a dog park confession (long)

[kiwilyme]

My Hummer is also a recent rescue(3 yr old neutered male). Although I haven't taken him to any dog parks we did go dog school "Beginner's Class" to correct some undesirable behaviors(not coming when called, jumping on people/kids) as well as to socialize him with other dogs. I at this point could never consider an unleashed dog park. He does not respond to the come command when called.

Towards the end of our 9 week beginners class I noticed that Hummer was getting to be more dominant/confident with other dominant dogs. He would assert himself in typical boxer fashion. Often times ending up with me taking Hummer out of the group to settle him down for a few minutes. I also overheard the negative comment from the woman whose dog(German Shepard)Hummer got boxy with. This was not said in a constructive manner but were meant only to insult.
I am waiting till Spring to move onto Beginners 2. I'm hoping Shepard lady will not be there. I'm also hoping this assertive behavior Hummer was displaying was an isolated incident.

 

[tugger]

I had just the opposite things happen with Brit when we went to the park. She was always aggressive with other dogs but never never at the park. She was a rescue with many issues. I took her there with our friends golden and the two of them had a riot tearing up and down the field.
When other dogs approached us I usually froze but I didnt really need to do that. Brit always was so good there. I always attributed it to her being on neutral territory.
Brit did not have a good reputation with other dogs but at the park they all loved her!
So who knows.....

 

[harleyboxer]

One issue that has not been mentioned is diseases. The vets that I work for are very against dog parks because they have seen many cases of diseases like kennel cough that dogs have picked up going to these parks. Even if your dog is vaccinated it can still pick them up. You have no idea if the other dogs are really vaccinated or not.
My dog is also not good at dog parks. The times that I have gone with him I make sure that no one is in the far field (they have two large seperate fields) and then I let him run. My experience with Boxers is that most of the males and some of the females are very dominant. I don't think that having problems is unusual. These dogs were bred to be dominant. Some of these problems can be helped with proper socialization as a puppy, but you can't retrain or stop dominance.
One really good way of breaking up fights if needed is to throw water on the dogs. This even stops my dog who I can't even beat off of another dog if he goes after it.

 

[sashamom]

Wow....i can only tell you that dogs do behave strangely in that environment. Sasha is so aggressive and dominant (downright mean at times)...she is so protective...AT HOME
We take her to the dog park and she is completely uninterested in playing and stays by me or hubby the whole time....our last trip she got attacked by a shepard mix and we were shocked to say the least that she did not fight back. It was unbelieve and totally uncharacteristic!
Good luck with your baby!

 

[MinPin2Boxer]

I could be wrong, but I was thinking maybe if a dog goes enough to the same dog park that they may start seeing it as their territory. I noticed this at the park I used to go to. Some of the regulars seemed to become more dominate towards newcomers but also with other regulars. So while they maybe good at the beginning of going to the park after time they feel they need to protect their territory. Just an idea, if you have multiple dog parks in your area try him at another one and see if he acts the same way. If he does then maybe it's not the best thing to go to dog parks. Then maybe try to set up play dates with dogs he doesn't have problems with. Hope you find a solution.

 

[DogPile]

I have to say, I've never really had any problems at a dog park (at least the one we frequent). Joe has been going since he was very young. He has learned to politely approach other dogs, and if other dogs are not being monitored and get aggressive, we leave. Any problems usually come from owners not paying attention, or not controlling their dogs. The park "regulars" are quick to put a stop to this by speaking to the owners if their dog is getting too rough. I wouldn't worry about why a fight happened. I think you're doing the right thing for your dog by simply removing him from the park if things get rough.
As to the other part, my Joe also runs up to other dogs on leash. I don't think he gets that they can't play. Could this be all your dog is doing (Joe is Mr. Social Butterfly)? Is there a reason you're afraid things will get aggressive. I got the impression from your note that nothing has ever happened yet.
Also, I don't think the comment about rape was very appropriate. Unless you've been a victim, I really don't think you can "liken" it to something else.