My dog won't defend himself

?
Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
Report

Hi everyone 👋!

I've got a bit of a problem with Max, let me explain:

Max was attacked by a dog at the beach and instead of defending himself, he just bolted! It's really frustrating me because I’d like to teach my dog how to stand up for himself!!!!!! How do I do that??? The last time I was out with a friend and her dog (his name's Fox). At one point, there was a dog and its owner who wanted the dogs to "get to know each other" and the owner's dog started growling at Max. Max (who was off-lead) just ran for it! He did come back later, though. But when the other dog growled at Fox, Fox stood his ground by growling back at the other dog.

I wish my dog would act "dominant" too.

Why doesn't he react when a dog growls at him or attacks him?

Thanks 😊

Translated from French
icon info

The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.

Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.

Write your message and upload a photo if you want to! Please remain courteous in your exchanges.

Your post will be visible to all members of the international Wamiz forum.

45 answers
Sort by:
  • Show previous comments
    • L
    Lorna Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    That’s quite typical for a Golden as well... I’ve had several friends confirm the exact same thing.

    They’re often a bit too much of a "softie" to really stand their ground against rowdier dogs or those with stronger temperaments.

    I find they have a tendency to look a bit stunned as soon as another dog gets in their face, and they just don’t seem to push back at all.

    It’s not a bad trait in itself, but it can be a nightmare if the Golden is dealing with a bully, for instance. You shouldn't leave your dog to struggle if you see they’re having a hard time with another dog. My neighbour has a

    Golden, and if it weren’t for the humans stepping in, that dog would get walked all over by most of the other big breeds in the area (huskies, shepherds).

    When my girl was 8 months old, I actually had to step in myself to get her to leave that poor dog alone, as he just stood by his owner’s legs without reacting, looking completely wide-eyed and bewildered.

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    Thanks for your replies. I didn't know that. I thought a dog that didn't stand up for itself was just a timid dog.
    Translated from French
    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    Given the choice between running away to avoid trouble or getting into a scrap and risking injury, he chose the option that seemed the safest. The other dog clearly didn't want to say hello since he growled at Max, so Max just gave him some space. You’ve simply got a lovely, chilled-out dog who knows how to read other dogs :)
    Translated from French
    Flip-Cockwood
    Flip-cockwood Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Now that’s a chilled-out dog. What’s the issue then?

    Yeah, I don’t see a problem with that either. If a dog growls and yours realises there’s no point in interacting and just walks away... The main thing is that he learns not to wander off too far and manages his fear if that’s what’s going on. Teach him to come back to you in those situations. Just give him a quick recall whenever he turns away...

    It’s much better to have a dog that walks away than one that reacts. If you ever come across a dog that’s less willing to compromise and lashes out at a slightly heavy-handed response, it’s the weaker one of the two that’ll pay the price, and that’ll be a really negative experience scarred into them for good...

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Hi there,

    I’m tempted to say that’s actually a good thing? Mine doesn’t stand up for herself either, unless she’s being hurt, and even then she doesn't really get into a proper scrap. Given her crossbreed, it actually suits me quite well; even though I still have to step in to make sure the other dog doesn't hurt her, it stops the tension from building up on both sides.

    Because of that, a reactive dog that was off-lead actually ended up calming down and even started playing with Maya.

    Translated from French

  • 45 comments out of 45

    • Do you have a question? An experience to share? Create a post on our forum!
    These topics could be of interest to you!
    Find out more