Dog parks..yes? No?

[Jessied]

Hello, ok so I'm going to vent a bit
We have been taking our dogs (2shephards & 5 month boxer pup) to a local dog park for years now lately it seems to be over run with toy breeds, not that I have anything against small breed dogs, It's their owners who seem to bring there dogs let them run wild and socilaize amongst themselves completely oblivious to their dogs behaviour.
The other day we decided to go to socilaize Bella, I took her for a hour long walk to drain some of her energy. When we got there saw there were all small breeds and a lab puppy which Bella took to immediately, and began playing together. Our 2 shepherds Malone and Cheech were constantly being charged and barked at, still the owners of the other dogs did nothing...
There was one dog that was terrorizing all the dogs he kept charging at my puppy and the lab puppy he even pinned down the lab and bit her neck made her squeal !!... My bf pulled the dog off the lab.. The owner still sitting on the bench :|
The lab and her owners left, so Bella began to play with some other dogs. That same small dog started charging Bella and same thing he pinned her down and bit her neck making her squeal I ran to get the dog off her and my shepherds started barking at the other dog which finally got the ladies attention. She still did not get up to grab her dog !!!!!!!!
Her reply was he's only a yr old and she can't separate the dogs :|:|

I don't know what Im suppose to do in these situations, how else can I socilaize my puppy we don't know many people with dogs so it's difficult to set up doggy play dates.

 

[Gatorblu]

I would have been asking for proof of vaccination of the dog that is biting! I would also be telling her that if her dog bites first there is no guarantee for it's safety. My dogs run to protect each other. If one yelps the other is there to help. And the comment of being just one year old I would have called her on her BS! At one year old that dog could have been to a couple of puppy obedience classes. Age is no excuse for an owners laziness, and irresponsible lack of training. Just so you know, I am not known for keeping my mouth shut.

Since it is becoming and issue I would talk to some of the owners of lareger dogs and see if they feel the same way. I would then see about starting a petition to see if whoever runs the dog park can possibly make a separate section for smaller dogs to prevent and future issues.

 

[jimseabee]

I don't go to dog parks not because of the dogs but the owners. they don't control their dogs, just like their own life. They think it it easier to throw them out and there not be problems. Just saying.

 

[LILYLARUE]

How about going alone a few times and getting numbers of other owners with good dogs who may want to set up private play dates? I bet there are other owners with the same concerns as yours that would welcome playdates with other well behaved and trained dogs!

 

[Jessied]

Great advice