Your dog can't stand other dogs, and you wondering why. Here's a couple explanations. Some dogs simply do not like other dogs, but may be just fine with the family cat. Other dogs are very solitary animals, and getting them to be social can be a real challenge. Here are some specific things to consider:
- Some breeds tend to be standoffish. If you have one of those breeds, you may be able to train your dog enough that he doesn't go bonkers around other dogs. Although you probably will NOT be able to train them to the point where he will actually welcome other dogs, your dog may learn to remain guarded but tolerant when other dogs are present. Tolerance is much more acceptable and safer than having a dog that exhibits his displeasure using biting or snarling.
- If you have another dog visiting, you may want to muzzle or crate your dog. If your dog is crate trained, he will probably just hang out and nap in his den for a few hours. If the strange dog will be visiting for a longer period, it might help to introduce the two dogs in a place that is not so territorial for the dogs. Start with both dogs being muzzled in case one of them reacts badly. You can progress their contact over a period, eventually enabling both of the dogs to coexist in your home.
- Does your dog dislike other dogs because he had a traumatic experience with another dog? Examples of a traumatic experience might include being attacked as a puppy, being completely isolated from other dogs, or being pulled away from his littermates at too early an age. All of these reasons can prepare your pet to dislike or mistrust other dogs. Consulting a canine behaviorist would probably be a useful resource in this matter.
