Does Your Dog Bully Other Dogs?
We’ve spent years finally talking openly about bullying in schools—how damaging it can be, how deeply it affects confidence, safety, and emotional wellbeing.
But dogs don’t get a free pass from the same dynamics.
Yes—dogs can be bullied.
And yes—it can have lasting emotional effects.
How deeply it affects a dog depends on several factors.
When Dogs Are on the Receiving End
Not every negative interaction leaves a mark. What matters is context, history, and repetition.
Here are the biggest factors that influence how a dog processes a bullying experience:
1. Your Dog’s Overall Play History
Dogs with a rich history of positive play experiences tend to bounce back more easily. One bad interaction is less likely to stick if it’s outweighed by many good ones.
2. Exposure to Different “Types” of Dogs
Dogs discriminate extremely well.
A small dog who’s had lots of positive experiences with other small dogs—but few with large dogs—may develop a lasting fear if an early interaction with a big dog goes badly. The same can happen with dogs of certain breeds, coat colors, or play styles.
3. The Ratio of Good to Bad Experiences
Just like humans, when negative experiences outweigh positive ones, dogs start to feel less safe. They become guarded, reactive, or avoidant in similar situations moving forward.
If you believe your dog is being bullied, be your dog’s hero. Remove them from the situation immediately—and make sure their next interaction is a good one. That contrast matters.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Dog parks and dog daycares have exploded in popularity. That means:
More dogs
More mixed play styles
More opportunities for things to go sideways
Not every dog is socially skilled. And not every environment is appropriate for every dog.
Is Your Dog the Bully?
This is the harder question—but an important one.
Bullying isn’t about being “bad.” It’s about skills, arousal, and awareness.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Greetings: How Does Your Dog Approach Others?
Most dogs prefer cautious, curved approaches. They sniff, circle, gather information.
Dogs who rush in fast, head-on, or skip these steps often get snapped at—not because the other dog is aggressive, but because the greeting was uncomfortable.
2. Play Initiation: Does Your Dog Ask—or Demand?
Healthy play starts with invitations:
Play bows
Loose bodies
Bouncy movements
Some dogs skip the invitation and jump straight into body-slamming, chasing, or biting. Imagine a stranger sprinting up to you and grabbing your arm. Not great.
3. Pauses and Turn-Taking
Good play has breaks.
Dogs pause, shake off, switch roles, and change games. These pauses say, “We’re still good, right?”
When a dog pins another too long, fixates on neck biting, or never releases pressure, play stops being play. Even confident dogs will eventually object.
Early on—especially with unfamiliar dogs—we want to see pauses and variety. As friendships develop, dogs often need fewer breaks. But early play should look flexible and mutual.
If Your Dog Is Struggling Socially
Here’s the good news: this is very fixable.
What doesn’t work is the old advice:
“They’ll work it out.”
They won’t.
The more a dog rehearses rough or bullying play, the harder it becomes to change. Dogs don’t “grow out of” poor social skills. They need to be taught.
Some common reasons dogs bully:
They enjoy rough play and miss social cues
They get stuck in one style of play
They’re over-aroused or under-exercised
They lack feedback that actually makes sense to them
A qualified behavior professional can help you identify why your dog is struggling and put a clear plan in place.
What You Can Do Right Now
Reinforce what’s going well: Praise calm, appropriate play
Interrupt early when things escalate
Follow through: “Too bad—no more play” means play actually stops
Sometimes that’s a short leash break. Sometimes it’s leaving the park for the day.
And that’s okay.
As Ian Dunbar famously reminds us, we don’t want to ignore warning signs or suppress communication—we want to guide dogs toward better emotional choices.
A Final Word (and a Reframe)
Dog parks and daycares can be wonderful enrichment tools—for the right dogs, with the right oversight.
If someone raises a concern about your dog’s behavior, it’s not an insult. It’s information.
Take it seriously. Take action.
Because the goal isn’t just fewer scuffles—it’s more joy.
For your dog.
For the dogs they interact with.
And for everyone sharing the space.
Until next time, Have Fun & Enjoy Your Dog!
Jody Karow – CTC
Dog Life Coach & Founder of Go Anywhere Dog®
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our online dog training program for living your best life with your dog!
P.P.S. Don’t miss our local services in Minnetonka, Minneapolis & Edina, MN areas providing In Home Puppy & Dog Training and Minneapolis Puppy Classes for the social family dog.
