Is it possible that dogs sense a "victim" in the same way bullies do?
For the third time, in less than a year Sparky has been pounced on aggressively by another dog this morning. No damage this time, thankfully, and it was over in seconds, but he was very shaken. There were 3 dogs - all offlead, and Sparky was staying to heel so I didn't put his lead on (good job, as I think it might have been worse if he couldn't get away) - he made no attempt to go towards the other dogs, wasn't staring at them or anything, just turned his head slightly away as we were approaching, but one of them came running straight for him and went for him. I'm sure there would be a reason for the other dog's behaviour, perhaps protecting a younger dog, or perhaps hurt by a collie in the past I don't know, but I'm beginning to think it must be something about Sparky that makes other dogs think he's worth having a go at. He's not nervous, is very well socialised, loves rolling around with other dogs and if anything he tends to try to be top dog when they are playing. Luckily, a lovely lady who saw what happened came over with her lab and let Sparky have a sniff, and he settled down to play after a few minutes, though stayed very close for the rest of the walk.
Just curious to hear what you think, as to the victim/bully thing.
Tracy

In the past I have certainly known dogs who appear to be 'automatic victims', where they get regularly get 'picked on' by other dogs who genuinely 'have never done that before'. I don't know what wrong signals they give out, whether it's by scent or body language, but it certainly happens.

Dogs certainly can learn to be victims or bullies.  It can happen as a result of early experiences, such as free-for-all puppy parties or classes with loads of dogs in a small area.  What you describe, him staying to heel and turning his head away almost sounds as if he was expecting trouble. Poor boy :( 

I'm worried that my puppy might be a bully! We went to those "puppy parties" as you describe and I don't know if they did more harm than good! She is a very confident, outgoing, in-your-face kind of dog and plays REALLY roughly, which can be pretty scary as she is a Great Dane and very big for her age. I've noticed that sometimes, when she is off-leash playing with other dogs, if the other dog snarls at her, she'll usually back off and look for another playmate but sometimes (usually when the dog is a small terrier type), the snarling and barking actually seems to make her go after the other dog more! I get really upset when she does this. She isn't aggressive or anything - she keeps putting her paw out and trying to paw the other dog and jumping around it, maybe mouths it a bit (all in play, as she normally does) but it does look like she is hassling the other dog and I worry it's because she is a bully, as this usually only happens when the other dog is a small one. It's almost as if their aggression towards her goads her on to "dominate" them! :(

Does anyone else experience this with their dogs?

Hsin-Yi

Think this just a case of confidence and not realising that the other pups are not her equals. Also think this is a good time to try and teach a 'calm down on command' lesson. With some dogs it is better if you can insist on a time out, if things get out of hand, so ask your trainer to help you with that, put your lead on her and make her sit or lay at your side for at least 5 minuets. Once she has relaxed you can let her off to play again.

I have to agree here, a dog needs to learn to 'settle' on command.  So many problems can be avoided if the dog or pup isn't allowed to get to the point of no return with overexcitement.

It is very useful when pups are really young and you are at clas to take short breaks while the vaious excersises are going on (after all and hour long class is way too long for the average 3 or 4 month old puppy), use these time outs to just teach pup to lie quietly by your side while the class carry's on.  Speak quietly to them when they are settled praising in a low voice.  Also very slow stroking has a calming effect.

Sit on a park bench from time to time with dog on lead and insist they lay quietly for a few minutes.  do the same in any other busy exciting places.  go to the local shopping precinct and sit quietly reading, but obviously watching pup.

Also at home when pup comes to join you in the evenings insist they chill out, rather than play madly.