How do you know when a dog is aggressive?

[ginaldo]

Ok, so Aldo and I were on a walk today. He is very friendly with all the doggies he meets (so far). Aldo and another male dog started to play, (the dog approached gently) and suddenly the other dog let out a mean growl after about 10 seconds. They were running in a circle (with the other dog doing the chasing). I didnt know if it would get out of hand so I grabbed Aldo. The owner was like "dont worry he is castrated"- I said in my head "I dont care he better not bite my dog" but thought I was over-reacting maybe. So I let them go back to playing...1 minute later, he started growling again so we left. So the question is, how do you know if its a good dog or a bad dog?? Did I over react? Aldo seemed a little nervous, but he was ok. Any thoughts? Am I too overprotective? In any case that woman needs to learn just because a dog is castrated doesnt mean he is not aggressive!

[wendykei]

I also look forward to hearing the responses on this one. Sidney LOVES to play with other dogs and I have a really hard time telling when other dogs are growling/barking becaus they want to play too, or because they want to eat him!

I took Sidney to the dog park for the first time yesterday (he finally finished his shot series and the 10-day wait period ended over the weekend) and he was right in there mixing it up with all the REALLY big dogs. They were all pretty friendly, but there were a few times, I thought to myself, "Wow--is Sidney going to be OK???" But Sidney was usually the one chasing rather than being chased, so I didn't step in and grab him out of the fray. Plus, I already know that I'm an overly neurotic first-time mom.

[ginaldo]

I guess I need to do my homework alittle on this subject. I read 5 million books on french bulldogs and training but never thought to read on OTHER dogs behavior. Any good titles that you guys recommend???
Aldo and I thank you!

[cookiesmug]

I agree, you have to observe the body language. Growling noises are more subtle and not as easy to tell whether it's agressive or just playful, but pay attention to the way they interact and usually you can notice the difference.

Our neighbor has this big mix-breed male dog, looks about 80 lbs of muscles, for some reason everytime he sees Cookie, our 15 lb Boston, he growls and snarls. His owner has good intentions and tries to bring him over to play. While Cookie is always very excited and happy to meet him, but this dog always has this very threatening growls and bares his teeth if Cookie further approaches him. His owner would say "it's okay, he just wants to play!" but I get so nervous I keep pulling Cookie back, I mean it really looks like he's ready to eat Cookie up anytime! :(

Whereas when Cookie and Dobby play together, Cookie makes the growling noises too, but in a non-threatening way. And you can really tell they're just playing and having a goofy good time. But like others said, if you feel uncomfortable in the situation, especially with a strange dog, trust your instincts and don't risk it.