"Does He Like Other Dogs?"

I'm always surprised at how dogs can be similar to people – or, how we're similar to dogs – a thought for another day. In the course of trying to find a home for a dog in a shelter or taking your dog to a public space or inviting visitors and their pets to your home you will inevitably hear the question, "does he like other dogs"? Seems reasonable enough to ask and expect, if the answer is "yes," a safe introduction is at hand.

Not so fast.

Time after time the most mellow of Golden's or friendliest of Labs will just plainly not like "the new kid" on the block and fur will fly. Owner's retreat with an embarrassed look and profuse apologies sputtering, "he's never done that" while Fido maintains his stance of fierce dislike.

Dogs who normally "like other dogs" will sometimes meet one they don't, and while this could be a training issue which needs to be addressed it's also possible this is a one in ten thousand instance where your dog just doesn't like the other guy. Don't force the introduction, respect the reasons he must have for not wanting to ingratiate another into the pack and review the following:

1. Is this a growing tendency for your dog? Is he/she starting to growl or react more to other dogs than a month ago?

2. Was your dog on a leash, in a crate, on your property when the behavior occurred?

3. Were the two dog handlers (owners) nervous or anxious about the introduction?

4. Has there been a change in your household?

Each of these scenarios can lead to unusual behavior in an otherwise mellow canine. If it's only one dog that your friend dislikes and shows positive and accepting behavior towards other dogs you can seek out the help of a trainer in your area or consider this: If you and I only disliked one person we met in our lifetime we would be considered pretty amiable.

Best to keep both meeting dogs on a leash when there is a new introduction to prevent a potential squabble. In spite of your dog's loving disposition, be observant in public places,  you never know if the one dog he doesn't like is out there and the introduction may not be pleasant.