Unspayed dog snapped at dog park. Is she aggressive or just reactive?

Question

When to be worried if my dog is aggressive? Today I took my 1yr old female to the dog park,and a male dog would not stop following her around and sniffing her while we were trying to walk. It was very disruptive and he was rowdy, it quickly turned to him trying to mount her and she immediately freaked out and barked and snapped back at him. She didn't bite him and came to me the second I called her, but should I be worried? She's never shown any aggression ever. What can help? Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 2 months old | 45 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

No, I wouldn't be necessarily worried about her behavior in that situation. I think it was warranted. He was probably after her because she is not spayed. It is not recommended that intact dogs (male or female) be allowed in dog parks for this reason. Fights will ensue. Actually most dog parks have signs up that don't allow intact animals on the premises. If you are planning to use her as a breeding bitch then you should keep her away from dog parks. If you are not planning on breeding her then she should be spayed. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/breeding-your-dog-questions-to-ask-yourself/ ) ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-dogs/ )

Unspayed dog snapped at dog park. Is she aggressive or just reactive?

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