Jumping on kids at the dog park-deaf

[Goodgirl]

Like most boxers, Felix LOVES children. The problem is, he doesn't yet know how to behave properly around them. When he is on a leash this is easy to control he is right next to me and I can tell the parents and kids that he is deaf and then I show them the hand signal for sit- which he almost always does for them... sometimes he even just lays on the ground to be closer to the kids.

However, at the dog park he is usually too far away for me to prevent him from jumping up. Sometimes there are very young kids there (less than 5 or 6) and their parents are not keeping a close eye on them! So, the kids are running and having fun when Felix spots them and runs to them, jumping up and biting their sleeves. I know this is inappropriate- but its a dog park! I would expect the parents to keep their small children at arms length just like I keep my dog everywhere else. Sometimes he keeps going back to them and I just end up keeping him on a leash for a while and hope that the kids leave soon. What are some of your opinions on small children at dog parks?

Sorry, the point of this post is to get some pointers on what I can do with a deaf puppy in situations such as these. I hope that with time, and more controlled kid-pup meetings he will learn that like adults, children are not to be jumped on. Unfortunately I don't know anyone with kids so we only meet them at parks and petstores. how can I make the most of these controlled interactions, and are there any particular commands I could use at the dog park- calling a deaf dog doesn't work

 

[K8IE]

I have never had a deaf dog, so I can't really offer any advice on that. I imagine it would be near to impossible to get his attention back on you, unless he is actually LOOKING at you to see whatever signal you give for "come". Hopefully someone will be able to offer help there.
I do however, know how frustrating it is when people bring small children to the dog park. I make it clear to my son, (he is 8 and very dog-savvy) every time we go to the dog park, that the park is for DOGS, and I don't even want to hear him complain about getting knocked down or jumped on. I give him the option to sit outside the fence on the bench and play a video game if he wants, but he knows that if he gets muddy or even hurt, it is something he will just have to get over.. Of course he always chooses to come in and plays with the dogs and ends up just as dirty as them.
You might try just approaching the parents of the small children when you get to the park and let them know that you have a deaf dog in training, and want to warn them that he is still a boisterous pup and may jump on their kids, so that they can keep an eye on them. Some might think I am crazy for suggesting that, but I do not think that small children should be in the enclosed dog area unless they are very closely monitored, or understand and accept that they may be jumped on or run into. I have had dogs knock me down by running into me at the dog park. It is just something that happens. Anyway, good luck and I hope that you will be able to figure it out so that you can really enjoy your time at the park.

 

[lisasentous]

I totally agree with K8IE, the best thing is to talk to the parents, then it is up to them to supervise their kids. They have been warned and after all it is a dog park.

 

[Biff]

We haven't encountered this problem with Buttons yet, as her big brother, Biff, will go and "round her up" ie nudge her around to get her attention on us, so we can give her the hand signal to "come"

I have been looking at vibrating collars for when she is older, though, as I imagine there will come a time when she will tell Biff to "Get lost !".

It may be an option for you, unless anyone else has some other ideas?

 

[Goodgirl]

Yes, vibrating collars are a good idea. I was waiting until he was older to try them since I read they are kind of heavy- but I suppose I should look into them again.
thanks for the thoughts everyone! I'm glad I'm not the only one who has issues with bringing little kids to the dog park. I didn't know who's responsibility it should be to protect the kids. I don't want them to get hurt of course, but is it my fault b/c my dog jumps- or theirs for bringing children in?

 

[Baileysmom]

I am not on either side here but both are at fault. I know I personally don't have much time at all to take my dog to the park with out my daughter. But at the same time, not everyone's dogs are so well behaved not to jump around kids. So unfortunetly my dog looses out. It's both who are responsible. The parents should watch the kids. But you should have an eye on your dog making sure that he is aware that it's not ok to jump on anyone, not kids or adults for that matter.

 

[Just-A-Clown]

It seems to me that your dog jumping or biting at the kids is not the fault of the kids or the parents. I think its all on you, you have to supervise your dog. The dog park doesn't give the dogs a free pass to do just what ever they want, just because its a dog park. That logic would say that while at a skinkid park kids can throw rocks at dogs. But I think I understand your point about some kids, heaven help us.

I think this dog park can also be a great opportunity to train. With the destractions of the kids and all, perfect. I would keep your pup on a long leash, 25 feet or so. This will allow you to correct your pup when he miss-behaves. I mean you want him to interact with the kids, just in the right way. If he does not the leash will allow you to correct him quickly, and if need be allow you to quickly real him in and take him home. Soon he will learn that jumping or biting at the kids puts an end to his fun at the dog park and before you know it you can get rid of the long lead.

By the way, looked at your gallery, absolutely beautiful pup!

 

[Indy's mom]

I've got to say I think the responsibility is mostly with the parents. The dog park is NOT somewhere for small children to be unattended. They could so easily be knocked down and hurt by any dogs playing. Let 2 or 3 start playing and it's almost bound to happen. Seems like a nightmare just waiting to happen.

My suggestion would be to keep Felix on his leash until you are past the area where the children are playing. I don't really know if that is possible at the park you visit. The park we frequently go to is quite large. Most people sort of gather right inside the gate. Then there is a path. If you were to go to 'my' park I would suggest you leash Felix until you were part way up the path and playing with the other dogs. Somewhere that it was less likely for there to be small children.

I also agree with the other poster who suggested that it would be a good idea to let others know that you are training a deaf puppy. It's amazing how cooperative and good natured other people can be if given the opportunity.

Good luck, I hope it all works out well for you.

 

[Goodgirl]

Just a clown-
Well, of course my dog jumping is not the fault of the kids or their parents, but I think the parents should share some responsibility in keeping their kids safe. I mean, they could just as easily get hurt by dogs playing and running over them- or by provoking a dog that isn't used to kids or won't tolerate being grabbed or tugged on. I do see your point, just don't agree 100%
If I was in a park and a kid was throwing rocks at my dog- I'd remove my dog from a situation which is dangerous for him :/
I have been warning parents with children when they come in, explaining that he is deaf and jumps on kids in play, and they can just hold his collar until I get there. This way I feel like I've warned them to keep their kids close, b/c it is impossible to stop Felix from jumping on them from across the park. I always keep my eye on him, but this is his chance to run off leash and he isn't always going to be right next to me all the time. Also there aren't kids there all the time, and even when there are- he doesn't always go for them, so I hated to restrict him so much when we go there to play, when most of the time he isn't going to jump anyway.
He actually did really well with a little girl recently, until she started running around and then he jumped on her.

 

[Just-A-Clown]

I think we agree here, parents should take responsibility to keep their children safe, but don't always.

Maybe I did not come across very well but my point was only that we as dog owners always have to have control of our dogs, regardless of where we are at, even at a dog park. And that these skinkids are a great opportunity for you to train your pup on how to interact with kids. Most kids are very willing to help, ask them to turn away from your pup when she jumps at them. Kids love to get involved and nothing better than exposing your pup to this interaction with strangers.

Respectfully,
Steve