Quote:
Originally Posted by CFrance
Here are my thoughts (I have no proof): it wouldn't change the basic temperament of an aggressive dog, but the dog wouldn't be able to do much damage to another dog or human. However, in our shelter there are occasional dogs who play too hard and are muzzled for play groups so they can still play without hurting another dog, which could lead to group aggressiveness. But these dogs are not really aggressive. Dogs playing with other dogs by using their mouths is a thing--nipping at necks and/or faces, for instance.
Our first Golden played like this with a somewhat aggressive rescued Keeshond who was roaming the streets before being caught and was very prey driven. They chased each other around the living room nipping each other's face and neck but never got into a fight. We didn't have to muzzle the Keeshond. The Keeshond was known to bite people, though.
Caveat: I wouldn't have engaged in this play, but the owners were our best friends, we spent a lot of time together. The dogs were slowly introduced to each other. As long as the Keeshond wasn't hurting ours, we let it go but kept a close eye.
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Thanks. Keeping a close eye on things is important with all dogs, since we can't hear what they hear, smell what they smell, there is no way to know 100% what might trigger a reaction.