Socialization and Dog Parks

zoegirl · #1 04-14-2009, 07:41 AM

Can someone help me out here? I went to a dog park with my 3 boxers yesterday and got attacked by everyone inside the dog fence because I walked in with my boxer on a leash. I thought that when you walk into a dog park for the first time, that you should have a leash on your dog and see how they react, so that if something does happens you will have control of your dog.

sargboxerluv · #2 04-14-2009, 06:12 PM

They were probably upset because the other dogs might have reacted negativley to a dog on a leash. But I have never been to a dog park so I have no idea what the expectation is. I would think you should walk them on the outside a few times before actually taking them in, but then take them off the leash immediatly upon entering. That way they can get a feel for what to expect just by watching the other dogs, and hopefully if they weren't "into it" they wouold let you know before ever going in. But I only say that because I know someone who had a dog that was agressive to dogs on leash but not to dogs running freely.

Barron's mom · #3 04-14-2009, 07:01 PM

Your dog park should have an enclosed entrance where you could safely remove the leash before allowing him into the larger park. I always advise people to take their leashes off their dogs in the park. It's unfortunate no one advised you. I am sorry you had that experience. I always watch my boxer at the park and immediately take him out when I see trouble brewing between dogs. Better safe than sorry.

argosrocks · #4 04-14-2009, 07:51 PM

thats a pretty common mistake ,but not that big of deal,the real problem i have is when people cowher over their dogs like they are children the minute another dog is acting aggressive towards them,most behaivor in the dog park can be best left up to the instinctualness among the pack,also,just venting here,but is it just me or should children remain near their parents at the park?, its distressing to see a pack of 10-15 dogs running at full speed and a stray 8 yr old in the middle of the park trying to run and play,,,,this is a recipe for disaster and ive seen my dog unintentionally knock over a couple dozen children in the past yr,,,.

**Jan** · #5 04-15-2009, 06:53 AM

The reason that you need to take the leashes off if that dogs on leash will tend to be more aggressive to others. This is because they feel that they can't get away from another dog if necessary.

I wouldn't think that it would be a good idea to take all three of your dogs, all at once, to the dog park. I would take one at a time and see how they each do. It would be really hard to keep an eye on three dogs all at once.

LILYLARUE · #6 04-15-2009, 07:51 AM

I agree about removing the leash immediately upon entering. It makes their "fight or flight" instinct go to fight right away because they can't flee. The more the dog is insecure or aggressive, the more this reaction shows.

I personally don't do dog parks at all anymore. Lily was attacked when she was just shy of 1 yrs old. Since then, she has fear aggression towards other dogs, especially german shepards and white dogs cause that's what attacked her. Buster is very excited at first to meet the other dogs and doesn't really approach them properly. No problems with him as he tends to ignore the other dogs after his excitement wears out and then he goes off all by himself, just follows his nose all over the place. Bella is totally aloof to every dog there and goes for the people. She appearantly was lacking people attention in her former life, before me.

Could I take all three of these dogs to the park by myself? Heck no! Would I even consider it? NOPE! There are too many dynamics and situations that could arrise, as to think I could control it all AND 3 dogs is crazy! LOL

As for the kids in the park........if under 13, they should not be there IMHO. It's just asking for trouble. I know there are lots of kids that make great pack leaders......but the rule has to encompass all kids under 13.

What you could do is put an ad on craigs list for a boxer playgroup and get one started in your area. I did one here and suprisingly there are 12 boxers and owners that have the same issues in dog parks......boxers play differently than any other breed and most don't like the boxer's antics. So, no dog parks for them either. We meet up at several different homes in all quantities. It's a riot to watch them all play they way they were meant to without anyone getting upset too much.

zoegirl · #7 04-15-2009, 08:16 AM

Thanks for everyone's response. Taking one dog at a time, walking around the outside fence before entering all sound like good ideas. I just felt very angry after being reprimand by the owners. You would think that dog parks are a friendly environment. if I was doing something wrong wouldn't you come over and explain to me what to do. Sorry but just venting still, because everyone kept saying my dogs were vicious and attacking them, sorry but those dogs are my kids and I took it personal. Thanks again for everyone's response.

haydenboxer · #8 04-22-2009, 10:03 PM

if anything instead of them jumping down your throat they should have told you where they were coming from. i would have been the same way if i was you and would have had no idea why they would even care. it does make sense though

LILYLARUE · #9 04-23-2009, 08:06 AM

Maybe next time someone gets on you about the behavior, reply with: "I'm new at this, what suggestion do you have to correct it?"

If they are knowledgable, then you may learn and have an accomplice to help at that moment. Or, they will not know and look the fool for not having an answer. Either way, it makes you look to be a responsible and caring owner and not the mom of uncontrollable kids. LOL

Most people are passive-aggressive. They like to say things under their breaths or patronize the other person into silence. I am one to help if necessary. I enjoy sharing what I have learned about training. Having three dogs, so different in personalities and pretty well behaved for their breed restrictions (ie..beaning, licking hellos) so I try to help where I see I can. Wish more people were like me instead of critical, bully whimps.

bmwgardner · #10 05-09-2009, 11:46 PM

I'm not sure what age your dogs are but I have learned the hard way that this makes a difference. Baden is only 5 months old so we still have to take him to the small dog park even though he is over 40 lbs. I agree with the other posts that 3 dogs is a lot to take into the dog park by yourself.

I am bad about taking our boxer into the dog park with a pocket full of treats. As a result, all of the dogs run up to us and want to rummage through my pockets. This might be one reason why they are targeting you in the dog park (as well as your dogs).

Just a thought.