Why does my dog hate other dogs – 10 Real reasons

There could be a variety of reasons why your dog appears to dislike other dogs. Here are some possible explanations:

Lack of socialization: If your dog was not properly socialized as a puppy, they may be fearful or anxious around other dogs. Dogs who did not have positive experiences with other dogs during the critical socialization period (between 3 and 14 weeks of age) may be more likely to develop aggressive or fearful behavior towards other dogs as they get older.

Negative experiences: If your dog has had negative experiences with other dogs, such as being attacked or threatened, they may develop a fear or aggression towards other dogs. These negative experiences could have occurred during walks, at the dog park, or in other situations where your dog has interacted with other dogs.

Resource guarding: Some dogs are territorial and protective of their resources, such as food, toys, or their owners. If your dog perceives other dogs as a threat to their resources, they may become aggressive or defensive.

Medical issues: In some cases, dogs may become more irritable or aggressive towards other dogs due to underlying medical issues. For example, a dog who is in pain or discomfort may be more likely to react aggressively to other dogs.

Genetics: Some breeds of dogs are more prone to aggressive behavior towards other dogs. For example, breeds that were originally bred for dog fighting or guarding may be more likely to display aggressive behavior towards other dogs.

Lack of training: If your dog has not been trained to socialize with other dogs and has not learned appropriate behaviors around other dogs, they may be more likely to act aggressively or fearfully.

Anxiety or stress: Dogs who are anxious or stressed may exhibit aggression towards other dogs as a way to protect themselves or relieve their anxiety. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as separation anxiety, noise phobia, or environmental stress.

Changes in the household: If there have been changes in the household, such as the addition of a new pet or a new baby, your dog may feel threatened or stressed and may become more aggressive or fearful towards other dogs.

Age-related changes: As dogs age, they may become less tolerant of other dogs and may prefer to be left alone. This is especially true for senior dogs who may have mobility issues or health problems that make them more vulnerable.

Protective instincts: Some dogs may have a strong protective instinct towards their owners or their home and may act aggressively towards other dogs as a way to protect what they perceive as their territory.

If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior towards other dogs, it is important to speak with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can help you identify the underlying cause and develop a plan for addressing the behavior.

It is important to note that dogs are individuals and their behavior can be influenced by a wide range of factors. If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior towards other dogs, it is always a good idea to seek the advice of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can help you address the issue.