New female greyhound aggression / reacting toward male greyhound

[Salina]

We recently adopted a large female greyhound, and she seems to be settling in well. She isn't bothered by any people / loud city noises/ small dogs. However, when we walk in the morning we often pass  a male greyhound who lives in the apartment next to us who is very friendly, calm and relaxed. As soon as she sees him it seems like she wants to go to him, but if he gets too close she growls and puts her right paw out as if to tell him to back away. We can steer clear of him so it isn't that big of a problem, I'm just curious as to if anyone has had this happen before or has any suggestions for us. She is so calm 99% of the day, except for when we see him. (And this isn't the case with other large breeds, she is fine when we see/ meet other large dog breeds.)

Thanks!

[Bizeebee]

Depending on how long you've had her, this may pass in time. The first few months can be emotionally hard for a new dog, even if they seem like they are doing fine. She may also never like this particular dog, for reasons you may never know.

Try not to think of this as aggression, especially if it's happening as you describe. She is using the only language dogs have to tell him he's doing something she doesn't like, and if she is only growling and moving away, but not lunging/attacking, then think of it as talking, not aggression. But don't push it either, these dogs don't have to be friends just because they are both greyhounds.

Look up Turid Rugaas, she's a Norwegian dog trainer with a lot of good info out there on dog body language and calming signals. It will really help you to kind of decode what your dog, or any other dog you're meeting, is thinking/saying with their body.

[macoduck]

Could it be that she is just really excited to see another greyhound? Mine have always been breed snobs but go ga-ga over seeing another greyhound.

[kightfam]

(Not a greyhound owner here, but I've had other dogs) If her reactivity is remaining at a low level like you're describing, try conditioning her to think that dogs passing = FOOD! From far enough away that she's noticing but not reacting, start handing out incredible treats, only when the other dog is in sight. Might have to work up to closer and closer interactions over time, so that there's never a bad feeling associated with passing dogs. But if you keep her under reactivity threshold and show her that looking at other dogs makes it rain treats, I'm sure she'll make rapid progress!

[mansbestfriend]

Hi. Sounds like this behaviour is well within the range of normal. A growl in most situations is a medium-high indication that your dog is uneasy for some reason about 'something' in that moment. It's uncomfortable and would rather have more space between it and whatever is causing it to growl. Simply keeping clear or taking a detour is a great idea. Cheers.