Yet another dog park visit

[Sandi]

After another visit to the dog park, I think I will heed Marco's advice and steer clear. The problem for me wasn't the other dogs though but their owners.

This is realy sad for me as my yard isn't that big and Maxne is so active and really relishes the open space at the park.

I had such a negative experience at the park on our last Snday visit. I wonder if any of you guys have ever experienced this kind of behaviour from other dog owners. They were so rude and telling me to keep my *effing* dogs away from them. I'm still trying to figure out if this is because of the size of my dogs or is it just rude and anti-social pet owners. The dogs didn't seem to have a problem with each other, greeting and wagging their tails high. There was certainly no growling, barking or any signs of aggresiveness, which realy still has me quite puzzled as to their behaiour - the owners that is.

Anyway, so what I have now decided to do is to take one afternoon off work during the week so I can ake my babies to the park seeing as the park is only busy on weekends.

Oh, and I don't know if this is anythng to do with being allowed to roam free at the park, but Maxine has been so much better behaved when we take our on-lead walks now. NO pulling whatsoever anymore.

Happy days.

[Heather Dawn]

We've taken Cane to the dog park 2 or 3 times.  Cane generally has A LOT of energy, so we walk a mile before we take her in to the dog park area.  She is usually calm by the time we've taken her in.  Cane has gone through obedience training and she wears an e collar.  The e-collar helps to get her attention, followed by a command, or she'll look at me and watch for my visual command.  I have found that I'm very nervous there, just because she is usually the biggest dog in there.  I feel like all of the other pet owners are waiting on her to play "rough" with one of their dogs.  Then there are the owners that are there to socialize and they don't pay any attention to their dog, where they're at and what they're doing.  I like to take Cane new and unusual places, where she can be around people and other dogs.  I keep Cane right near me when at the park and if the other dogs start to get out of hand, I will have her come to me and sit or lay down.  There are ALL kind of people out there.  

[Marco]

Sorry to hear your last visit went bad.  The owners are the ones wo tend to play the biggest role in the situation.  Not watching the signs from their dogs, or allowing bad behaviors to take place.  The way owners respond to other people, and dogs can cause their dogs to act out in the first place.  Not sure if you have seen the articles below, but worth reading them.  Be safe, and take care!

 

Dog Parks Why They Are A Bad Idea

Dog Parks

Dog Park Q&A

[Roland L]

I stay away from the dog park too.  Just don't know the kind of people and dogs you will meet there.  The dogs may not have had their shots and the owners could be irresponsible.

[JonP]

Sandi,

Sorry to hear about your recent issues with the dog park. I used to take my old boxer to the dog park about 6 or 8 years ago. Back then, before I really knew much about dog parks I thought it was a good idea. I actually got along with the other owners really well but as time went on I stopped going. Not because of the owners, but because of my boxer. She was still under a year, was the runt, and one aggressive pup. I got tired of apologizing for her either starting little fights or for attempting to dominate other dogs.

All in all, I learned to stay away from the dog park and will never return. Since that time I have spent more time reading and researching...through this I have learned more about the potential for conflict at dog parks. There is simply no way to avoid the issues associated with these sites. I would seriously consider what you could even do if you were by yourself (at a dog park or regular park) and both of your full grown boerboels were involved in a fight. One bad day at a dog park can ruin a good dog for life. Good luck with your two pups!

[Patrick lendor]

Hey man i flee you this what i do  i go tto the park  in the am like 6 or 5 and late at nite i have had pet ppl run into the street almost get hit just acting all czy  my BB get all work out she need it is better Stay clar from those A-----petowner!!! lol some off them just got a pet for the  wrong  .thing