How to stop one dog from bullying another?

Give your dog timeout: Putting your dog in timeout when you notice signs of bullying is a good way to give both dogs a chance to calm down before things escalate. Simply remove your dog from the play area until they're more relaxed. Use a verbal cue and repeat it each time you put your dog in timeout. Be selective about who your dog plays with: Rather than taking your dog to the dog park where it's a free-for-all, providing ample opportunities for your pup to get into trouble, set up play dates in less stimulating environments. Arrange these doggy dates with dogs who aren't bothered by your pet's style of play. Consult a trainer with a model behavior dog: If you need help, a trainer can help you teach your dog impulse control. They might also have access to a well-behaved alpha dog who can model good behavior for your dog and teach them the difference between appropriate and inappropriate play behaviors. Stepping in, controlling who they play with and modeling better behavior can all help your dog become a better playmate. Bullying doesn't mean that your dog is hopelessly mean. It simply means they need to learn better social skills. They might also need more exercise or mental stimulation so they don't take out their boredom or excess energy on other dogs.

To stop one dog from bullying another, it’s best to work with your dog in a controlled environment, like a fenced yard, instead of in a park where the amount of open space and the opportunity for other dogs to intervene can delay the process. For this exercise, select a confident playmate that can tolerate canine misbehavior and won’t get triggered by your dog’s pushiness. Put your dog on a long, light leash before the play session begins, this “drag line” allows you to enforce the time-out without having to put your hand in between the dogs. If your dog starts off by interacting politely with the other dog, praise him for his good behavior and allow them to continue playing. If your dog has a super-strong recall, occasionally call him to you during the session before things get out of hand for occasional “de-escalation” breaks, during which you praise him and give him a small treat. The moment the other dog looks stressed or like he’s trying to get away from your dog, use your time-out phrase to mark your dog’s behavioral infraction, then pick up the long line and lead your dog away from the fun. Take a 30-second break during which your dog has no exposure to the other dog. With enough pairings of the phrase and the time-out, your dog should start to realize that every time he’s inappropriate with his playmate, the fun stops. Praising your dog for appropriate interactions and taking well-timed behavior breaks should help even the most harassing of hounds figure out that fair play is the way to go.

If your dog is showing signs of being a bully, it is important to correct that behavior as early as possible. Spaying and Neutering – An altered dog will have lower hormone levels and less tenancy toward aggressive behavior, including bullying. Socializing From Puppyhood – The sooner a puppy is socialized and learns to behave with its littermates, humans and other dogs, the more it will learn to behave appropriately. Interrupt as Needed – As soon as a dog shows any indication of bullying, that behavior should be interrupted and the dog's focus redirected. Exercise Appropriately – A dog that hasn't been exercised frequently will have more energy to burn off and is more likely to engage in bullying behavior when put into a stimulating situation. Know the Dog's Limitations – All dogs have different personalities and any dog may become a bully under certain circumstances. Reward Good Behavior – When a dog stops bullying or responds to commands to stop undesirable activities, that response should be praised and rewarded appropriately. Consistent Training – A dog that has been trained to have good manners and has that training continually reinforced is less likely to be a bully.