When Do Puppies Become Adults In Another Dogs Eyes?

[DarceyK123]

I just ask as my 8 month old collie was set upon by a male Rottweiler today.

He wasn't really injured thank goodness but my dog said 'hello' to him and them rolled onto his back with his legs in the air to show submission and Rottweiler still tried to bite him.

Im shocked that an adult dog would turn on a submissive puppy.

The owner dragged him off, muttered something about him not having done that for ages !! And then ran off with him.

I hope its not going to have any lasting effect on my friendly dog.

[barry1010]

Some dogs don't tolerate pups of any age, and any dog can have an off day.
You should not assume that your pup will be safe with every dog

[wolf63]

If the other dog is older/old they might not have the patience for a puppy.

Are you taking your puppy to puppy socialising classes. During COVID puppies weren't able to socialise with others at a young age and I know of two lady dogs who don't know how to deal with other dogs. They are very antisocial!

[1ozzy]

Not sure when puppies become adults in dogs eyes.

I'm of the opinion that how dogs interacts with other dogs is dependant on how they were raised and trained.

It's usually the owner that is at fault.

[DarceyK123]

My dog is very well socialised, we go to the park every day and he happily plays with many dogs there.
We also attend training classes.

I was just shocked that the owner of an obviously out of control large dog was let free in the park where many dogs and children were playing.

[andy-hughes]

Dogs can usually sense sexual maturity in other dogs, possibly by scent, or behaviour, I don't think we really know for sure.

As a rule, an adult dog will tolerate a pup, but as advised, and as you have experienced, there are no hard and fast rules with any animals.

I don't think another dog's reaction is based on how you train your dog, again we don't know what signals they communicate to each other.

Always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

[DarceyK123]

Yes i suppose its the same with humans, no adult should hurt a child but sadly they do.

[lankeela]

You say your dog said hello to the Rott - why did you allow your pup to approach another dog without knowing what it was like?

[DarceyK123]

Lankeela, i didnt really, we just turned the corner so didnt see him in advance and he just came bounding over.

The owner didnt seem worried or even speak to him so i assumed (wrongly) he was just coming over to say hello to my dog, who always friendly, not attack him.