Ok, so my Fedja just has some ‘space’ issues

. I just found this article, and it helped me to understand his reaction toward strange dogs. People with 'friendly’ dogs would often give me a look like saying 'your dog is not raised well', and I would feel ashamed and offer a sorry word. Not saying it's a nice thing what Fedja does, I'm trying to work on this daily, but this article has been an eyeopener to me. Fedja IS reserved with strange dogs, has always been, and I always thought I did something wrong raising him, but now I believe it's just who he is. When strange dogs are polite and keep some, even small distance, he never behaves aggressive. Hope this article helps someone else who think they have bad behaved dog

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'Is your dog reacting aggressively because a strange dog is shoving his nose up his rear end or sticking his nose in his face? Not all dogs like that kind of thing from dogs they don’t know. This does not mean your dog has a bad
temperament or that he doesn’t like other dogs or won’t eventually learn to like this particular other dog. It just means he is more reserved about strange animals being pushy and getting in his personal space. He may just need a little more time to get to know the other dog and need for the stranger to be less pushy about getting in his face. If you are in tight quarters like a vet's office or training class, you may need to run interference by removing yourself from close proximity and/or politely ask the offender to back off. (Just say your dog has ‘space’ issues). Your dog may be growling because he is afraid of the overly friendly or obnoxious strange dog trying to be too
familiar with him. He is trying to more or less politely warn the stranger he doesn’t want him in his personal space. If the other dog doesn’t heed the growl because he is either clueless or doesn’t care, then it can escalate into a snap. It’s your job to run interference. Correct your dog if he reacts aggressively but also make sure strange dogs stay out of your dog’s personal space. Also do not allow any intense staring between the two dogs. (Staring is a challenge in doggy language. It may be to play or it may be a challenge to fight depending on the dogs in question).
I have seen people with overly ’ friendly’ dogs claiming their dog just wants to say ‘hi’. In reality sometimes the ‘friendly’ dog is using this as a way to come up and push the other dog around. Shoving his head over the top of a frightened or unwilling dog’s shoulders is a way to dominate him. Basically the overly social/friendly dog is terrorizing, bullying, and/or molesting the other dog. Grossly unfair! If both dogs are agreeable to the meeting, then that’s fine. They can make friends and have a great time playing. I am all for fun and socialization. In reality, not all dogs are extreme extroverts who love to be slobbered on by all other dogs or are immediately sure of themselves with all new comers. If the overly friendly strange dog really just wanted to
play with a scared dog he would react more submissively once he saw a frightened or aggressive reaction. He certainly would not continue to scare or push the other dog.'
Source:
http://rijudawgskool.com/Documents/F...AGGRESSION.pdf