So He Freaked Out

[Kipper]

Kip is a Coonhound mix and is very easy going. Hes only about 10 months old, but is exercised daily. He walks at heal well enough that i can ride my bike with him at my side. He always looks like the happiest dog at the park.
Kipper was playing fine with a Golden Retriever, but every time one of them fell over a pitbull came up and stood over them dominantly. The golden retriever growled at the pitbull and it backed off. After this the Pitbull stood over kipper, humped him a little bit, and then growled. Kipper, rather then just growling at the pitbull, kind of freaked out. I felt like a big jerk with Kipper beating up the Pitbull. The worst part is that he has not allowed himself to be dominated before in a similar manner.
I just want to know if there is a way to make my dog be more passive with being dominated.

[pitc9]

I don't know how much help I'll be... but here goes nothing:


I just want to know if there is a way to make my dog be more passive with being dominated.

I don't know about making your dog being more passive. I think it's more about keeping him from "freaking out" on other dogs that try to dominate him.
I'd stay close to him at the dog park (or where ever you were) and if he looks like he might freak out again give him a stern "NO" then call him to you.
If nothing else, it will distract him from what he might have done (attack another dog)

My female Sierra, will NOT tollerate anyone trying to mount her, she'll spin around with lips curled and scare the other dog. (believe me... I've never seen a dog try mounting her twice!! :D ) But she's never attacked another dog for doing it. I've never had to correct a behavior like you talking about with Kip, I'm sorry I couldn't help!

[bckrazy]

It's hard to give any advice, without more specific details. What exactly does "freaked out" mean? Did Kipper inflict any wounds on the other dog? Were there punctures, or marks of any kind? How long did the "freaking out" last?

In general, if your dog is that reactive to other dogs, I would stick to private playdates with dogs that you know he gets along with. However, Kipper could simply be a little over-zealous, but harmless, with his corrections. Some people can overreact to a dog growling and displaying, when it's often just for show, and no harm is ever done.