Question on dogpark Etiquette...

[wolf_Q]

You walk in, you take off your dogs leash, and you trust that everyone else in the dog park has a fairly well-trained, friendly dog, right? You are trusting that if someone has an extremely dog-aggressive, violent, uncontrollable beast, that they left him at home. Right?

As I said earlier, if there's aggressive dogs or idiot owners, I'm not just going to sit there and let things happen, I'll leave.

If you take your dogs to a dog park, you (hopefully!) realize that there are certain inherent dangers and risks. If you don't realize this and are thinking there is no possible risk or danger at all, you are probably not going to be watching as closely as you should, and setting yourself and your dog up for a potential issue. Seeing dog parks, or anything else for that matter, only through rose-colored glasses is setting yourself up for a fall, to be sure.

OF COURSE I realize that there are risks. And as I've said in my posts several times, I follow my dog around and watch him very closely. If the dogs start to play too rough I'll take him away for a time out.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I don't care AT ALL if you choose to not take your dogs to a dog park. I was just stating my opinion on dog parks and my opinion on how your post made me feel.

[Twisterdog]

Originally posted by wolf_Q
OF COURSE I realize that there are risks.

I was just stating my opinion on dog parks and my opinion on how your post made me feel.

And, once again, Wolf-Q, I am not addressing YOU in particular when I spoke about realizing there are risks.

As I said, "And, when I use "you" in a post, I don't mean YOU personally, or anyone else personally. The proper pronoun to use would be "one" instead of "you", but I find that the majority of people are not used to seeing the pronoun "one" used a lot, and it tends to sound pretentious."

I'm sorry if my post made you feel bad, it was never directed at YOU, but just at people in general. I guess I'm not making myself clear here, but I don't know any other way to explain it.

[wolf_Q]

"And, when I use "you" in a post, I don't mean YOU personally, or anyone else personally. The proper pronoun to use would be "one" instead of "you", but I find that the majority of people are not used to seeing the pronoun "one" used a lot, and it tends to sound pretentious."

I read this the first time.

Originally posted by Twisterdog
This, I took as applying to me and anyone else who visits a dog park.

Well, sure. It DOES apply to you and me and everyone else who visits a dog park. Do you disagree? You are trusting the other people in the dog park, are you not?

This still certainly sounds like the you is referring to me.

I don't want to argue, so let's just agree to disagree Twisterdog.

[sabies]

Originally posted by Brie
Personally, I wouldn't take the passive-agressive approach with a woman like that.

I would tell her straight to her face her dog does not belong at a dog park if it's agressive to other dogs.

I agree with Brie. Sounds like too much has already happened and you've been too nice to this woman. I'm a bit of a wimp so I don't know if I could do it but she NEEDS to know that her dog should not be there til he/she is under control. Someone maintains the park, inform them if you do not want to approach her or at least make a formal complaint about her so when she does try to sue someone or the park it's on record that this woman is the real problem.

My dog is only 35 lbs and is very submissive but when she is playing with other dogs she growls loudly. Other dogs growl along with her and it's obviously playful though to someone unfamiliar with dogs it may sound scary.

It sounds like you are sensitive to the reactions of other dogs and owners and that's the best kind of person to have in a dog park.

So far for Sadie dog park benefits have outweighed the risks. Unfortunately we recently moved and the closest park is PAVED! We don't go there since her joints are too old to run on pavement.

[Twisterdog]

I don't want to argue, so let's just agree to disagree Twisterdog.

Ah, come on! It's below zero outside, and everyone is still asleep. Don't call it "arguing" ... call it "debate", passing the time on a boring Sunday morning.

[Dog1,Cats2]

I'm very cautious when I take my dog to a dog park, because of all the reasons listed above. She's about 25 lbs, so on the smaller side.

But I've found that it's been wonderful taking my adopted/rescue American Eskimo dog to a dog park for interaction with other dogs (and I originally took her when there were only a few other dogs there). It has helped her become a lot more comfortable and more social - she started out being scared and quite aggressive toward other dogs.

Before we go in, I size up who is already there and what the level of dog activity is. If it doesn't seem controlled and safe, then we got elsewhere. I've heard of people like the moron woman with the dog who attacked everyone else, but luckily I haven't come across it.

It does seem a lot like parents and children at a playground - and if there's anything that might be unfomfortable or out of line, talk to the other dog moms or dads & ask if they're OK with it. I certainly appreciate it when somebody asks me if it's OK for their dog to whatever with or around mine!

I think, just because you're asking, that you probably rate a few notches above most the other folks out there!!

[Tonya]

I agree that dog parks are a risk. But we've had so much fun out there, that I feel it's a risk worth taking. One of the guys there carries this stick thing-a-majig that is for breaking up dog fights. I think I might invest in one.

On the same line, when that girl brought that pug the other day, I was kind of surprised. I don't think that I would have brought Teddy around a bunch of big dogs like that. You never know if a dog has a high prey drive or something...I don't put that far off on the scale of bringing my cat to a dog park.

I can't and don't want to complain...this park is more of a charity from a church. It is totally unmanned, not really any rules. They just have some clean up bags and a sign with a few rules.

I've actually been looking for a home church. And any church that thinks of dogs has my heart. lol. I'm considering getting involved with this church and offering to help with the dog park. -Getting a little more structure there so there isn't liabilities. Also, since I work for the phone company, I can get telephone poles set there with lighting on them for free. That'd be awesome for the summer nights.

Everyone else says little jokingly comments like "Haha, look how Dusty paws at all the dogs, he's trying to body slam them...." I've came right out and asked them if they want me to call him back. And everytime the owner laughs and says "Oh, no, they are just having fun...my dog will get used to it, he needs some real play...." Everytime, I've called my dogs back, the people will be "No, no, let them be! They're fine."

I don't know if these people are just trying to be polite or if it truly doesn't bother them.

[Shelteez2]

Originally posted by Tonya
On the same line, when that girl brought that pug the other day, I was kind of surprised. I don't think that I would have brought Teddy around a bunch of big dogs like that. You never know if a dog has a high prey drive or something...I don't put that far off on the scale of bringing my cat to a dog park.

High prey drive should be looked at and dealt with just like aggression is. If one has a high prey drive dog, then one should make sure it has a darn good call off command. Small dog owners have a right to use dog parks too.

[Tonya]

True. I'd just be nervous to trust dog owners that I don't know with Teddy.

[Miss Meow]

I think of every experience with dogs as risk management. There are two labs on our evening walk who I trust with the sausages and they've learned to interact well; there is a German shepherd on our street that I don't trust because I don't think the owner has enough control over the dog. We do the same at dog-friendly parks and talk to the owners about their dogs before we ask for introductions and let ours off leash. I think we have to: we've met dogs that could break B&S's necks in a single snap and that's something I'm not prepared to risk. Having said that, they need socialising so we make the effort to meet other dogs as often as we can.

I've never had success with telling people that their dogs are a risk to society, they should train their dogs etc; they tend to get defensive and ignore the feedback anyway. So we take it upon ourselves to take appropriate action with our dogs - can't change others but we can manage the situation.

[Brie]

twisterdog... the difference between you and me when we go to dog parks is....

I go and talk to all the other owners in the park. By the time I leave not only have my dog interacted with every dog there. I have interacted with ALL the dogs AND the people.

If you automatically crawl up into a little hole and put up a wall, how's ANYONE going to ever get in? you'll never get a chance to know if anyone is ever trust worthy if you don't take that risk and extend your hand for that first shake.

Nothing in this world is guaranteed to be safe. Have you ever heard of harm reduction? It's a term most commonly used in drug education. Basically applying it to this situation... by taking my dogs to the dog park I am teaching them how to behave with other dogs of a variety of sizes and personalities in a variety of different situations, therefore reducing the risk of future problems.

I have a a 17lb Boston terrier, so I too am a small dog owner. Yes he goes to the dog park and he loves it! Yes he does go over into the big dog area and into parks that don't have that seperation between big and small dogs.
I think you're putting you're dogs at a greater risk by not socializing them with dogs of ALL sizes. Cause now, they don't know how to play with big dogs.

And I think it's sad that to protect you and yours you're not open to new experiences that require a little bit of risk.

I have to ask... do you enjoy roller coasters? How about cooking? Do you take asprin or any medication.... have you read the warning labels on these? Do you operate a motor vehicle? -- All of these things are a risk every time you do them.

[Cincy'sMom]

Originally posted by Miss Meow
I've never had success with telling people that their dogs are a risk to society, they should train their dogs etc; they tend to get defensive and ignore the feedback anyway. So we take it upon ourselves to take appropriate action with our dogs - can't change others but we can manage the situation.

Excellent points Nicole! I think they only thing you really can do is know as best you can how your dog will react in any situation and be ready to step in if they surprise you.

We are lucky in that even though are dogs are big and play rough, they seem to understand about smaller dogs too. Our next door neighbor had an elderly long hair doxie ( now at the bridge) that Sadie would just lay down and snuggle with in the front yard, even when she was just a puppy herself. At the same time, I know if a dog is jumping and barking at a fence while we are walking, Sadie is going to be protective and try to go at that dog. I start telling her to leave it before we get the yard, keep tallking her to as we go by and keep all 3 focused on moving ahead.

[Miss Meow]

Originally posted by Cincy'sMom
Excellent points Nicole! I think they only thing you really can do is know as best you can how your dog will react in any situation and be ready to step in if they surprise you.

We are lucky in that even though are dogs are big and play rough, they seem to understand about smaller dogs too. Our next door neighbor had an elderly long hair doxie ( now at the bridge) that Sadie would just lay down and snuggle with in the front yard, even when she was just a puppy herself. At the same time, I know if a dog is jumping and barking at a fence while we are walking, Sadie is going to be protective and try to go at that dog. I start telling her to leave it before we get the yard, keep tallking her to as we go by and keep all 3 focused on moving ahead.

I forgot to mention something about small dogs too. Schnaggles, all 10 pounds of him, went for a small fluffball pup at puppy class a few weeks ago. It was a complete surprise for all of us considering that he's normally shy when first meeting dogs. Fortunately both animals were on leads. At the park last week he also growled and barked aggressively at a blue heeler that was 10 times his size - thank god she was deaf because it was quite embarrassing! Our lesson from that was to check out every dog we meet, regardless of size or preconception of how our dogs might react.

[micki76]

Originally posted by Brie
twisterdog... the difference between you and me when we go to dog parks is....

I go and talk to all the other owners in the park. By the time I leave not only have my dog interacted with every dog there. I have interacted with ALL the dogs AND the people.

If you automatically crawl up into a little hole and put up a wall, how's ANYONE going to ever get in? you'll never get a chance to know if anyone is ever trust worthy if you don't take that risk and extend your hand for that first shake.

Nothing in this world is guaranteed to be safe. Have you ever heard of harm reduction? It's a term most commonly used in drug education. Basically applying it to this situation... by taking my dogs to the dog park I am teaching them how to behave with other dogs of a variety of sizes and personalities in a variety of different situations, therefore reducing the risk of future problems.

I have a a 17lb Boston terrier, so I too am a small dog owner. Yes he goes to the dog park and he loves it! Yes he does go over into the big dog area and into parks that don't have that seperation between big and small dogs.
I think you're putting you're dogs at a greater risk by not socializing them with dogs of ALL sizes. Cause now, they don't know how to play with big dogs.

And I think it's sad that to protect you and yours you're not open to new experiences that require a little bit of risk.

I have to ask... do you enjoy roller coasters? How about cooking? Do you take asprin or any medication.... have you read the warning labels on these? Do you operate a motor vehicle? -- All of these things are a risk every time you do them.

Ohm, Brie, you don't know Twister at all. LOL

[robinh]

A friend of mine and I have talked about joining and taking the kids to a dog park, but I've not made up my mind yet. Mine have a great big back yard to run in, but I wonder if they need interaction with other dogs - some socialization. They play together every day, but don't get to meet other people and dogs. I'm not sure how they will react so I guess I've hesitated. In the spring, I'm going to go check out the park to see what the arrangements are before I make up my mind.

Everyone ere knows their own dog(s), so I can't say one opinion is right or wrong. I think everyone has to make that decision based on their own experience.