I have a gorgeous big lab that regularly comes to stay here. He is as daft as a brush and loves meeting and playing with other dogs. His hackles stand on end with all the excitement, but every other bit of his behaviour shows that he's happy and enjoying the experiance.

Doesn't it make a difference as to how much the hackles are raised??

I thought if only the shoulder area was raised then it was nervousness or excitement and only if the hackles are raised from shoulder down to tail is it aggression??

My big boy always raises his hackles round his shoulder when meeting other dogs, he is dominant not aggressive, so likes to make a big show when saying hello to new dogs.

thats exactly how jake is...

not sure, jakes is usually just his shoulders but occassionally his tail ones go up, but only very very slightly.

there is a gorgeous kelpie mix that lily plays with and when they first start tearing around, willow will have her hackles up. once they've settled into their play she smooths down again. she's never shown any aggression to lily and i put it down to extreme excitement.

jakes exactly like willow, i just hope other dog owners realise its just excitement...

the ones with a bit of common sense should.

Breagh gets the ridge type when she's playing.

yeah, unfortunately there are alot who havent got any...

that looks exactly like jake does! im glad its through play, and that its a normal thing for him to do

This is what Eddie does. Raised hackles, friendly wag. He is never aggressive but loves to play. I wondered what it meant because he is such a softie. He is always the submissive one in dog games and comes running to mummy if it gets a bit too rough for him.

The photo looks just like Eddie when he plays.

thats like jake, although he is a very dominant dog... but not in the slightest bit aggressive.