep doing whatever you are doing!

Oh, I think it's more Enoch than my training skills. I've screwed up a lot but he loves other dogs and people for that matter. It's strange but he really likes small dogs. We're going to get him neuter at two so if a problem does arise it won't be for long, I guess. As I said before he doesn't play with these dogs but greets them so maybe it would be a different story if he played with them.

Hi Maisha...my dog does not like dominant males period, especially intact ones. My wife and I have found this out the hard way, but have since been avoiding off-leash dog parks. For us, it's just not worth taking the chance.

 Quote: JessicaKromer

Also, some dogs will be fine through puppy hood and adolescence, then suddenly switch.

This is exactly what happened to Oscar. He has always been dominant, even as a wee small thing, but he was never aggressive about it and always just wanted to play, play, play... until he turned about 18 months old... then maturity hit him like a freight train. About that time he took an intense dislike to my parent's Pomeranian (I've posted previously about a few awful and dangerous events between them) - also an intact male, but Oscar's aggression in that case I think had more to do with burgeoning territoriality and possessiveness, rather than dominance. Either way, he was totally fine with Eddie, until the day that he wasn't anymore.

It was also at that time that we became much more educated dog owners... found this website... got a prong collar... said goodbye to the dog park, etc. It was awfully disturbing, as inexperienced new dog owners, to see our sweet puppy turn into such a powerful and threatening animal, but it effectively caused us to be MUCH better owners, so for that I'm thankful. Perhaps one day I'll be blessed with one of those easy going males that emits endless calming signals... but for now, I'm happy to be learning every day with such a challenging teacher!

Maisha, you're doing wonderfully with Enoch, and he sounds like a lovely boy, just make sure you're EXTRA alert to his behavior in the coming year - lots of dogs change with maturity, and you'll be better equipped to handle things if you're paying close attention. Best of luck with him!

~Natalya