How do you know if my dog doesn't like my other dog?

If you see them peeing or pooping in places where they shouldn’t, they may be trying to tell you something. Aggression can often be in the form of biting or nibbling of the animal or person getting attention over them. This may especially be an issue in a multi-pet household where pets are competing for attention and resources. Growling, hissing, or getting into a fight with another pet may be a sign that your dog doesn't like your other dog. Sometimes when pets get mad, they may have a tendency to withdraw. Leaving the room can be a sign that your pet is feeling jealous or insecure. Pushy behavior, such as inhibiting another person or animal from moving freely on a regular basis, or pushing their way into a situation, demanding the attention of their owner, can also be a sign. Crowding your space, such as lying down on your work table or sitting on your computer keyboard to get attention, or even start knocking things off the table, may indicate that your pet is trying to get your attention and doesn't like the other dog.

Dogs do this too, believe it or not. If they have a bad experience with one breed or type of dog, they carry this over to other examples of that breed, or type. So you will very often hear people say “my dog doesn’t like Dalmatians” or “my dog hates small dogs”. Dogs are usually fine to interact with other dogs who are open and friendly when they approach. Not all dogs like their space to be invaded, as I have said many times. Dogs also have a problem reading some body language from other dogs. This might be because of their markings – Dalmatians being the prime example. Or it might be due to their shape – anything with a tail that curls over their back can be problematic, as it is harder for the dog to show submissive behaviour. Dogs also struggle to read all-black dogs. Once you appreciate that dogs are not always that great at understanding each other, it becomes easier to see why problems can occur. A lovely, friendly, open dog may not always be quick enough to see that the dog they are enthusiastically bounding over to greet is less than impressed. What then happens is that the dog being approached becomes cautious and wary. If your dog is off lead, running around and another dog approaches to say hello – so what? If your dog doesn’t like it, they can say so. Usually – of course you may need to watch this if you have a large, strong dog being approached by a cheeky and annoying dog.