Very vocal Boxer girl

[BeckyNC]

Several weeks ago I posted about how my Boxer girl starts all out growling to play with other dogs. Some of them don't seem to understand. Well, I have been taking her to the dog park for 4 weeks now and she really loves it. This weekend, she's really gotten the hang of playing with the other dogs.

Here's my concern. Tae is very vocal. She growls LOUDLY to initiate play and then barks at the other dog to further invite the dog to play. It makes a big comotion and sometimes other dogs come running. She makes so much noise that she sounds fierce. None of the other Boxers at the dog park are this vocal.

If Tae is playing with one dog and anther shows interest, she readily growls to tell it to go away. She has never attacked another, though, and I would not consider her aggressive. The growling is so loud, though and it sounds mean (to me and probably to other dog owners).

Today, she was playing with a pit bull (gulp) and he was lying on his back :p and other dogs ran up, since Tae was so loud. I'm a little fuzzy on what happened, but a black dog went after her (she did nothing to provoke, as she was focused on her new pit friend). The black dog bit her on the right side of her head. I didn't notice it until we were cleaning up to get in the car. His teeth actually punctured her skin and she is missing a little fur (actually, I consider it a lot of fur--less than 1/4 inch, though). I put some peroxide on the puncture and I will watch it, I suppose, in case it gets infected, etc.

Anyhow, should I be taking Tae to the dog park, since she's so vocal, or should we go when it's less crowded, or not go at all?

 

[luvmypup]

I think this is the third or fourth post I have read tonight about issues at dog parks. I guess I just don't get it. There is no dog park local to me, so I've never been in this situation, but I think I would be really leary about going to one. I mean, fights and disagreements are bound to happen when you put a bunch of dogs of different sizes, breeds, and temperments into an area where some may be unleashed and unsupervised. BeckyNC, I totally don't mean anything negative towards you, or anyone else that goes to dog parks. I understand it's a great way to socialize our babies, but are they really safe? Tucker as I have learned in the past couple of days also appears to be a very vocal player, and I guess personally I would be very apprehensive about letting him play in places where unfamiliar dogs may misinterpret his sounds. I hope Tae is ok (I love the name), and I hope you find a fun and safe place to play

 

[hogan's mom]

Personally, I would just try to go when it's a little less crowded for a while. The black dog may not have tried to hurt her. Hogan gets scratches all the time from playing with my family's dogs. I know what you mean about her playing vocally. Some dogs are like that. It does capture the attention of more dogs at the park though. It happens all the time. She probably prefers to play one-on-one and going when it's less crowded will give her a better chance. Although, going often may also teach her how to play well at the park and she may pick up the habbit of not being vocal from the other dogs. Good luck.

 

[Elyse]

I agree with Hogan's Mom.
Try going to the park during the week when it is less crowded. Yesterday our dog park was chaos. If you can get there when there are less dogs, you will give Tae a chance to get used to the socialization without it being overwhelming. You could also set up a play date with a friend who has a dog too.
Once Tae gets very vocal and loud, I would go get her and keep her sitting by you until she calms a little and then let her go. When Nestle gets a little too excited that is what we do. Better safe than sorry.

Good Luck!

 

[BeckyNC]

Elyse and Hogan's Mom:

Thanks for your responses. I think you are both right. It had occurred to me that it would be ideal to go when the dog park is less crowded. Yes, it was chaos yesterday.

I had a conversation with a woman who has a Victorian Bulldog. She and Tae played tug-o-war and we chatted. She also suggested pulling Tae away, when she gets really vocal, which is probably the best thing to do. I would like to continue going to the dog park, if at all possible, b/c Tae enjoys it and it's mostly(?) good for her. Obviously, I don't want to put her in danger.

BTW, have you ever seen a Victorian Bulldog? I thought she was a white Boxer with brindle patches. After her owner corrected me (oops!), I did notice she was more compact like a bulldog and her face was flat like a pit bull.

Becky

 

[Indegirl]

I agree that your best bet is to go on the weekdays early in am or evening. We have one dog park here in Charleston and it really is great for all the dogs. I have never had an issue that couldn't be controlled and it is a good place for Inde to run.

My feelings on dog parks is that they are great for socialization, excerise, and for fun. It is especially hard when you don't have an area for your dog to be off lease. You just have to pay attention (which is sounds like you are doing) to your dog and to others. Inde and I have been going for 5 months and we have never had an incident besides some scratches and scrapes from her playing too hard.

(By the way - I am thinking of moving to Raleigh. Where is the dog park and how is it??)

 

[hogan's mom]

I've never seen a victorian bulldog. I'm sure I would love them. I love all the dogs with the under bite!

 

[Rockylvr]

We have a few local dog parks but have never been out of fear from what might happen. My babies are all very loud and I would hate for something to happen. I have been told that the victorian bulldogs are actually Olde English Bulldogs. I am not for sure if thats actually true or not. The Old's are like a mix of the english bulldog and the american bulldog(not that exact mix but what they appear to be). Our english bulldog Katei(now at the rainbow bridge) looked to be an old english since she was a little taller then most english's. Sorry to have gottin off topic.