UPSET at dog park

[boxer mommy]

Hi Lisa we were at Lewis park when this happened--so if you go there be aware
We need to set up another boxer bash there soon....I hope Cassius does NOT remember this incident and act mean next time--I am worried about this!
Susan

 

[LiLBiZzounce]

While I agree that her dogs did not need to be kicked. There are times when you do need to kick a dog. My boxer was in the same type situation. Only the other dog attack mine and was trying to rip out her throat. The owner of the other dog could not get his animal to release mine and was not letting go. My sister kicked that dog and it save my dog's life.

Just wanted to comment on the kicking issue. I don't believe that there are ANY times when it is okay to kick another dog. Even though that dog let go of your dog, it could've just as easily turned on your sister. The proper way to separate fighting dogs or dogs in a situation like your would be to grab the dogs by their hind legs. They will release from each other due to the distraction and no one will get hurt.

And as for dog park trips, I keep a close eye on my Boxers there too. I haven't ever had one get hurt by anyone but would probably freak if someone kicked my babies. I pity the fool! LOL

 

[Lava Linda]

Watch out next time...

I'm glad everyone's ok! I'll be curious to see if your dogs react negatively to chocolate labs in the future. The only breed of dog Gilroy ever showed aggression toward was Golden Retriever. There were only 3 incidents in his 9 years (just scary, snarling fights with no injuries), but all involved GR's or predominantly GR mixes. I think it all began with one GR snapping at him out of the blue when we passed each other on a high mountain trail. Has anyone else noticed a breed prejudice like this?

 

[Gus's Teah]

Watch out singling out retrievers!

My husband and I have 3 labrador retrievers who are the most lovable, non-aggressive dogs you will ever meet. Gus (our boxer) loves the retrievers he meets more than he does other boxers he meets, I guess he thinks they're all his siblings. Also, Gus is only 6 months old and can sometimes be a pest with them and they are endlessly patient with him. Bear, our chocolate lab, lets Gus chew his jowls with no complaint and he's only 20 months old. I don't think boxers are specifically aggressive towards retrievers... maybe there are just a lot of retrievers where you live.

 

[Lava Linda]

I didn't mean to step on any Retriever parents' toes! I'm a big fan of labs and other retrievers, especially Goldens. What I was suggesting was that Gilroy reacted to one retriever's unexpected aggression (Gilroy looked so shocked I had to laugh) by becoming more wary of the same breed after that, but it could be coincidence as well. In the 3 incidents I mentioned, Gilory was the aggressor, not the victim, and I never knew him to bother any other breed of dog. One was just a snarl in passing, but twice he tried to jump on Golden Retrievers, snarling like a mad dog. We were in a dog park passing scores and scores of other dogs. (These were close together and I stopped taking him to dog parks, if you're wondering.) So that's what I was asking...if anyone else ever noticed a dog that seemed "prejudiced" against another breed or type. It was so out of character for a basically gentle, playful fellow. Now kiss your lovely retrievers for me! My own beloved black lab, Flo, is frolicking at the bridge.

 

[LuVsHeRBoXeR]

Just wanted to comment on the kicking issue. I don't believe that there are ANY times when it is okay to kick another dog. Even though that dog let go of your dog, it could've just as easily turned on your sister. The proper way to separate fighting dogs or dogs in a situation like your would be to grab the dogs by their hind legs. They will release from each other due to the distraction and no one will get hurt.

You know, kicking is UNACCEPTABLE in most circumstances. But, sometimes when there are two dogs fighting and there is ONLY you trying to grab one hind legs and no one to grab the other doggies hind legs, than it is NECESSARY. I've been a dog walker for more than 3 years and I have been there. My dog gets attacked, or even fights with another and I have been the ONLY one trying to break them apart with people standing around doing NOTHING. In most cases, when you grab the hind legs of BOTH dogs, the fight is broken up. If not, then you resort to the finger up the anus (pardon my wording). But, if no one is grabbing the other dog, then kicking CAN help. Believe me, I am not a fan of it and I am not someone who promotes it. But in times of need, sometimes, it has to be done. But don't we all hope for a perfect dog park with perfect owners who know what to do and react appropriately?
As far as this guy is concerned who kicked your dogs for no reason, or perhaps he thought he had a reason. Now that, is unaccetable and I personally would have confronted him about it like you did. It always seems that people who walk in ingoring others and keeping to themselves and being aloof, have the most problems. I am always skepticle of those types. Not that everyone like that should be watched. I always just get feelings about them.
I deal with this kind of crap and these kinds of people on a daily basis. Some people always like to blame the "aggressiveness" on someone elses dogs but theirs. When obviously, it is their dogs. Hopefully you never encounter him again, they really ruin a nice day at the dog park.
You shouldn't have to stay away from the park just because of this man. He needs to learn to control his dogs IMO. Maybe just keep your dogs at one end of the park vs the end he is on. Of course depending on how large the park is. Hopefully you have better luck at the park

 

[Gus's Teah]

Lava Linda - I apologize for taking your post in the wrong way. I thought you were suggesting that retrievers were aggressors. I personally haven't noticed a breed bias in Gus... he's only 6 mths old though; and he's my first experience with boxers (although my husband has grown up with them). I'm just a bit protective of all of my furry children, labs included