An interesting afternoon at the bark park

**anna_66** · 05-04-2005, 08:12 PM

Well it was a beautiful day so Robin & I decided to pack up the pups and head down to the bark park

Of course Bon did his usual "mean" growl as we were entering, but everything seemed fine. Of course he imediately lunged for one of the dogs standing there

But I just grabbed him and we headed off for the other side of the park.
We were walking and a couple came in with their lab and great dane. Of course I was apprehensive about letting Bon go check out the new guys (of course they were guys

) but we headed over that way and he did just fine. No hair standing up just a quick "Hey" mastiff bark and they were off and playing together

Slowly other people brought their dogs to "our" side of the park and Bon got along with all of them, even him and Robin's Katie were walking side by side with not a care in the world (Oh and Katie did wonderful with all the dogs...I think there were only 1 or 2 that she didn't really care for)!
He's a little big

and one couple just about had a fit. Bon & Tori went romping over to them and their dog and it growled and Bon almost immediately went down on his butt. He didn't want a problem with this dog. And of course Tori wanted to play with it right away and started doing her little grabbing play

Well the woman went spastic! You should have heard her scream! So of course I go running over and grab Bon and he just stands there. He definately wasn't trying to hurt their dog what so ever, but she insisted it was Bon who was being the agressor

Both Robin and I saw it and that wasn't the case at all, but whatever. I told them that some dogs were intimidated by Bon's size, but I think it was the people who were intimidated

So I grabbed Bon up and we walked away.
The only time he had a problem with a dog was
1.)One dog decided he wanted to hump him

and he wasn't standing for that!
and
2.)One dog was going to where I had his water dish (I had already picked it up...but there was water there before so I guess he was guarding that spot

But overall it was a terrific afternoon! They all played, had fun and Robin & I got some exercise and had a nice chat

Oh and a couple of ladies asked me what Bon was...a lab rottie mix or what? LOL! Sure, if you say so

It looks like there is hope for my boy after all, I just need to keep an eye on him!

**Bigyummydog** · 05-04-2005, 10:32 PM

WOW ! what a day....that would be my ideal day...so pleasant...even the little mishap doesn't count...just reading your story, i could see MAXIMUS and myself there too...thanks for sharing your day.....

**manda99** · 05-05-2005, 04:31 AM

i could see smokey and me in the same situation...
thanks for sharing.

i think its great when smokey is "growling" like a mad man but he's in the play bow position and his tail is wagging.
i guess some people can't read a doggie at all.

**Dixieland Dancer** · 05-05-2005, 08:49 AM

Way to go Bon! Good job, Anna!!!

You must always be on guard but I know you can do it!!!

You're already learning to identify potential problems before they even happen. That in it's self is a real accomplishment and you are to be congratulated!

**anna_66** · 05-05-2005, 09:07 PM

Thanks Candy, that means alot coming from you

And thanks Bigyummydog & manda99 for reading my loooong winded post! Too bad Maximus and Smokey couldn't have been there with us

**Cincy'sMom** · 05-05-2005, 09:09 PM

Glad to hear things went well. Learning the signs is thebiggest battle, and you seem to have it well in hand! Yeah for you and Bon!! (and Robin and Katie too!)