Territorial aggression in the park?

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Territorial aggression in the park?

Posted : 3/30/2006 7:49:38 PM

Hi!
I have a two year old male bull-terrier.(I also have a 12 month female Jack Russll Terrier, and 2,5 year old male JRT; they ll get along famously!) He is very well tempered and obedient, never had any problems, except:
When we go or a walk in the park, he doesn't allow other male dogs to approach him, he immediately wants to attack them so I have to make sure he's free to play only when nobody else is around.
So, my question is: is the bullie aggressive because he's just plain aggressive and not well educated, or is this just because he's defending his territory when he's out for a walk? Is it normal for the dog to defend his territory even when it's not really his (it's a public park)...? It's really his only display of aggression and dominance, in other situations and at home he's very calm and cuddly, he even lets the male JackRussell have his way with him and never has aggressive outbursts.
Thanks for the answer and advice!

spiritdogs

Posted : 3/30/2006 7:58:39 PM

Just because a dog gets along with his housemates is no indication that he will get along with strange dogs, either male or female. If your bully hs not been well socialized to other dogs since he was young, or has not been socialized to strange dogs since puppyhood, he may just be exhibiting the normal canine instinct that tells him it's time to be loyal to his own pack and shun others. If he is intact, that's another factor that can contribute to dog to dog aggression.
Some of the bully breeds plain don't like other dogs when they get past a certain age.