when do you decide a dog is attacking your dog

[*MaryG*]

sounds silly...but yesterday a boxer went for my dog Pepper three times. i thought it was dominance when she pinned him down the first time and growled. Pepper got up and moved away, Boxer repeated this two more times. I took Boxer off Pepper who looked scared and asked owners to put their Boxer on a lead. They didn't so we left! when does dominance become aggression?

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

In my opinion it becomes a problem when the dog on the recieving end doesn't like it.

[Patp]

In my opinion it becomes a problem when the dog on the recieving end doesn't like it.

Thats just how I judge it as well.

There is a boxer who we meet up occasionally who Jinley  is wary of - she stays very close to me when we are passing.

She also doesnt like being rounded up by one collie who tries to get between Jinley and myself.  Although not aggressive, I can see that Jinley doesnt like it so I change direction.

Pat

[black taz]

Body language is a good sign (from either dog)

We were at the vets last night for Taz's booster and a guy bought his springer over to say "hello" to my two.  He seemed fine with Kira, but when he was sniffing Taz the spring suddenly went very still and Taz immediately backed up under my chair.  The owner didnt seem aware of the body language at all, but i must admit I was getting ready to move Taz even before Taz moved himself.

[*MaryG*]

Thanks for the replies, i think that sounds right. i think i should  take him away more quickly when he is unhappy.

[Karma]

A dog "attack" would generally result in an injury.  So I wouldn't describe repeatedly pinning another dog down as an "attack" - nor would it be "aggression".  However, where a dog repeatedly pins another down, and the other dog is attempting to get away and not being allowed to, this IS rude and unacceptable behaviour, and the dog's owner should step in and control their dog.  Dog behaviour doesn't have to be aggressive to be unacceptable!