Is my Dog unaware of her strength/size?

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a 17 month old English Mastiff Bitch. Up untill this particular occurence she has been absolutely fine and playful with all dogs we meet in the park, from small terriers to larger Akitas/GSD's.
Yesterday we met a very stocky and muscular 3 year old American Bulldog and a 6 month old Neopolitan Mastiff. Both dogs were smaller than her, although the American Bulldog outweighed her. She went right over to the Neo, without a problem, but was very cautious in approaching the bulldog. The bulldog was a bit of a nutter, very rough and kept trying to jump up on her, and she would just run away with her tail tucked between her legs. She seemed to be fine and playful with the Neo, but whenever the bulldog approached, off she would go. I just carried on walking with the owners and acted like nothing happened untill we left.
I can tell you when we meet other dogs I observe them meet very calmly (sniffing rear ends etc) before playing around. The bulldog did not do any of this and was incredibly excited.

This is the first time this has happend
What I want to know is, why did she act like this?
Could it be she is not used to this behaviour from another dog?
Is it because she realised the bulldog was much older and stronger and was therefore scared? (But does she not realise that she too is a very large dog)
Does she not like rough play?
Also did I act in the right way?

Also to let you know she is quite a confident dog, behaved dog with no other issues.

Your insight into this matter would be much appreciated

Kind Regards

ANSWER: You need to be quite careful in any venue where dogs are at large.  People bring dogs with problem behaviors into dog parks.  The bulldog you describe does not belong in a dog park.  He is not properly socialized, probably not well trained, and provoked a normal avoidance reaction in YOUR dog.  The bulldog is a dog to avoid.  Observe approach behaviors of dogs at large.  Few dogs will rush over making direct eye contact; most dogs approach one another in a manner that communicates non-threat (on a curve, often pausing, sometimes sitting or even lying down, or offering play bow).

If you encounter this dog or see him in the dog park, don't go in there.  If the bulldog arrives while you're there, calmly leash your dog, ask for a behavior you can reward, and leave.  Do NOT obviously avoid the bulldog but don't allow your dog to interact with him. Remember, people can be idiots.  An out of control dog is not uncommon in a dog park and a lot of damage can occur very quickly, both physical and emotional.  Best to be safe than sorry.  If you can find a structured play group in a positive reinforcement training venue under supervision, where dogs are known to be well socialized and trained, choose that over the dog park.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,

you're very right when you say the bulldog isn't well trained, as i don't think it had any training at all. Both the Neo and the bulldog belong to the same owner so they keep each other company. The owner reassured me that his bulldog wasn't aggressive very excited. The Neo seemed to play with the bulldog without any problems (it was very rough play) but then again he would be used to it. Could you just explain further what the normal avoidance reaction my dog displayed means, was she nervous and disliked the bulldogs approach?

If so why didn't she react by giving a warning growl or snap instead of running away?

Kind Regards and thanks for your previous answer.

Ps would she get used to the bulldog if they interacted more? I know you strongly advised against it (is this because you think a fight could break out?)

Answer
Your dog displayed totally avoidant behavior OF A DOG SHE FEARS.  DO NOT expose her to further interaction with THAT DOG.  If YOU were afraid of something and I dragged you into its proximity, you would lose TRUST in me and your fear would WORSEN.  WHY people persist in bringing their dogs into venues such as dog parks where anything can (and often DOES) happen is beyond me.  ONE serious interaction can create lifelong behavioral problems in a companion dog.  WHY risk it?