June 2, 2025, 4:44 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Bullying doesn’t just happen in the office or on the schoolyard—it can also occur at the dog park. In an interview with PETBOOK, dog trainer Katharina Marioth explains how bullying manifests among dogs, why it occurs, and how owners can recognize when it’s time to intervene.
“They’ll sort it out among themselves”—every dog owner has probably heard or even said this phrase. And it’s true: Dogs can resolve conflicts among themselves. However, this doesn’t always end well for everyone involved. Especially insecure dogs become victims of bullying. Sometimes, several dogs may even gang up against a particular animal. Owners usually don’t notice this. “Look how nicely they’re playing,” they say when one dog chases another.
Therefore, the appeal from dog trainer Katharina Marioth is: “They don’t just sort it out among themselves—we must take responsibility.” In an interview, the expert explains how to recognize bullying among dogs, why it occurs, and when to intervene.
“Bullying at the Dog Park—This Is Not Play”
PETBOOK: Katharina, bullying is a term we know more from school or work. Does bullying really occur among dogs?
Katharina Marioth: “Yes, absolutely. Especially in poorly managed dog parks or daycares, you often see several dogs focusing on one. It usually affects particularly sensitive, insecure, or sick dogs. Dogs sometimes perceive physical weaknesses earlier than we humans do.”
What is behind it when dogs exclude or chase other dogs?
“Biologically, it can make sense—for example, if a sick dog stands out due to its smell. Often, however, it’s simply hunting behavior: A pack comes together and makes a dog the ‘prey object.’ You often see this as collective chasing until exhaustion. In puppy groups, if not well guided, this can also happen—puppies can even be traumatized by such experiences.”
“They’ll Sort It Out Among Themselves”—Is That True?
Many owners say: “They’ll sort it out among themselves.” Is there any truth to that?
“Only to a very limited extent. It strongly depends on the dogs–size, weight, age, character. When a large dog ‘explains the world’ to a Chihuahua, it’s not a fair basis. Of course, threatening behavior is part of dog language—such as growling, stiffening, or snapping in the air when another dog is intrusive. But anything beyond that should not be simply accepted. Laypeople often can’t correctly assess normal behavior.”
How do I recognize if my dog is being bullied—or is bullying?
“The so-called stress display is important. This includes, for example, a tense mouth area, excessive panting, ‘whale eyes’ (visible whites of the eyes at the back), pinned-back ears, and a tense, small body posture. During play, the dog appears relaxed and moves fluidly and smoothly. If a dog constantly crouches, tucks its tail, or even urinates under itself, it’s a clear sign: Something is wrong—time to intervene.”
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And If My Dog Is the Bully?
What do I do if my dog is the bully?
“Honesty helps most of all. It’s not a drama if your own dog isn’t the most socially competent. The important thing is to recognize it, take the dog out, leash it, and give it a break. It’s best to get support from an experienced dog trainer. And: The dog park is not a form of exercise—it’s often more interesting for people than for dogs. It’s better to redirect the dog’s energy in a meaningful way.”
Are there dogs that positively influence group behavior?
“Yes, a confident dog—whether male or female—can serve as a role model. Such dogs don’t immediately respond to every prompt but observe first. They don’t intervene in heated situations but rather bring calm. But this should not be overestimated. The responsibility for behavior always lies with the owner—and not with other dogs.”
About the Expert
Katharina Marioth is the founder of the brand Stadthundetraining and the KEML principle. She is an IHK- and government-certified dog trainer and behavioral assessor for dangerous dogs in the state of Berlin. In her daily business, she works closely with veterinarians, scientists, and other specialists on dog-related topics. With her knowledge and skills, she secured the title of Dog Trainer of the Year 2023 in the Sat.1 show “The Dog Trainer Champion.”