Dog park problems

[rockykamo]

Hi everyone,

I have a 6 month old boxer pup named Rocky. We began to take him to socialize with other dogs when he was about 3 1/2 months old, and he has been doing so well. Lately, we have been taking him to a dog park as much as possible. He has recently started getting very vocal while he plays. He makes the "growling" noises constantly, which we aren't worried about, because we know he is only playing.

The problem here is that when he makes these noises, not only does he make other dog owners nervous, but he also attracts the other dogs. When more than one dog enters the picture, Rocky begins barking uncontrollably. It's almost as if he gets jealous. The dog he was playing with turns its attention to the others, and he gets right up in its face just barking away. It isn't aggressive, just extremely loud and bothersome to the other dogs and their owners.

I am wondering if this is something we should try to stop, or if he will get confused because he is only playing. He doesn't bark at any other times (in the house, during walks, etc.) but the dog owners get nervous and take their dogs away when this happens.

Any input/suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[Barron's mom]

My first boxer, Barron, did that at dog parks. He was nicknamed the police officer of the dog park because he would bark constantly at dogs he thought were not playing the way he thought they should be playing. I would suggest you get his attention and either give a command "quiet" or put him in a 'time out' until he is calm and not making the noises that tend to disturb other dog owners. Also reassure the other dog owners that boxers tend to make that noise when they are playing. I know how frustrating it can be. Sorry I can't be more help.

 

[Cali Koa]

our 18 week old male, Koa tends to make a lot of noise (ie, growling, etc). One of his playmates owners says he sounds like a cross between a gremlin and a wookie...i was a little worried, but it seems its the boxer way of playing. he doesn't tend to bark too much however, unless another dog initiates it.

 

[Sreed]

Hi everyone,

I have a 6 month old boxer pup named Rocky. We began to take him to socialize with other dogs when he was about 3 1/2 months old, and he has been doing so well. Lately, we have been taking him to a dog park as much as possible. He has recently started getting very vocal while he plays. He makes the "growling" noises constantly, which we aren't worried about, because we know he is only playing.

The problem here is that when he makes these noises, not only does he make other dog owners nervous, but he also attracts the other dogs. When more than one dog enters the picture, Rocky begins barking uncontrollably. It's almost as if he gets jealous. The dog he was playing with turns its attention to the others, and he gets right up in its face just barking away. It isn't aggressive, just extremely loud and bothersome to the other dogs and their owners.

I am wondering if this is something we should try to stop, or if he will get confused because he is only playing. He doesn't bark at any other times (in the house, during walks, etc.) but the dog owners get nervous and take their dogs away when this happens.

Any input/suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Boxers are vocal and certain rumbling noises are fine. When it ecsalates to barks it should be stopped.

My biggest problem with dog parks is there is no clear leadership for all the dogs collectively. Therefore fights are more prone to happen. Like you said the other owners get nervous about your dog play growling, which is a horrible energy (for the ones who are supposed to be pack leaders) to give off. The dogs feed off of this and that's when the frenzy begins.

Maybe try getting the other owners to not treat there dogs as individuals in this setting. Rather everyone should adapt a pack concept in their mind and treat all dogs as below them. Also toys should definitely be avoided in this setting b/c it creates individualism and anxiety among the other dogs. If toys can't be avoided then keep an eye on the dogs. If you notice tension starting take the toy away for awhile. You should already be doing this b/c....it's your toy that you allow the dog to play with.