Why does he do this?

• Why does he do this? BEVOLASVEGAS Posted : 1/21/2007 12:10:21 AM Today I took Bevo to play at the dog park.  We were there for a little over 2 hours, and he had his hackles up the entire time.  He showed no aggression towards any of his playmates, he bowed to invite play, he played fetch with about 15 other dogs without incident, but his hackles up throughout the visit.  It's bad enough that most people don't want a doberman playing with their dog, but when his hackles are raised, it is even worse.  Any ideas as to why his hackles were raised for that long?  Does this mean anything that I am missing? LIKE 7 REPLIES 89 VIEWS LAST POST STEF W Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• TinaK Posted : 1/21/2007 12:42:39 AM We can only guess what he was thinking... Raised hackles not only suggest aggression, but also arousal, dominance or surprise. Some dogs are quick to get their hackles up, it doesn't mean they are about to confront another - it depends on the dog's posture, the position of ears, tail, etc. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• gayle Posted : 1/21/2007 1:01:56 AM i'm sure it was probably just from being excited since it doesnt sound like he was showing any signs of ill-behavior. (sp edit) 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• jennie_c_d Posted : 1/21/2007 2:22:58 AM Piloerection can be caused by any sort of arousal. Emma's hair stands up, if she's in a lot of pain. It stands, when she's meeting new dogs, or greeting friends. It stands when friends come to the house. Teenie's stands any time there's another dog around.  0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• jeano Posted : 1/21/2007 4:12:39 AM Yep, he was just excited. No need to worry. When he gets used to it, he won't get the "mohawk effect" so much. [] 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• BEVOLASVEGAS Posted : 1/21/2007 10:31:29 AM ORIGINAL: jeano Yep, he was just excited. No need to worry. When he gets used to it, he won't get the "mohawk effect" so much. []     That's the problem.  He is used to the dog park.  We go at least 4 times a month, along with meeting with a play group about twice a month.  He is used to this park & we have never had any problem with him meeting new dogs.  Now he wants to raise his hackles.  It seems that something is not right. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• J M Posted : 1/21/2007 10:56:10 AM Maybe tiring him (walking, playing) out before park time will lower his arousal a bit? 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Stef w Posted : 1/21/2007 2:50:24 PM Tux plays with his hackles up as well.  He will put them up for anything though - he has a pretty low threshold for excitement.  0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login