Hi. I've been a lurker. Now I have a question. I have a scottie. A grreat dog really. He is about 18 months old. He's always been very balanced, and was socialized from about 3 months. (I got him at 11 weeks). He was fixed at four months. Within the last month he seems to be "becoming a man." What I mean is: at the dog park he has always been the happy go lucky guy who runs right in to the middle, senses his role and flips on his back. Lets everyone sniff and lick then jumps up and starts playing. Recently though, when he gets to the park the dogs run to him and surround him and eventually he growls and snaps and sends them away. This happens a few times then everything is fine and he plays (with his close friends, not the whole world like he used to). If young boy dogs come up and misbehave (in his eyes, by stealing his ball or jumping on him) he barks and snaps. (he's never actually bitten, or started a real fight). Here's my question. I've always had either female dogs, or larger boy dogs. I've never owned a small dog before. My understanding is that my boy has become a man, his scent has changed and he's sorta figuring out his place in the pack. Plus he is starting to tell pups when they are misbehaving. But, will this all mellow out? IE will he become comfortable with his place? With his buddies he's definitely low man. Or will he have these little bouts each time we go now. Also, what should my reaction be? Logic tells me yelling only makes it worse, but standing by doing nothing doesn't feel right either. The young boy dogs' parents seem to think mine is doing okay by putting theirs down, but it feels terrible to me. Again he's always been such a lover. One last thing, he's still a total lover at home and with all humans. My sister's scottie is a crotchedy fellow, I'm hoping to keep mine social.
Thanks. Sorry this was so long for a first post!
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