Originally posted by jennifert9
Candy, just out of curiousity, what do you do when other owners have their toys out and do not put them away? Does Dusty do over and try to take them? And if so, what do you do in that situation?

Originally posted by carrie
I will answer for Candy here - her Dusty doesn't bother about it because he is focused on her, not the distractions flying about the park - if he does go after it then she calls him back and he responds - it simply isn't a problem.
Carries answer was 100% accurate. This is another area of training I have done with both Dusty and Dixie. He is not allowed to take her toys off her and she is not allowed to take his toys off of him. When I "play" with them, he has his frisbee and she has her tennis balls. I specifically got them attached to different types of toys on purpose. They are both VERY familiar with the command "LEAVE IT!" That means don't even think about it.

Now thats not to say that they don't play together and tug on the frisbee or try to steal the ball from each others mouth during their play. It is only when I am playing with them.

So at the park, they are familiar with leave it and if Dusty goes after another dogs toy, I immediately call him back to me, give him the command leave it and direct his attention somewhere else. I will go as far as leashing him and putting him in a solid down if he doesn't listen. I am fortunate because our dog park has 2500 acres of hiking trails as well as the community play area where everyone congregates so if I see it's going to be awhile before I can play frisbee for Dusty, I put it in the backpack and we go for a hike and then might come back to the play area later or simply go home.

BTW...I probably have an advantage in this area over you because I have two dogs at home all the time and have the ability to work on these issues amongst themselves before getting into a park situation. For you, make sure Duncan has a good handle on "leave it" or whatever command you use to tell him not to touch it, and "release". When you want his toy he is too immediately "release" or "drop it" again using whatever words you are comfortable with. Make sure the words are never mixed though because dogs learn through repetition. An obedient dog is a constantly trained, fine tuned work in progress!!!

Understanding your dogs body language is essential. That is what I was talking about when I said I'm on my guard all the time at the park for potential problems. When his body language (or another dogs body language) gets a little huffy or has the potential to be huffy, then I step in before it has a chance to escalate.

I love taking my dogs to the dog park. It is a great time for them and I do love making them happy! However, it is always done with caution and control. I realize other people may not have their dogs under control all the time, so I have to have mine under control instead.

Originally posted by jennifert9
I guess my question is, at what level if any does the dog make decisions on his own? Or does a dog with a clear leader not do that?
My dogs make decisions on their own all the time. Everytime they listen to me, they are making a decision. Listen and get rewarded or not listen and get corrected. When I say corrected it should be noted I am not talking harsh corrections. I'm talking time outs, play over, no treat, etc.... I NEVER correct my dogs for something they don't understand and I never yell or use physical corrections. That is why training constantly is important. Only when I know they fully understand something can I correct them and expect them to know they are being corrected.

They also make decisions on when they want to play, when they go out and every other decision in their lives. It's just that over the years they have learned to make the correct choices with my guidance and supervision. We have had our challenges like any other dog owner but training always prevails!!!

I believe Duncan is not just humoring you and does respect you as his leader. I just think you need to keep working on his obedience and letting him know you are qualified to make decisions for him on his behalf. He will in return make decisions to listen to you. Pay attention to his body language at the park and always be on guard. Anticipate things happening before they do. Don't be afraid to leash him or look "mean" in front of the other dog owners. You have every right to show others that you care about your dog and have control of him and will go to any length to protect him and others from dog fights.