When we think of bullying, we usually think of school—not the dog park. But bullying in dogs does exist, and it happens more often than you might think. Knowing how to stop this behavior is crucial to creating a calm and happy environment for your four-legged friends—whether you’re a first-time dog owner or care for a household with multiple dogs.
Check out DogSitting24.ch – our reliable partners in pet care, who specializes in dog behavior and care. If you’re struggling with your dog’s social difficulties and looking for professional help in Switzerland, they are the right choice for you.
Let’s find out together how to recognize bullying in dogs – and even more importantly, how to prevent it with socialization and positive training.
What is bullying in dogs?
Bullying in dogs occurs when one dog repeatedly acts aggressively or dominantly toward another dog—without that dog’s consent. Typical signs include frequent body blocking, constant chasing, guarding resources, or even minor attacks. This causes stress or injury to the affected dog. So, it’s not just a one-time growl.
Unlike rough but fair play, bullying in dogs often leads to fear, insecurity, and sometimes physical injuries. Over time, the bullied dog may withdraw, hide, or develop behavioral problems.
Quick signs of bullying in dogs:
- Constant chasing or pinning
- Denying access to toys, food, or space
- Stiff body posture, growling, or staring
- Ignoring the other dog’s calming signals
- Body language of the “victim” dog shows fear
Why does bullying happen in dogs?
Bullying in dogs can have various causes:
- Lack of early socialization
- Unclear boundaries in shared spaces or at home
- Anxiety or stress in the bullying dog
- Unintentional reinforcement of the behavior by humans
- Absence of clear pack structure or leadership
Understanding the causes of the behavior allows you to adjust your strategy to successfully stop it.
Early socialization is crucial
The first step in preventing bullying in dogs is proper socialization. During the crucial socialization period—approximately between the third and fourteenth week of life—puppies learn how to behave politely toward other dogs.
Introduce your puppy to calm environments with friendly, well-socialized dogs. Through supervised playdates, obedience training, and professionally supervised dog daycare, your dog can learn boundaries and body language signals.
Bullying tendencies in older dogs can also be reduced through gradual re-socialization—ideally under the guidance of an experienced trainer in controlled environments.
Recognizing healthy play behavior — and distinguishing unhealthy play
Bullying is not the same as physical play. Dogs naturally play by growling, nibbling, and wrestling. The difference lies in balance and mutual consent.
Healthy dog play:
- Role reversals (both dogs take turns chasing and “catching”)
- Play pauses and short breaks
- Loose, bouncy movement patterns
- Ends when one dog disengages
Bullying in dogs:
- Is one-sided
- Forces submission
- Continues despite the other dog showing stress signals
By recognizing these differences, you can intervene early and prevent inappropriate behavior from getting worse.
Train the bully with positive reinforcement
It is crucial to provide your dog with consistent training when dealing with bullying behavior. However, avoid punishment at all costs — it often leads to more aggression and worsens the behavior.
Instead, try the following:
- Reward calm behavior around other dogs
- Redirect aggressive energy using toys or commands like “look at me” or “sit”
- Encourage polite greetings through leashed meetings
- Plan structured activities such as scent games or group walks
Consistency builds trust and reduces the triggers for bullying in dogs.
Don’t reinforce bad behavior
It’s hard to believe, but many people unknowingly encourage bullying in dogs. For example:
- Laughing at aggressive behavior (“Oh, he’s just a little bossy!”)
- Not intervening during overly rough play
- Focusing attention on the bully dog after a negative encounter
Instead, use a recall cue or distraction to gently interrupt the behavior. Reward socially acceptable behavior so your dog understands what is expected.
Set boundaries at home
Bullying in dogs can be prevented in multi-dog households by setting clear boundaries. Consistency and structure reduce dominance battles and resource guarding.
The following measures help:
- Separate feeding areas to avoid food aggression
- Own retreat spots or crates so each dog has its own space
- Rules for sharing toys to prevent possessive conflicts
When dogs know the rules and have their own areas, they feel safer and more relaxed.
Consider professional help
Bullying in dogs can sometimes become persistent or even dangerous. If your dog remains aggressive or dominant despite training, you should consult a professional dog behaviorist or trainer.
Make sure to choose someone who uses positive methods and has experience in canine communication. DogSitting24.ch provides access to experienced experts in Switzerland who can develop a customized training plan for your dog.
Use safe social outlets
Socialization is important for dogs — but not every environment is suitable.
Uncontrolled dog gatherings or large off-leash areas can overwhelm dogs or reinforce unwanted behavior.
Better options are:
- Play sessions in small groups
- Professionally supervised dog daycares
- Calm dogs on leash during nature walks
Such controlled and safe environments allow your dog to learn social skills and develop good behaviors. This significantly reduces the likelihood of bullying in dogs.
The victim also needs protection
Not only does the bullying dog need attention— the bullied dog also requires care and protection. Bullied dogs can develop anxiety, restlessness, or even health problems.
Make sure the affected dog:
- Gets breaks from the bully
- Has safe retreat spots
- Spends one-on-one time with you
- Engages in activities that boost confidence
It is your responsibility to support the well-being of both dogs.
Focus on Enrichment and Exercise
Bullying in Dogs Is Often a Sign of Boredom or Pent-Up Energy A lack of mental and physical stimulation can cause dogs to become aggressive or dominant in social interactions.
Daily enrichment helps prevent this through:
- Long walks with plenty of sniffing opportunities
- Treat-hiding games and puzzle toys
- Basic obedience or trick training
- Agility or scent work
Well-exercised dogs are less likely to display bullying or dominant behaviors.
Stay Patient and Consistent
Preventing bullying in dogs takes patience, persistence, and time. There's no quick fix—but even deeply rooted behaviors can be changed with consistent guidance, training, and a supportive environment.
Celebrate small wins: a calm greeting, a break from rough play, or a relaxed walk—every step builds on the last.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my dog is being bullied?
Signs include cowering, hiding, avoiding the other dog, or showing discomfort during interactions.
- Is rough play the same as bullying?
No. Bullying is one-sided and often causes fear or pain. Rough play is balanced and mutual.
- Can training stop bullying behavior?
Yes. Regular positive reinforcement and targeted socialization can significantly reduce bullying behavior.
Conclusion
Dogs don’t bully because they’re “bad”—they're expressing a need, emotion, or insecurity. As their guardians, it’s our job to guide, support, and protect them.
With focused training, positive reinforcement, and structured social contact, you can stop bullying and create a peaceful environment for your dog and those around them.
Need help? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the DogSitting24.ch team. Professional care and behavioral expertise are just a click away.