Tough day at the dog park

[Tricia77]

I wouldnt want anyone to feel bad not using the parks - but they can be a great place. People who, like myself, have a dog that doesnt belong there should refrain from going. I know lots of dogs that get along great with each and every dog they meet. The ones that dont maybe too sheltered.....
We all have to protect our babies the best we cvn - and its never wrongto keep them safe.
I guess as a over protected person - I realize what I missed when my mom sheltered me from the world.

 

[courtney323]

"At the very least, I hope it gave everyone something to think about next time they take there dogs to the dog park"

This is highly unlikely, given the fact that you use and support the Leerburg Cohersion methodology.

Every dog "park" is different. Mine is actually a 10-block long nature trail and jogging path that allows dogs to be "leash-free". This is a GREAT place to train and practice commands and allow my dog some freedom. Occasionally you pass another person with a dog(s) and my dog waits patiently to greet them (upon my command).

Some people have great success (and fun) at dog parks, others do not prefer them. To each their own.

Sorry about your rough day, Tuggs!

 

[Daisys_rjm]

Unfortuately there are bad owners who turn good dogs bad... and from time to time these dogs, ( and owners ), do show up at the dog park.

I am lucky that I live in an area where I can let my Daisy run off lead without encountering dogs or people. However, we do trip into the city atleast once or twice a month to attend an off-leash dog park. I believe this socialization is very important for both of us.

Daisy is never out of my sight and she returns to me when called. Although Daisy is not dominant she is very playfull and can piss off other dogs... and Daisy doesn't back down when challenged. With that in mind, for the most part I've been able to defuse situations before they got out of hand.

Too make a long story short, ( yeah I know, it's too late for that ):
"It's better for a child to break her arm falling out of tree than to never know the pleasure of climbing a tree"

randy and Daisy

 

[Tricia77]

Actually I checked out Leerburgs website - I agree with a lot he says - but consider this. With all his years of experience with dogs - he can still recommend tools of torture such as shock collars! Seems he needs a few more years of experience if this is his best answer.
Otherwise he seems to care about dogs enough to recognize people often cause the problems - so why violence to fix it ? that is my concern.....
You cant expect anyone on this board to be open to someone who promotes violence in training. Please dont try to convince us it isnt violence.....

You are protective of Sullivan from other dogs - how about people? Charging in dogs - if seen by dog people could be a playful rush - a socialized dog will recognize the difference - a dog not socialized will be apt to think its an attack.

Have you had a chance to read Culture Clash - I think you'd reallly like it...

But all said - its very right (and cool) you protect Sullivan and its your decision (and job) how best to do that!!

 

[binky]

I, too, had a bad experience at the dog park in our city.

Buster's 1st time there. He and the other dogs smelling each other. The group of 4-5 dogs and their owners were congregating right by the entrance, which is one of the things posted as a no-no. We were there about 5 seconds and one guy says we have to leave because we have an aggressive dog. Buster hadn't done anything even close to being aggressive. I told the guy "look, they are all smelling each other - no one is being aggressive". I tried to get Buster to come with us and explore other areas of the park, but he and the others were still checking each other out. The guy continues on about us having to leave because Buster is aggressive, how we're supposed to have control of him. We got into a shouting match, unfortunately. Then one of the smaller dogs ran at Buster and the typical "noisy" boxing match started. The smaller dog rolled over in a submissive position with Buster just standing over him. No more growling, barking or anything by either. The guy had his back to the whole thing and I started to head over to get Buster (about 5 feet away). The guy turns around and kicks Buster in the head and yells because the other dog is his. I had all I could do to keep myself from pummeling the guy (I'm a female that stands 5'2" and he was 6' maybe). My stepdaughter got nose to nose with him and she was yelling at him for kicking HER dog; she was practically crying, asking the guy if he goes around kicking dogs, etc. The other people there sided in with the guy, saying they would defend their dogs, too, and I really felt like I was being ganged up on big time. I had all I could do to get Buster and leave the park. There was no bloodshed, no biting, nothing. Just the typical boxer noisy scuffle for about 3 seconds. But this guy had already determined when we arrived that our "big boxer" was aggressive. He said he wanted my address so he could report me. I wanted to say, "yeah, well I want a world where people all have brains and use them, so I guess we can't have everything", but I didn't. Why try to reason with a moron.

I won't go back there again; it's not worth it!

 

[Tricia77]

Is this a dog issue - or people?
Sounds like the man needs to be avoided.


Kudos to you and stepdaughter for standing up to that bully!!!

I am 5 foot or so too - God help anyone who touches my dogs ...


geez - maybe I neeed retraining for aggression issues - if you beat me or shock me I might still be trainable :rolleyes:

 

[magoo's_mama]

He said he wanted my address so he could report me

Funny that they guy wanted your address to report you I would have been the one asking for his number to report him for kicking my dog in the head. That's just awful and I can see why situation like this would detract you and others from going to thier local dog park. I guess I have just always been very fortunate about the people and dogs I have encountered.
The people around here have always been very nice to Magoo and commented on his good looks (smile) and sweet dispostition (that's my guy!)
So sorry that happened to you, people can be such jerks!

 

[BeckyNC]

Tae and I have had mixed experiences at the dog park. I think the trick is to go during "off" hours when there are not too many other dogs there. I know of a group from my neighborhood that goes every day at 7AM. I've gone with them once. A lot of them are retired and seem to forget I need to go to work 5 days a week. As for weekends, I need a bit of extra sleep. That said, they are all very responsible dog owners. Anyhow, I got off the topic...but I do think dog parks can be very positive and teach good social skills, provided you avoid the peak times.

 

[Daisys_rjm]

I, too, had a bad experience at the dog park in our city.
...
The guy turns around and kicks Buster in the head and yells because the other dog is his.

The biggest problems I've had at the dog park have been people problems.
I had a similar experience when a border collie initiated a dog fight. The bordie collie was running around biteing all the dogs causing them to yelp... and of course in all the excitement things got pretty harry fast.

When the dust settled, the idiot owner of the bordie collie that created the entire incident was demanding that another lady's pitbull cross was a dangerous aggressive dog that should be muzzled.

The man was easily intimidating this small women so I stepped in.
I was so pissed at this idiot and his out of control dog that I was ready to kit his butt and I told him so... He left the park immediately and half a dozen people thanked me.

... Most problems at dog parks are PEOPLE PROBLEMS, not dog problems.

randy and Daisy

...and for Sullivanspop -> I feel sorry for your dog!

 

[Tricia77]

Ken

sorry my post upset you - I thought I stated clearly that I agree with some of Leerburg thoughts -quite a bit actually.
and I am awesomely impressed of your Sullivans place with your family. Its quite a nice bit of news when people can take their dogs to work - really hope its like that for all of us someday!
well mannered pups like yours will pave the way. But if everyone brings their dogs to work will it become a "dog park" situation?

I really think we can agree that its our primary responsibility to protect our dogs and do it the way we see fit.