Re: [PyrNet-L] dominance/aggression

[Ann Wetherilt <wetheri@emmanuel.edu>]

We have had somewhat unpredictable dominance behavior from Paddington
since he was about 18 months (he's now almost 5). He was neutered at 6
months, and for the first year and a half seemed to see any and every
other dog, pony, burro etc. as a potential playmate. He had daily outings
where he met lots of other dogs in parks, obedience classes etc. He *was*
the largest, most dominant puppy in his litter, and although any efforts
to exert alphahood over *us* have been quickly and rather easily dealt
with, we are very cautious when he's around other large-ish dogs. He's
never bitten anything and seems only to need to dominate, but it's pretty
alarming--mostly for people. He got along terrifically with Shelley--who
showed him who was boss within the first day or two--and Ivy Rose, who
weighs about half what he does, is establishing the same pecking order.
He'll growl and snarl a bit when she bugs him when he doesn't want to
play, but he's very patient and gentle with her...behavior he learnt from
her
Momma Shelley. We wouldn't leave him with another male, I don't think,
although they'd probably be fine once they worked things out. Anyway, in
our case, neutering didn't make much difference....although maybe it would
have been worse without! 
The other interesting thing is that we've not had problems with other male
pyrs, neutered or not. There's immediate breed recognition, somehow, and
he wants to play. He has had wonderful times during the past few months
with wonderful "Barney hunk" of Gainesville FL and delightful Travis of
Pepperell. We've been at a couple of pyr gatherings and were able to let
him romp in  a field with unneutered males--under lots of supervision, of
course. 
We have done all kinds of speculation as to what sets off the dominance
behavior. It seldom happens with long-haired dogs; dislike is more
prevalent towards some breeds (German shepherds and ridgebacks, for
example); his knee (where he had surgery for patellar luxation) is
sometimes a bit stiff and maybe makes him grouchy! Who can know the mind
of a pyr? And there are worse things in life than having to be a bit
cautious in the presence of other big dogs! He's a sweet, friendly,
wonderful creature who has enriched our lives since the days when we were
anticipating his birth!
Ann, Peg, Paddington and Ivy Rose