Dog attack - is this hormones?

Hi all Staffie lovers

We have a question. Zeus has been attacked 3 times in 3 days by other dogs.  He has a couple of new war wounds on his snout etc, but nothing to worry about.

He is his usual self, runs up to dogs, tail wagging like mad, play with me play with me type of greeting. But after a few seconds the other dogs got aggressive and attacked, with lots of yelping and running backwards on Zeus' part with this look of "why what did I do to you?" on his face.  And me running in to separate them/kick the attacking dog in the head.  (Didn't actually get to that point though).

One unfriendly idiot this afternoon mentioned balls, and the fact that Zeus still has his.  No apology for his dog attacking ours etc.  So we started thinking that there may be some truth to this despite the fact that he is perfectly friendly.  

We are quite annoyed (I'm borderline homocidal.  Esp when these ppl can't even take responsibly for their dogs' behaviour).  And don't want him to develop a fear/aggression response to other dogs.

So the question is an obvious one I guess.  In terms of his developing hormones and his approaching first birthday, do you think he is suddenly being attacked because other dogs are feeling threatened and want to show dominance?

We would appreciate any of your thoughts or personal experience on the matter that you have to share please.

Thanks,

Lloyd, Kaz and slightly beaten up Zeus...

Oh no... What a crap situation to be put in. If only other owners would take responsibility of there own dog. I really don't know enough about fella dogs to offer any advice sorry.

Might help to know a little more.. Were the dogs that he approached on lead/with a toy or anything? Male/female? Neutered/entire? Did you ask the owners before he approached if the dogs were okay to meet/were friendly?

Hi Rachael

No leads no toys. Always asked owner if their dogs are friendly or ok to be play. Zeus normally sniff around and each time other dogs are friendly for first 5 sec. Not knowing regards to neutered but we think they are and we think all male dog that attacked Zeus.

I think its more to do with body language than hormones. I would say the majority of the entire males I have seen get a warning have been young and juvenile. They will apporach an older dog with subtile body language and postures we cannot always see. Bolsterd by the confidence of testosterone they may come accross as very cocky, rude and insulting to older dogs entire or not which will earn them a telling off.
On the flip side castrating too young may help inflame the situation if they didnt get to experiance the confidence of youth. My boy will never snap at an entire young un as he is uber confident in himself all he does is posture and give the thousand yard stare. if that doesnt work he turns his back which is hillariouse as it catches the other dog right out, you can almost see the look of humiliation.

Bane is entire and this hasn't happened to him. Maybe he does come across as a little rude to other dogs at times. I hope he is alright and doesn't affect him