Could this be the start of DA?

Hiya just got a quick question for you, do any of you believe that some Staffies are just DA without any particular reason? I ask because Axl has never shown any aggression towards other dogs at all even after being attacked on a lead a few times now but last week while on holiday we were sitting in our little caravan garden and a random dog got in, axl was on his lead as he had just got back from a walk with our friends dogs. Anyway the dog approached from behind and came over to where me, my other half and axl were sitting and axl went nuclear on him there was no doubt that if my other half hadn't of grabbed him he would have attacked the dog he pulled my oh off his chair and across the grass as the dog moved away. The random dog was a puppy which made it even more strange as I thought adult dogs can sense that and are more tolerant? It was a mastiff so very big ( and very cute!). I'm of the view that it might have made axl jump as he didn't see it until it was right behind him but I wonder if there's a bit of da in him with dogs he doesn't know as he's fine with friends dogs. I just wanted to know other people's opinions on the matter to be honest as I was quite shocked! Also wondered if its just his age he's 18 months old now and I have heard that dogs sometimes go through a phase of being a bit "cocky" at that age. Anyway I'd be grateful for any opinions you guys have

Im sorry im not much help, but maybe as the other dog came from behind, it might of startled him and given him the wrong impression?
Im sure someone with more experience will be along soon

I wouldnt worry based on one incident, as startling can cause unnormal reactions. Just keep on with good socialisation

If this was a one off, it would be jumping to conclusions to convince yourself that it's the start of aggression, so try not to worry about it. It's likely that the dog took Axl by surprise and he was protecting himself, his property and/or his owners.

as eleanor said really, that and you occasionally find a dog that yours refuses to get on with, theres a border terrier down the road who's never done a thing to Lola, a real chilled out nice dog, but Lola goes ballistic if she sees him, whereas with 99% of other dogs she's no trouble

Thanks all x

Whats da?

Hargar wrote:Whats da?

Dog Aggression - when a dog shows aggressive behaviour towards another dog.

Hargar wrote:Whats da?

Dog Aggressive. In other words aggressive to other dogs. 

I agree with all the above probably just startled him and being on the lead himself was just protecting. Again Vinnie is fab with other dogs but there is one up the road who ran out one day as we were passing, startled Vin from behind and ever since his hackles go up every time we walk by there. Certain everything will be ok with Axl x

Yeah I agree I was thinking it might have just made him jump and the lead didn't help thanks for all you're comments x

Agree with all the above Debs, who wouldn't be startled by a large dog jumping on you from behind!

Keep calm and carry on as normal and I'm sure everything will be fine!

99% of the time mine are okay with other dogs but in certain situations that remove a flight responce things get tense and marley has been known to snap if he is either, suprised, cornerd in a small place and if he feels that laska is threatend. there is also one staff he hates with a passion for no reason whatsoever that i know of.
any dog can use its last resort if it feels it has nothing left to persue. i wouldnt worry about a one off instance too much. dogs like us have bad days too

I also think its just a 1 off. Can't get on with every dog under every sitsuation.

Chloe sometimes growls when another dog approaches but this is only when she's on a lead and the other one isn't. I think she feels more vulnerable. Her hackles rise up all down her back.

Mike wrote:I also think its just a 1 off. Can't get on with every dog under every sitsuation.

I agree mike they're like us you can't like everyone/pooch. Sounds like he was taken a little by surprise & I loved Lynda's 'keep calm and carry on'