Bullied Dog: Signs & Support Needed Urgently!

Dogs often exhibit bullying behavior in parks, but this does not mean that bullying is exclusive to these locations. Parks are merely a metaphor; the scene of bullying can extend to squares, quiet corners of residential complexes, or any place where multiple dogs interact and engage in competitive or aggressive behavior towards others.

Odd Bullying Patterns

Not all dogs that bully in parks are inherently bad; they can also have their own circle of friends. While these dogs may generally struggle with social skills, they can be wellbehaved at home. It's important to note, however, that canine bullying differs from human bullying. While humans often resort to violence, dogs' bullying tactics are typically less violent.

A dog that knows how to bully will dart around, chase, and bark continuously to drain the energy of its target. They usually target smaller, less physically fit, shy, or outoftheordinary dogs.

Of course, some smaller dogs may also develop a taste for bullying. You might wonder, what qualifies as bullying? Let's simulate the process:

In a park, there's a Husky that has become a master of bullying. Lately, a Chihuahua has been frequenting the park, and it has become the Husky's target. On the first day, the Chihuahua might think the Husky is friendly. By the second day, it could feel annoyed and even attack. By the third day, the Chihuahua starts to feel troubled and shows signs of submission. On the fourth day, after enduring the harassment, the Chihuahua becomes fearful, showing submission by exposing its belly or lying down. On the fifth day, a new friend, a Pomeranian, arrives, and the Husky sets its sights on the Pomeranian.

This is the general pattern we can observe, from the Chihuahua's initial misunderstanding to its ultimate fear. So, what does the Husky gain from this? When the Chihuahua shows signs of submission and fear, the Husky enjoys the process and finds it entertaining.

Many renowned canine behavior experts internationally recognize the existence of bullying in dogs and have proposed various corrective methods. The question arises: How does bullying behavior manifest?

Firstly, dogs that lack proper socialization with their mothers and other adult dogs during puppyhood are more prone to bullying. They don't understand what is acceptable or unacceptable behavior.

Secondly, many households have multiple dogs. If an inactive dog lives with an active one, the inactive dog may become more energetic, potentially directing its newfound energy towards bullying other dogs. This can be mitigated by ensuring both dogs receive regular exercise together, rather than just playing alone.

Lastly, a dog with strong social skills may become a bully if it frequently interacts with a dog that has poor social skills. The dominant dog may derive enjoyment from bullying the less social dog.

In summary, dogs that lack proper upbringing and attention from their owners are more likely to become bullies. It's important to note that territorial behavior is not the same as bullying. While a dog with strong territorial instincts may fight to protect its territory, including toys and food, bullying is about deriving pleasure from the process of harassment.