Dog is a magnet for unwanted advances Options

[lab_lover86]

I am the owner of a very sweet 18-month lab-mix dog. She's usually incredibly even tempered. She loves children, all people, and acts friendly to strange dogs(even nasty ones that snap at her), and she plays with a number of other dogs at the dog run. Lately, it seems that she's been attracting a lot of unwanted attention from males (most are not neutered, but not all of them are). There are a lot of males that seem to want to mount and/or hump her (even some puppies have tried to). They are very persistent about it, even when she tries to move away and/or gives warning snaps/growls to back off. She's been spayed ever since she was a 4-month old puppy, so I don't understand the sudden attraction. Other females in the park are mostly ignored by these same dogs.

After all this negative interaction, she had started to get snappy when any dog started to get too close to her rear, even if just to sniff. And she's even gotten into two fights with other males where she started chasing and attacking the other. No one got hurt or bit, so I'm not sure if this was just posturing on her part or just luck on mine. This is not like her at all. Every other time in our home if she's scared or uncomfortable, she either runs into her crate or becomes completely submissive (no urinating, thankfully, but licking her lips). I've tried talking to owners (some think that it is a good thing for my dog to put their own dominating dog "in their place"). I've tried removing my dog temporarily, and then completely for a few weeks before coming back. My dog is not scared of the park (she eagerly pulls me towards the run entrance when we walk by), but these males just seem to keep coming.

While she gets long daily walks, the dog park is the ONLY safe place she can run and play in our neighborhood (other places ban dogs, are unfenced and/or near traffic), so I don't want to completely avoid the park for the rest of her life. Plus, my dog has a number of friends she gets along great with and loves to play with (both male and female). But I definitely do not want to inadvertently put her in a position that encourages her to become full-blown dog aggressive. What can I do to correct this behavior before it becomes a bad habit and still keep her safe from the dogs who won't take a hint? Should I interfere more often and stop these advancing dogs myself. Be more protective so she doesn't feel that she needs to defend herself on her own? Or should I pursue a different path altogether? Any advice would be welcome.

[JMM]

First I would have her checked by your vet for a urinary tract infection. Its a long shot, but I've seen a couple of dogs who I suppose let off a smell due to infection and it resulted in unwanted attention.

Otherwise yes, some dogs attract obnoxious dogs. It is really up to you to stay on top of things and interrupt these other dogs or go to the park at off times. Fencing your own yard and inviting playmates is another good solution. Joining an obedience or agility class is yet another good way to have fun with your dog without other dogs harassing you.

[k9pack]

Often owners compensate for lack of insight by seeking out a medical solution for a behavior issue. The dog is a target by more dominant dogs due to this power seeking path driven by nature. The owner needs to adopt more of a lead role to help balance this out. I would not allow more dominant dogs to express power over your dog like this.

Dale

[JMM]

Wow Dale that's some dangerous advice there...physical problems are one of the most common causes of behavior problems. Ignoring some of them can turn deadly. I highly doubt it will harm the dog's long term behavior to get a urine sample checked. I think this board may be the wrong place for your misguided information.