10 month pup and smaller dogs

Hi everyone.

I haven't been here for ages! We now have two staffies - 3 years and 10 months.

Our 10-month male isn't good with small dogs and I wondered if this is common behaviour? He tends to try pin small dogs down, it is a bit like he plays with his sister, but of course it's not great as small dogs get terrified - as do owners.

Anyone have any advice or experience with similar behaviour?

Our older female is generally submissive with other dogs.

It's a very common action. Not just with Staffords, many dogs do it.

Although it's play, you should try to discourage it or at least warn other owners that it may happen.

The problem, of course, is if the other dog reacts as you may end up with a fight.

I agree with Gilly, hank is a jumper so I prewarn other dog owners that he’s a jumper but he’s friendly so they aren’t alarmed

It's the pinning down that is worst. Pinning, although it may be play, will be considered by some dogs as an aggressive action. That means the pinned dog can only react in two ways (they can't get away, remember), they either totally submit & yelp as though they've been hurt, or they warn with a growl, snarl & then teeth. Either way isn't acceptable to the other owner & dog. It isn't fair to put them through that.

Thanks for the replies. I think he will just have to be an on-lead dog with other dogs, which isn't the end of the world!

Whenever I see another dog when hank is off lead he goes straight back on lead, even though hank is friendly you don’t know what the other dog is like so better to be safe than sorry.