"It's Your Job to Protect Your Dog"

By Ed Frawley

Read this article as a FREE eBook

This article will detail three topics concerning dog parks:

1- The original purpose of dog parks
2- The problems and dangers of taking your dog to a dog park.
3- How to prepare for a dog park
4- How to handle and protect your dog while in the dog park

The Purpose Of A Dog Park:

It would seem pretty obvious that a dog park is a place for people who don't have a lot of personal space to take their dog for exercise. The perfect example would be apartment dwellers or people who live in big cities.

The second and possible more common reason (which I disagree with) is that a dog park is a place for a dog to socialize with other dogs.

Establishing Pack Structure with the Family Pet $40.00+s&h

The Dangers of Dog Parks

Every couple of days I get an email from someone asking about problems with their dogs being attacked when they are on walks or running loose at one of the local parks that many cities setup.

People also question me on how to deal with overly aggressive dogs that belong to other pet owners. They also question me about their own dogs not trying to defend themselves when approached by a seemingly aggressive dog. Some people want to know if they should just let the dogs work these problems out themselves.

I want to go on record as saying that the concept of ”Dog Parks” was well intended but a bad idea, especially when dogs are allowed to run off-leash. The main problems all stem from people who don't understand and have not established pack structure with their dogs. This means their dogs are out of control.

The average dog owner does not take the time to understand much less install pack structure. They don't know how strong the pack instincts are in their family pets. These drives can and often do click into high gear when a dog is taken into a park with strange dogs.

When a new dog comes into a park that other dogs visit every day the new visitor is often seen an an intruder into “the personal territory" of the regular visitor. More often than not they are not seen as new found friend. This often leads to either to territorial aggression, dominance aggression or fear aggression.

DOG PACKS In The PARK

When a group of dogs (3 or more) are allowed to run together in an area where there are no strong pack leaders (human pack leaders), they instinctively try to establish a rank order (or pecking order). If there are several dogs that want to assume a certain rank within this new pack there are often problems. Too often this results in dog fights to determine what rank a dog will assume.

It is a mistake to assume that every dog in the park is a well-mannered, well-trained pet. Just because it playing with other dogs does not mean that it will play with your dog. The issue of rank has already been settled with these other dogs and the game may be going according to their rules. Your dog will not know the rules and can easily get into trouble. To often when a fight breaks out between your dog and the leader of this pack the other dogs in the pack will also jump in and go after your dog.

I get emails from people who are disappointed in their puppy or young dog because it shy's away from other dogs and shows avoidance to these strange dogs they meet on walks or in parks. These people completely misunderstand pack structure, many don't even know that it exists.

The vast majority of dogs don't want to be pack leaders. They are perfectly happy with their owners assuming the position of leader. As such these dogs expect their pack leader (their owner) to protect them. That's why these dogs will run to their owner when they fell threatened by another dog. When a handler does not protect his dog the dog is in conflict and loses confidence. When the owner ignores the perceived threat their dogs often move into fight or flight.

When you stop to think about it, normal people would never expect their young children to fight adults that were threatening their home. So why do people expect their young dogs to show aggression to older dogs? In most cases, the owners simply lack the understanding of pack drive and dog training. People get caught in the trap of thinking they have a German Shepherd from working police bloodlines and "BY DOG" it should be tough!! Well, it doesn't work that way.

When new owners assume the position of pack leader and they do everything right when their pup is young the dog will grow up to be a confident adult dog. When owners drop the pack structure ball their dogs grow up to be basket cases (either overly aggressive or fearful) This is the reasons I do never guarantee temperament in the pups I used to sell. Too many people lacked common sense or the experience to properly raise a dog.

How to Break Up a Dog Fight eBook

HOW TO HANDLE YOUR DOG IN THE DOG PARK

When your dog is approached by a dog that looks like it may be aggressive YOU (not your dog) needs to take the aggressors role.

Dogs that have the potential to be aggressive are going to have a stiff body. Their legs will be stiff, often their tail will be straight up in the air or straight back (never tucked under the stomach - that's a submissive posture). When another dog does this it's to make itself look bigger and stronger.

Dominant dogs will T-OFF on your dog. That means stand at your dogs shoulder and put their muzzle over the shoulders of your dog. This is a dominant display. When you see this:

1- Tell the dogs owner that he or she needs to get control of their dog.

2- If this does not work, then it's time to leave the park. If there was any aggression you may want to file a complaint or police report. Make sure you indicate that you were concerned for your personal safety and your dogs.

3- If the situation has moved beyond the point where you can leave then you need to take things in your own hands. Verbally tell the dog in a deep voice to get out of there. Usually (not always) this is enough to make the dog back off. When that happens you need to determine if you have solved the problem or if you need to leave. Always error on the side of safety.

4- I would not go to a dog park without a walking stick or a can of pepper gas. If you are not familiar with how to safely break up a dog fight without getting hurt you need to familiarize yourself with what to do. (Read the article or listen to the podcast I have done on this)

5- What I do may not be possible for many people with less experience. But if a stray dog were to get aggressive with my dog and I could not verbally threaten the dog to make it move on I would attack the dog with the stick. I can hear all the PETA PUKE rolling their eyes as they read this, but the fact is by this point retreat is not an option and I would not allow my dog to be hurt. Often times one good HARD HARD hit right between the ears will deter most dogs. If you don't have the confidence to do this, call the authorities because this dog does not belong in the park.

If another dog attacks your dog you need to do what I explain in my article on Breaking Up A Dog Fight. If I were to walk a dog in the city, I would not do it without a can of pepper gas to use on any dog that even looks cross-eyed at my puppy. I would not hesitate to physically go after a dog that approaches my pup. The only ones that would be allowed to come close would be dogs I know for a fact are well-mannered, friendly soles that will be tolerant and play with my puppy.

While some breeds are predisposed to fight more than others, every breed has it's own bullies. There are too many people out there that don't come close to the label of being a “responsible pet owner.” With the number of fighting breeds growing, the risks of taking your pet to one of these parks is growing every day.

Pet owners should know that once a puppy or adult dog has been attacked by another dog, it will become a dog aggressive animal itself. This only has to happen one time for a permanent temperament change to occur in some animals. You will quickly find that dog aggression is a real pain in rear.

Finally, if your dog is a bully and is aggressive to other dogs, you need to explain to him that this is unacceptable behavior. Softer dogs can get the message with a simple verbal reprimand, while other dogs need to have serious corrections. These corrections can come from a prong collars, a dominant dog collars or in some cases a remote collar. (One should only use a remote collar after they have had the proper training)

Dominant Dog Collar

The correction for serious dog aggression needs to be so hard enough that the dog remembers it the next time it thinks about being aggressive.

The bottom line for professionals it the correction needs to be so severe that the idea of fighting or showing aggression is not as strong as the respect (or fear) of what happens when he does not mind. For these dogs the presence of another dog is a big distraction, but they need to understand that if they allow this distraction to take control them the punishment will be swift and severe. Once they understand this simple concept they will become much better dogs.

Giving a dog this kind of correction is often not a pretty sight. Many people do not have the temperament or skill to do it correctly. They simply cannot bring themselves to correct at an effective level. Dog fights are a serious business and these people should either seek professional help or find a new home for their dog aggressive dog.

In my opinion one of the most effective tools for trainers who want to learn how to administer corrections at a level beyond their normal strength level (IE. a small women with a large dog) is to learn to train with a remote collar. I have produced a training DVD titled REMOTE COLLAR TRAINING FOR THE PET OWNER which covers the foundation of collar training.

If you have a dog that needs a little help with distraction training I would direct you to my training video on Basic Dog Obedience. This tape will guide you through normal distraction problems. It will explain the principles of correction and how to read a dog’s temperament to determine what level of correction to use.

Basic Dog Obedience $40.00+s&h

People with dominance problem in their dog should never bring their dog to dog parks until they have the dominance issues under control. I tell people "if you can't control your dog at home or on a walk how will you ever control this dog when it's in a dog park with 20 other dogs?"

If you have a dominant dog I recommend my DVD Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dog

Recommendations to make dog parks safer places:

While I am lucky to live in a small community and have acreage to exercise and train, I know that others that live in large cities don't have an option to where they can go with their dogs. The following information is designed to help people make dog parks a safer place.

1- Dogs should pass a test before being allowed in a dog park

In my opinion communities should establish and set up tests that pet owners must pass before dogs are allowed off leash into these dog parks.

The tests should demonstrate the off leash control owners have over their dogs while the dogs are faced with extreme distraction. In other words, the owners need to be able to call their dogs back away from a group of several dogs that are playing.

Dogs that can't pass these tests should not be allowed off leash in the parks.

These tests should include a knowledge of how to deal with dog fights.

2- There should be parks for small dogs and parks for large dogs

Allowing very small dogs to run with large dogs can be a very dangerous situation for the small dog. The average pet owner has no idea how to break up a dog fight. They also can't comprehend how quickly a large dog can kill or seriously injure a small dog.

3- Be a responsible handler

• There are some basic common sense rules that good owners should follow when they use a park.
  
  
• When at the park and a dangerous or out of control dog shows up, leave the park. While you may feel you have the right to be there you gain nothing by pushing your limit and risking a dog fight.
  
  
• Go to the park at off-peak hours. You will learn when the quiet times are, those are the times to be there with your dog. If you dress for the wind and rain there is nothing wrong with having the entire park to yourself.
  
  
• When a dog pile or dog fight occurs, immediately call your dog away from the pack. There is nothing wrong with using a remote collar and practice calling your dog away from chasing a group of dogs.
  
  
• There is nothing wrong with teaching your dog that you are more fun than other dogs at the dog park. When you go, play the games your dog loves away from the dog pack.
  
  
• When your dog is off leash at the park, 100% of your of your focus should be on your dog.
  
  
• If you wish to socialize with other dogs owners that fine, just do it when you have your dog on a leash.
  
  
• Don't make the dog park it's only out of the home experience with you. Take it for walks, take it swimming (when possible) play or train in different locations. People who only take their dog to a dog park set themselves up for dogs to get out of control. The dogs with a lot of energy who only go to the dog park can take the attitude of USE IT OR LOSE IT which means they can get wild.
  
  
• In my opinion people should learn how to use a remote collar. Collars are invisible leashes. They should study my low level stimulation training and understand when they can and cannot use a collar in a dog park. (Don't use a collar in the middle of a dog fight - the dog will think that his opponent is causing the stimulation and fight harder)

Dealing with Dominant & Aggressive Dogs $49.00+s&h

Notice the ball in the one dog's mouth -
allowing only one dog to have a toy will often trigger a dog attack.

Emails on DOG PARKS - 2 Dead Dogs

Ed -

Just wanted to write and say, "Thank you!" for your web site. I adopted a male GSD about a year ago and am consistently faced with changing behavioral issues. I am doing a thorough read and search of your site to assist me in resolving MY issues. I hope I never end up on one of your stupid questions lists! Although, I find them very entertaining.

I have had HORRIBLE experiences at the local dog park, and have since quit going. So, I found the article about dog parks particularly funny. I even had a fight with my city because they would not allow me to have my dog on a leash in the park. They ARE THE DUMBEST DOG PEOPLE EVER! By the way two dogs to date have been KILLED at my local dog park (these are the ones I am aware of at least!)

I don't have a question today, just wanted to give you thanks and praise. I am hoping to be able to locate the answers to my questions on your web site - but, due to the wealth of information, it is taking some time to wade through it all.

Thank You,
Julie
Plano, TX

Dear Ed,
 
I just wanted to send an email and thank you for the advice you gave me some weeks ago in regards to our dog and his trainer. I also wanted to thank you for your wonderful articles on why as dog owners we should avoid dog parks.
 
I live in Las Vegas where dog parks are very popular. I refuse to allow my six month old Cane Corso into the parks despite my friends telling me I'm depriving him of socialization.  The dog parks here are divided into two halves for small and large dogs but I've seen nasty fights breaks out on both sides (I walk my dog on his leash in the surrounding park area).  Last week a Yorkie was killed by a Chow after his dumb owner brought him to the large dog side, proceeded to put him down and talked on her cell phone. A few nights ago a pit and an Akita got into a fight and it was absolutely horrific watching these owners try to break up two strong willed dogs in survival mode.  Your comments on your site are dead on, these parks are filled with owners who use the time to socialize amongst themselves, paying little to no attention to what their dogs are doing. As I walk my dog I see how most of them have no control over their animals, they tell the dog to come, it ignores them etc. The point you make which really hit home to me is that we can never assume other dogs have been well trained or well socialized just because our dog is. In addition I've also seen parents allow small toddler children to run wild in the park, thinking it's cute when the dogs chase them and allowing their children to manhandle strange dogs without asking the owner's permission.  After seeing all this I'm so glad I heeded your advice about these "accidents waiting to happen" dog parks. I'm going to focus my energies on my dog's training and ignore my friend's comments.

A Grateful Reader,
Kristen

2 people, dog hurt in attack at dog park

The attack marked the first time since the Newport News Long Island park opened in April that a person was bitten, an official said.

March 30, 2007 NEWPORT NEWS -- A dog attack this week at the city's only off-leash park left a miniature dachshund with serious injuries and two women with bite wounds.

Christine Hyatt and her daughter, Kathy, were walking their three small dogs through Fido Field, an off-leash dog park at Riverview Farm Park, Tuesday when they heard someone holler.

Hyatt, 67, spun around and saw an Akita mix sink its teeth into the neck of her 2-year-old dachshund, Maddy, and start shaking.

Maddy broke free, but the dog attacked again.

Christine Hyatt and her daughter tried to intervene, and the Akita mangled Christine Hyatt's middle finger and bit her daughter's hand, Hyatt said.

Eventually, she said, the Akita's owner helped pull the dog off.

Hyatt's dog remained in an animal hospital Thursday, but a doctor said Maddy could be released this weekend, Hyatt said.

Hyatt, meanwhile, underwent treatment for her sliced and fractured finger at an emergency medical clinic.

She worried about the risk of rabies, since she didn't know whether the Akita had been vaccinated.

On Thursday, as she sat at the intersection of Menchville Road and Warwick Boulevard, Hyatt said, she saw the Akita's owner drive past.

It was "divine intervention," she said.

She and her daughter followed him to a Bryan Court home, where she confronted the driver, according to a city animal services report.

The driver, James Coleman, admitted owning the Akita, Hyatt said.

She's hoping Coleman will cover her dog's medical bills.

Coleman couldn't be reached for comment Thursday, but Bill Wise, the city's animal services superintendent, said Coleman reported his dog, "Kita," was registered and up-to-date on its shots.

The incident marked the first substantiated report of a person being bitten at the park since it opened in April 2006, said Andy Lunsford, the city's parks operations superintendent.

At Fido Field on Thursday, Josh Biskey, 27, watched his German shepherd, Dakota, roll through the dirt with a mixed terrier.

He described the park as a great place for both dog owners and dogs to socialize.

Most people, he said, recognize when their pets become aggressive.

"You have to step in before something happens," Biskey said. "You need to know what your dog's capable of."

I've seen a few fights, but none resulted in serious injuries as most owners have enough sense to call their dogs to them when a scuffle breaks out. I did witness a few owners and their dogs get banned from the park due to sheer idiocy. One woman (she fit the stereotype for "redneck trailer trash" to a T) brought with her a very dominant, poorly trained un-neutered pit bull mix. At the time the park had about 15-20 dogs running around, mostly Boxers and Golden Retrievers (for some strange reason. about 8 Boxers.). This woman had taken the collar off of her dog instead of just unsnapping the leash and had wandered off to the opposite end of the park to talk to this group of people. Her dog was terrorizing smaller dogs and chasing them, nipping at them, and becoming a nuisance by challenging any other dog at the park. It wasn't until the dog began harassing a Boxer puppy (between 5-7 months old) that anyone really stepped in to stop this dog. It had begun chasing the puppy, who was obviously distressed and began yelping, which only egged the pit mix on. The pit was nipping at this puppy's back legs, knocking him over, and trying to tug at the skin of the dog's neck. The Boxer's owner was able to grab his dog, hoist the yelping puppy over his shoulder, and it still wasn't enough to deter this pit mix. The pit began LEAPING at this man's shoulder and chest, eyes locked on the guy's puppy, and each time the man would scream and kick the dog off it would just run and take another flying leap at the man's dog. This guy was a good 6-foot something and with the Boxer over his shoulder he still managed to keep his pup safe, but by this time SEVERAL owners were trying to shoo the pit mix away and grab a hold of it to control it, the entire time screaming "Whose dog is this? Get your dog off of me, call your dog, someone get this dog out of here!" After about 2 minutes of this dog leaping and biting at the puppy/owner the redneck woman walked over to the commotion and tried to call her dog over, which of course was almost useless. By the time she caught the dog she had to be straddling it and holding its neck since she couldn't manage to get it's collar on correctly, and finally the dog park owner was able to edge through everyone and humiliate her in front of the crowd. He told her that she was not welcome back at he park again and that she was irresponsible for bringing her obviously aggressive dog in, which park rules forbid, and went on about the lack of control she had over the dog and the fact that she wasn't even supervising the dog because she was across the park. All I heard her say was something about, "He's never done that before! He just wanted to play with the puppy! He's not mean, you're being unreasonable my dog wouldn't do that." As she was walking out the other owners were cheering and laughing, I was quite amused. Thankfully for me, at the time I had taken my old dog Shadow and she was sitting by my side in the back of the park the entire time this occurred.

Aside from that one distinct incident, most fights are due to stupid owners bringing their small dogs into the big dog section of the park (JRTs, toy poodles, Fox terriers, Dashounds, etc) and then arguing with big dog owners when their dogs are chased into their arms, yelping and screaming, because the larger dogs would terrorize them (or just try to sniff and greet, which often was enough to frighten the tiny dog). The argument usually ends with the small dog owner leaving because they didn't agree with using the small dog park area since "there aren't as many dogs in there for my dog to play with."

I'm fairly grateful that I'm able to go at times where there might be one or two other dogs, but the amount of idiots that come to the park is astounding. So many unaltered animals run around and many times people bring their pets that have lived in their back yard and with their family for years without ever socializing with other animals, so these people assume their dog is totally fine since it loves people and it might get along with, say, their in-law's Labrador or something. These are often the ones that wonder why their dog is biting at all the other dogs or sitting behind their legs growling at anything that approaches. I've even had some odd instances where I'd be taking photos somewhere in the park and I've had dogs stand about 5 or 10 feet from me and just bark. I assume they don't like my camera, as it can be a bit noisy, but I don't always feel very safe. I once was sitting at a picnic bench and this woman's Great Dane walked about 15 feet from my seat and stared at me for about 5 minutes. I kept taking shots until the dog began barking furiously, which surprised me into nearly falling out of my seat since I hadn't been paying attention. The owners kept calling their dog back but this thing would not stop walking near my bench, staring at me, growling, and barking. Needless to say, I beat a hasty retreat along the perimeter of the fence and left before that dog decided I was more of a threat than it felt at that moment. I love big dogs, I adore Danes, but this dog was NOT happy with my presence.

I know you don't take your dogs to those parks, but have you heard of any local instances of dog fights at one of them?

Jinn / Sabarika

Mr. Frawley

I ran into another example of how ignorant most people are about proper care and training of dogs today.  One of coworkers adopted a 10 month old golden retriever mix last week.  In talking with him today he commented that he'd been taking it to the local dog park already.  I told him I'd never take my Malamute mix there, as all it would take was one aggressive dog and the fur would fly.  He then told me that yeah, he'd already seen a couple dog fights there, but he didn't worry about his dog, as it was "put in his place" by a larger dog last weekend.  I quickly explained to him that it doesn't work that way, and being attacked would be more likely to make his new pet dog aggressive.  I then sent him a copy of your article on Dog Parks.  I've had the same issue with another coworker, who unfortunately ignored your advice and still takes his year old great dane to the park.  The dog park in question is about the worst situation I can imagine.  It's simply a 1/4 acre field with a 4' fence around it.  No supervision outside of the dogs owners themselves.  To make matters worse one local dog trainer was interviewed by the paper and stated that it was a wonderful thing as the dogs would be able to play and learn proper pack behavior.  I saw that and thought, Yeah, they'll learn that little dogs get beat up by packs of big dogs.

You may recall that I e-mailed you last year after my dog had been repeatedly attacked while on our evening walks.  At that point I'd already pepper sprayed 2 different aggressor dogs.  Since then I've given up on walking my dog in this neighborhood and just exercise her as best I can at home.  Re-reading your article on dog parks today it dawned on me that I'm living in one!  Most of my neighbors have dogs that they let roam completely unsupervised.  Several more walk their obviously untrained dogs off leash, where they run every which way through every unfenced yard.  The dogs range from toy poodles to Rottweilers.  Fortunately between my dog and my next door neighbors' 2 German Shepherds (who are always restrained) the other dogs stay out of our yards.  Now that the ground has thawed here, my yard will soon have a large fenced area where I can safely train and exercise my dog.  The worst part is that I now have to deal with the fact that my dog will snap at any strange dog that approaches unrestrained (we're working on that and it's rarely a problem now).

I also e-mailed previously about sled dogs, and how teams of up to 20 dogs can get along without constant fights over rank.  I think I can answer that myself now after reading your articles and observing how mushers, at least the conscientious ones, handle their teams.  First, any time a pair of dogs do fight, the mushers come down on them like a ton of bricks, clearly establishing themselves as the team's Alpha (the lead dog is clearly the second rank).  Second, the dogs are normally restrained on chains out of reach, but in plain site of each other in a common fenced enclosure.  The fence is to protect the dogs from moose and wandering dogs, and to keep in any dog that does manage to get loose.  I believe that the dogs manage to establish pack rank without fighting or coming into direct contact through posturing and verbal signals.  Two things provide evidence of this.  One, many mushers I know, and even the local dog shelter, turn all their dogs loose inside the fence to run and play together briefly each day.  As you can imagine, having up to 20 large dogs running together can be pretty chaotic.  But fights are still very rare.  One musher I know has his dogs so well trained that he can harness them, then turn them loose and they'll immediately run to their place on the main line and wait to be hitched to the sled.  The other evidence I have that dogs establish pack order without fighting is my own dog, and the 2 German shepherds next door.  The GSD's act very aggressive towards any dog they see go by.  However, a couple times when one or the other of them has gotten loose and run up to me and my dog everyone is perfectly friendly.  They can see my dog, and my dog can see them all the time.  As I've stated before, my dog generally will snap at another dog that runs up to her unrestrained, so I have to assume that the 3 of them have established their pack order without any physical contact.

Thanks again for all your great advice, videos and articles!  I don't know how I would have managed my dog without them.

Phil

Making Dog Parks Safer

A sixty-pound child is roughed up by a one-hundred pound dog at a place where dogs are supposed to run free, but run safely. Changes may soon be made at some area dog parks, after an incident this weekend raises questions about safety at the parks. A child was pawed and bitten by a dog at a Hamilton County dog park, and he's not alone.

Local 12 Reporter Jeff Hirsh unleashes some concerns in this developing story.
 
What's more fun than going to the park with your buddies, get some much-needed exercise, and even play wide retriever. Well, usually, it is fun, but not always.
 
"It was very scary."

These scratch and bite marks are on an eight year old boy who was at the Armleider Dog Park yesterday with his mom and their pet. But another dog ... a big mastiff ... perhaps only wanting to play ... used the child as a chew toy.

Tracy Hickenlooper, Dog bite victim's mother: "He was screaming, he rolled up into a ball, saying get him off me. He was rolling up into a ball, trying to get away, and the dog continued to go after him."

It's also a dog-eat-dog world. This dog needed stitches to close a wound several months ago, from the same Hamilton County Park Board facility.

"Now, if dogs could read the rules, they would find out that owners are supposed to have leashes in hands at all times, that big dogs and small dogs are supposed to be in separate areas, and that aggressive dogs are supposed to be removed immediately."
 
Dogs who bite people are supposed to be quarantined for ten days, if they're caught.

Harold Dates, SPCA Director: "You've got to observe how your dog is behaving. Is he truly getting exercise? Is he trying to take over the other dogs in the park. What is your dog doing?"

Tyler and Nico are not exactly threats. Owner Anne Huddleston loves to bring them here. But sometimes, Huddleston sees other folks drop off dogs and leave for hours.

Anne Huddleston, Dog Owner: "Here they come back from wherever they've been, pick their dog up. They just leave them here, do whatever business they have to do and that's very irresponsible."

One nearby community may have a solution. In Anderson Township, park users pay a small yearly fee, register their dogs, wear i-d tags, and incident report forms are at the gate. Tracy Hickenlooper would like to see Hamilton County's Dog Park do the same thing.

"Some people see it as a social situation and they're on their cell phones and talking to dog owners and not paying attention to their dogs. These things happen fast."

Jeff Hirsh, Local 12.

Attack reports are rare in dog parks, but the Anderson Park District did ban one aggressive dog from its facility. Hamilton County is considering a permit-and-fee system in a possible new dog park. That's on the west side of town. There are no plans for it in Armleader Park, on the east side.

Hi Ed,

I enjoyed reading your article on dog parks.  I used to take our Lab quite a bit, but not after an episode 2 weeks ago while vacationing in California. We have a 9 year old Lab, that just loves to play with other dogs.

We decided to go with friends to a dog park and low and behold 2 brothers, Akita's I might add were there. I didn't know what Akitas looked like or what the  breeds disposition was prior to this episode.

We let our dog in the park and 2 Akitas came right up sandwiched our dog side to side;- One was head to head the other Head to rear at our dog. We heard a lot of growling and noticed the dogs were ready to go to war on ours. We heard ours yelp ( You could tell our dog knew he was in trouble) , my husband intervened ( THANK GOD)  before the attack began.

However our dog must have had a panic or had anxiety attack, he fell to the ground and became uncoordinated just kicking( I thought he was having a seizure or heart attack) After 30 seconds he was fine. Ready to get up and play again. We left that park ASAP! Not to mention- haven't been to one since.

I can tell you, we will never go to another dog park EVER!

I have taken him to day care while I worked to play with other dogs, we have friends over that bring their dogs.  He is very well socialized.  However when I witnessed how quickly our dog could have been seriously injured or killed for that matter, I can't begin to tell you how upset I was. Worse yet the owners didn't even pull their dogs out of the area. All the other people left because the Akitas remained aggressive.

So I Thank you for warning people about these places. We were very lucky nothing happened to our dog that day, some people I'm sure aren't so lucky.

Take Care, 
Lisa
Knoxville, Tn

Comment on Dog Parks:

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your web site advice. My beloved, very friendly dog was attacked in a park this past weekend. I was so upset with the owners of the dog, because their dog was so aggressive and yet not leashed. ( I am sure this dog has had "run -in's" in the past) Oddly enough, the owner was bit and my dog was left unharmed as your advice mentioned.

I told so many people of my ordeal and yet nobody seemed to know what they would have done either. Thank you so much for the proper advice.

My husband & I live in nearby West Bend, and are glad to know you are so close if we need your expertise.

Sincerely,
Michelle

I refuse to take my dogs to any dog park and your article pretty much hit all the reasons why I don't.

But since humans are social animals, one of the biggest problems I've seen has its roots in a well-established group of owners who meet at the same time. I have likened these groups as junior high school cliques. These cliques are aware that some of the dogs present will cow or attack a new dog at the park and they allow this to happen. If the owner of the new dog should protect their pet in any way, shape or form, they threaten the new person. Humans are predators as well and I've seen them pack up on new people (or myself when I got upset when my elderly golden was attacked).

My vet, when we were discussing the bad dynamics of dog parks social structure and safety, mentioned that there are people who know their dog is aggressive and enjoy bringing their dog to designated dog parks to see them attack other dogs. I've seen owners of large, powerful, protection dogs (young men with GSDs are the worst, followed by young men with Dobermans and Rottweilers) actually introduce their dog to the largest protection dog they encounter and try to initiate or prolong a fight. When their dogs attack mine, I tell them to get their dog off of mine. I have had been threatened with physical violence. I tell them I have pepper spray (and not just one of those lipstick canisters, but a size for more than a few really good shots to use on the problem dog AND their owner) that I will use on them as well as their dog.

My present golden retriever when she only weighed 35-40 pounds was attacked by a GSD (9 months old & 95 pounds). The dog was trying to grab her by the nape of the neck to shake her like a squirrel - the owners told me he was just a puppy and playing. My dog was screaming in fear and I kept on trying to get on top of her using my entire body as this dog was relentless. In trying to get my dog under my torso it bit my shoulder, arm, and elbow. Nobody helped me at all. Finally I shouted (and used very crude swear words) that if that dog was not controlled immediately I would do it myself. And this is the typical escalation of conflict at these dog parks. (BTW, my golden is fearful of strange dogs now - so I take her trail running and avoid other people and their dogs - she is much happier getting the exercise and chasing squirrels than the nonsense of a dog park). I started swearing at the people who told me their dog was just playing and the dogs should work it out. I told them that they are not going to work it out on my dog and that I would get their license plate numbers if my dog should be injured because I will sue. I've was told to leave this public dog park or that "they would make me." These idiots don't seem to realize that even making threats is simple assault, and when I tell them I will call the police for these threats they look stunned - apparently it doesn't occur to them that they are breaking the law.

My perspective of dog parks is very negative. I've seen people standing around in conversation and not monitoring the activity of their dogs. I've seen dog walkers bring up to 10-12 dogs over which they have no control. I've seen truly clueless people who may or may not have a dog come to the park with children as young as 3-4 years and allow their kids to commingle with a swirling mass of dogs.

Thank you for your frankness. I really appreciate someone who understands pack behavior and clearly states what is really going on with owners and their dogs.

Debbie

Pet death shows dog park danger Rottweiler attacked, killed dachshund at Centennial

BY FELIX DOLIGOSA JR.,

Californian staff writer e-mail: fdoligosa@bakersfield.com | Sunday, Jul 8 2007 9:40 PM

Last Updated: Sunday, Jul 8 2007 9:43 PM Grr the brown dachshund was just getting used to being around other canines at dog parks. He stopped soiling the ground whenever he was approached by a dog and wasn't afraid to sniff another mutt. Grr became that scared little dog again on July 2 when a hulking Rottweiler cornered and attacked him in a central Bakersfield dog park. Despite getting kicked and punched in his face, the growling Rottweiler only stopped after it fatally punctured Grr's throat. The dachshund would die about 31/2 hours later, according to Animal Emergency and Urgent Care. "To some people dogs are just animals, but to us he was a child," said Grr's owner, Spencer Schluter. "Grr was just starting to come out of his shell." Taking a dog to any of Bakersfield's four dog parks can be a risk because you never know what kind of dogs you will encounter, said Kern County Animal Control Chief Denise Haynes. "It's tough because everybody should have a place to exercise their dog," Haynes said. "Each individual dog owner must not only think about the risks of other dogs, but also their own." Spencer and his wife, Sarah Schluter, went to the Centennial Dog Park at 400 Montclair St. that nice, warm evening to let Grr and his Chihuahua buddy, Furio, get some exercise. "We've been visiting this park for the past two weeks and all the other dogs have been very friendly," Spencer Schluter said. "We were thinking if a dog attacked, we could just scoop up Grr and Furio. The couple were walking in the park when an unleashed Rottweiler scrambled from 10 feet away to chase down Grr, Schluter said. The owner was in the middle of the park playing soccer, according to the couple. The Rottweiler cornered Grr against a fence and bit the dachshund several times, Schluter said. Schluter, who used to practice martial arts, punched and kicked the Rottweiler without getting him Pet death shows dog park danger - Latest news | Bakersfield.com - Kern...

http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/183970.html 2 of 2 7/9/2007 7:50 AM to stop. The estimated 150-pound dog didn't stop until it was done. Schluter took off his shirt and wrapped it around Grr's neck as blood dripped over the owner's chest and legs. He cried, "help me, help me," as they carried Grr to their car and hurried to an animal hospital. Schluter gave Grr mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Air bubbled out of holes in Grr's throat. "Please don't leave us, Grr. Please stay with us," the couple told the dog as they sped past red lights. Grr stopped crying after driving through several blocks as his tongue hung outside his mouth. The blood over Grr's face made his brown eyes look green. Grr, the dog the couple called their NutraSweet baby because he was their substitute child, died when a hemorrhage formed in his neck, according to the veterinarian hospital. "I pray he wasn't in pain," Spencer Schluter said. "Because of his neck injury, they couldn't give him an anesthetic." He and and wife bought Grr after they were married in 2005. "We planned to have him with us for most of our marriage," he said. "To see our children grow up, to be old and cranky with us, to never learn not to poop on the rug." With all that happened that sad night, the couple didn't think about finding the Rottweiler owner. Police searched the area and never found any suspects, said Lt. Mike Cantrell with the Bakersfield Police Department. "I don't want to sue the owner," Schluter said. "I don't want to abuse Grr's memory by focusing on anger, but we feel people should be aware of the danger of certain breeds of dog so that incidents like this don't happen. "If that had been one of the many children who play in that park, I don't want to think about the possible outcomes."

Dog Park violence on the rise

By Lisa Black

Published March 27, 2007,

Robin Hunt used to walk her pets up to three miles a day at a Libertyville dog park. But she hasn't since July, when two Akitas mauled her 12-pound Chihuahua mix, Deardra, and left her with $5,000 in veterinarian bills.

Deardra is among dozens of dogs bitten or attacked in the past year at the region's dog parks, according to data kept by various agencies. Some veterinarians and trainers worry that too few owners take responsibility for their pets in the free-for-all environment in which dogs frolic off-leash.

In response, some dog park operators are strengthening rules or creating "adjustment areas"—smaller spaces where dogs may get accustomed to socializing before entering the larger park. Among them is Lake in the Hills' Bark Park, where a pack of young dogs killed a Pomeranian last year.

Advocates who enumerate the benefits of exercise and socialization say the majority of dogs safely use parks.

But as dedicated dog parks proliferate in the Chicago area, others say the problem of dog attacks is just emerging. Even the most docile animals, they say, can raise another pup's hackles or skirmish over a toy.

"Dog parks are a great idea, but I honestly don't think there's enough control," said Cathie Sabin, owner of B.C. Dog Training in Mundelein. "I have seen people pull up to a dog park, open the gates, let the dogs in and go back in their car and read a newspaper."

Most dog parks require permits and proof that the animal is vaccinated. Sabin wonders if the permit holders should also be tested on whether their dog responds by name and if the owner can recognize menacing signs, such as a dog that assumes an aggressive stance.

Dr. Kristen Temo, a veterinarian who treated Deardra at the Animal Emergency and Treatment Center in Grayslake, said she often treats dogs for scrapes after they visit Libertyville's Independence Grove Dog Exercise Area. Temo rarely takes her 95-pound dog there.

"That's because I don't like sewing up cuts on my day off," she said.

When the Akitas cornered Deardra, the two women who brought them had walked around a bend, deep in conversation. Hunt said one of the Akitas had started "death shaking" Deardra by the time she was able to get the women's attention by screaming. Deardra underwent surgery to fix a gaping hole in her abdomen.

It is difficult to estimate the numbers of injuries at the parks because they are often lumped into broader categories of dog bites. It's likely that some aren't reported at all.

Chicago and Cook County officials declined to provide statistics but said they have received very few reports.

Lake County Animal Control Supervisor Len Hackl estimates that he receives 20 to 25 reports annually of dog-on-dog bites at the four dog parks owned by the Forest Preserve District.

“We just had a discussion with some of the forest preserve staff, because we found out there were incidents being reported to them and not to us and vice versa," Hackl said. "We are going to keep better track of that, especially with spring and summer coming."

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District recorded 26 dog-on-dog incidents at its seven offleash dog parks in 2006, spokesman Bill Weidner said.

In McHenry County, dog parks are overseen by municipalities, and no such statistics are available. But Bark Park in Lake in the Hills instituted new rules after the Pomeranian's death.

The park now prohibits dogs that are aggressive, in heat or younger than 6 months.

No statistics were available for the two dog parks operated by Will County's Forest Preserve District. The district has rescinded several permits because of aggressive dog behavior over six years, said spokesman Bruce Hodgdon.

He recalls easily the most serious incident, on the opening day of Hammel Woods, in which a small dog died.

Even the people who love dog parks and seldom have problems say they understand the need to tend to their animals.

"I've had maybe two incidents where I've come across an aggressive dog," said Selina

Carpenter of Grayslake, a regular at Independence Grove park. In one case, she said a yellow lab growled at her Great Dane, Hampton, when he tried to play with the lab's toy.

In most dog parks, regulars develop friendships and form a self-policing community, she said.

Authorities say regulars often report park violations.

Trainer Toriano Sanzone, owner of DOPA Dogs in Chicago, said he advises clients to run through training commands with their dogs at the parks and then reward them by letting them run off-leash.

"You shouldn't just let them go," said Sanzone, who said that too many owners talk on cell phones or socialize with others while their dogs play.

He likened it to parents ignoring preschoolers at a park.

"Eventually someone is going to fall off a slide or get into it over a particular swing," he said.

He advises owners to keep a short 4-inch leash on their dogs so they can restrain them if necessary. Other trainers suggest bringing an air horn to scare off an aggressive dog.

If there is a fight between dogs, experts say it will be difficult to step in without getting hurt.

Some advise pulling a dog's hind legs to get it away from another animal; others suggest wedging a large stick in the dog's mouth.

Maggie Ross, 25, of Lake Villa said she was terrified when a stocky white dog—she is not sure of the breed—latched onto the neck of her yellow Labrador retriever at Independence Grove last month. Her 9-month-old dog, Payton, wasn't injured badly because he was wearing a collar that became entangled in the attacker's teeth, she said.

"My dog was gasping for air. His eyes were bulging out," Ross said. "From the sounds of it, I thought my dog was dying."

The woman who owned the attacking dog was fined $300 and prohibited from returning to the park because there was a prior record of her two pets fighting, officials said.

"Dogs won't fight unless there's an issue," Sabin said. "But like people with their kids, it's never my kid [who started it]. It's never my dog." --

An eye surgeon took his dog to a dog park. While there, his dog and another began to fight. The other dog was a mastiff; the doctor's dog was a labrador. The mastiff grabbed the labrador by the throat and started shaking it. Neither the mastiff's owner nor the doctor could make the mastiff let go. The doctor had a can of Mace in his pocket. He sprayed Mace into the eyes of the mastiff. It let go of the labrador's throat and began biting the doctor on his hand. As a result of the injuries to his hand, the doctor finds it difficult to engage in his occupation as an eye surgeon who has to do microsurgery -- a job that requires steady hands. The settlement was $50,000.00. – Attorney website http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/danger.htm

Tucson Wants Tougher Laws Against Irresponsible Pet Owners

Oct 3, 2007 12:30 PM PDT

Are Old Pueblo pups sitting pretty or are our dogs in danger? It depends who you ask.

Click HERE to access an interactive web story put out by Men's Health Magazine that reveals the nations top dog friendly cities. By clicking on Tucson you can see we get the fourth ranking for a number of reasons. The best marks come from our vet services. From this you'd think our pooches are in primo shape, right? Think again!

City council is looking at the quality of life for our four legged friends.

Dog parks are some of the only places in the city where your dog can roam leash-free, but the city is pushing for tougher punishment for dog owners who break that law.  

Dog parks are a growing trend across the country and Tucson is no different.

"He loves it here, he has a great time so it's great that it's really convenient," says Crystal Adams.

There's nothing more enjoyable for Crystal and her little dog Rusty than leaving the leash at home. But it's outside the dog park where she has concerns about other dogs roaming free.

"Having irresponsible pet owners without the dogs on a leash and they're aggressive, that's not too great," says Crystal.

That's why Tucson City Councilwoman Carol West is pushing for tougher laws against violators after a string of disturbing incidents in her ward. One particularly gruesome story where a loose dog became dangerous.

"A little puppy was on a leash in a park and a big dog came and tore his eye out."

West says increasing fines by $50 could discourage pet owners from letting their dogs run loose. Violators would pay up to 200 dollars. …

Remote Collar Training for the Pet Owner $40.00+s&h

Question on Dog Parks

Mr. Frawley,

Please help, I am desperate. Three months ago, we found Eli in the park. The vet believes he is about one year old. He is aggressive towards other dogs and chews everything that can fit into his mouth. Last night, in training class, Eli bit another dog and would not let go. The dog received stitches and my husband received a nice wound as well. On walks Eli is aggressive towards other dogs and try's to go after them. We have a lab collie mix who is 6 years old and much smaller. I want to begin a family soon. I am worried, can this behavior be stopped? Is it too aggressive. The trainer did not give any suggestions and I don't know what to do. I don't want Eli to hurt our other dog much less anyone else.

Thank you for your time.
Angelle

Answer on Dog Parks:

Read the articles on my web site about Dealing with Aggressive Dogs. Also read the Q&A sections. This can be cured with proper obedience training. I would recommend that you get a prong collar and my Basic Dog Obedience video.

Correcting this is going to require strong training with very severe corrections, the dog must respect the pack leader and fear the results of not minding more than its interest in fighting.

The reason your dog is aggressive is because it was a stray and had been attacked itself as a stray.

Some people do not have the temperament to correct hard enough to stop this behavior - those people need to find a new home for their dog.

Prong Collars

Question on Dog Parks:

Hello,

I was exploring your sight and I had a question; I am the owner of a 4.5 month old Australian Shepherd/ lab mix. My trainer suggested that I socialize him to as many people and other animals as I am able. When I first adopted Jake, I found him difficult to manage. He was teething badly, and tended to nip at me in a somewhat aggressive manner. Jake has a very dominate personality. He is very confident, does not startle easily (at all!), and he is very alert. The first few weeks of ownership felt like a constant battle to gain leadership, and he often outsmarted me. I have been taking Jake to a local dog park several times a week for the last three weeks. He is very friendly with all the dogs and the humans as well. At the park he often wrestles with the adult dogs. One on particular dog try's and get Jake into the submissive posture. Unless he is tired, Jake energetically resists. These wrestling matches are not accompanied by growling or barking and the dogs will often stop, share a drink at the same water fountain and then start up again. I often intervene and have Jake sit for a while and rest, as he has a tendency of playing himself to exhaustion. Also, I have also noticed that Jake adjusts his play style to match the dog that he is playing with. If the other dog doesn't want to wrestle, they will play chase, or fetch together. I have seem him wrestle down a dog three his size, and then turn around and gently nuzzle a poodle half his size.

If I understood you correctly, you stated that dog parks may be detrimental to the bond between owner and companion. My experience has been just the opposite. Jake is much calmer, more affectionate and responsive to me. He seems more "in tune" with me, and he looks forward to his trips to the park so much so that he runs to the car almost every time I let him out in the yard. I was interested in your opinion on this. Am I inadvertently harming my dog? And how can this be when all the changes I have seen are positive ones?

I thank you for your time, and I hope to hear back from you soon.

Mary

Answer on Dog Parks:

You totally misunderstood what I wrote in my article on DOG PARKS. I never said or even implied that taking a dog to the dog park would hurt the relationship with the dog and handler. What you risk every single time that you take your dog there is that your dog will be attacked by a dog aggressive dog. If that happens you will have a dog fighter for the rest of your life.

Read my article on animal aggression.

You would be much wiser to spend the same amount of time training your dog in obedience. The one on one time spent in training will have far better results than the time your dog spends wrestling with other dogs. If you want exercise – take your dog swimming, play Frisbee,ball with him. Time spent with the owner is 59 times better than time spent with other dogs.

If you would like to learn more about the principles of obedience training a dog, read the description for my Basic Dog Obedience video. You will probably find that you have not had the full picture on the steps of training a dog must go through before it can be considered fully trained. You can also read why I am not a fan of taking an untrained dog to obedience classes.

Get a prong collar and train your dog. If you were working with a dog trainer that knew what he or she was talking about they would have already told you these things.

Testimonial on Dog Parks:

Mr. Frawley,

I have been reading some of your articles with great interest, especially ones that talk about dogs and their pack instincts. While reading your article about dog parks something came to my mind that I wanted to ask your advice on.

Where I live we have plenty of dogs and businesses that cater to their needs. I think that responsible dog walkers provide a wonderful service and can be a great asset to some of the dog owners. I do however have a huge problem with pack walkers. These people are super irresponsible and I don't think they even realize the sort of dangers that can be associated with what they do. I am talking about dog walkers who are trying to maximize their profits and will walk as many as 15 dogs at once!!! (yes, that's one person walking all these dogs together and I am not talking about chihuahuas!).

I have seen them on city streets and in parks. The dogs they walk are in danger of injury, any other dogs or people they meet are in danger, not to mention these people never pick up the piles of poop their dog herds drop as they walk.

I want to write a letter to the city news paper with hopes that something will be done about this. I'm not hoping for any sort of legislation, but at least by educating the public and consumers this sort of practice will cease.

I am writing to you with the hopes that you would be so kind as to help me to write such an article or point me towards articles describing similar scenarios. I am not knowledgeable enough about the dynamics of a pack of dogs to be able to write a powerful enough article on this topic. I can write about some of the other nuisances and risks associated with pack walking.

How many dogs do you think is the most one person should be in charge of? Our city by-law limits the number of dogs per house hold to 3. I thought this might be a reasonable number of dogs for a dog walker to be in charge of as well.

I would really appreciate any sort of suggestions or help you may be able to offer me.

Looking forward to your reply,
Marta

How to Fit a Prong Collar eBook

Testimonial on Dog Parks:

I took my 2 year old Great Dane to the dog park a few days ago. Same park we've been going to for the past year, no problems. Well, a un-neutered male dog came up to him and started growling at him. I forget the breed, but something like a Chiva, Silva, something. Little brown dog, seventy pounds or so. Well, my Dane obviously felt provoked and growled back. Duh! Fight ensued, the other dog ended up with three puncture wounds. One 1 1/2" deep, and so I encouraged the owner to take their dog to the vet. They resisted at first, but I insisted. I spoke with the owner and gave her my information to pay their entire bill, as my Dane had never bitten another dog (or anything for that matter) ever before.

A day later I got a call from her husband, irate as all get-go. I finally calmed him down and explained that I did everything in my power to break up the fight (yes, I know how to pull them apart from behind) but they ran off. I am sure they reported me anyway, because I got a nasty-gram from the city today, and so I decided to research my liabilities. Well, after reading various articles and opinions, many on your site, I've decided it's smarter to keep my puppies at home, safe, and away from the un-neutered male dogs of the world. Poco has been attacked 5 times now, and I realize what you say is true - he's learning to be a fighter. I don't want that!

When I send them the money for the bill, I am also going to send them a link to your web site so maybe they can realize the same thing I have. Dog parks are NOT safe.

Thanks for waking me up and helping me (hopefully) avoid future problems.

Testimonial on Dog Parks:

I recently took my six-month old Jack Russell Terrier to an unleash dog park here in Southern California. Unfortunately the dog park is self-governed and has only been divided into large and small dogs with no posted regulations. My dog had been there numerous times without incident, but the other day she went to investigate a very small older T-cup Chihuahua who bit her on the nose. My dog was trying to establish the pack order when the owner jerked her dog away from mine, but she was still attached. The small dog only weighed 3 1/2 pounds and was seven years old. The dog passed away five days later. As a pet owner I felt horrible and I went immediately to the emergency pet hospital and told them I would be happy to pay for half the bill.

All this has not been enough I am now being sued, and told they are going to have a motion to order that my little dog be put down since she is aggressive.

Since that time I have read several articles on the definition of inter-dog aggression and all three exclude example of aggression when the dog is provoked, such as being bitten first.

Question on Dog Parks:

Over the weekend a dog was killed by two pit bulls at a local dog park. I had coincidentally seen these two pit bulls at a dog park near my home which I had gone to "check out" ( I personally have never taken my dogs to a dog park after my Doberman was attacked and almost died 7 years ago) only a few days before the killing.

I have spent the last several days at this park warning other dog owners of these two dogs in particular and other general precautions they should adhere to should they choose to be in a dog park. The stuff I have heard and seen has frightened me to the core of my being. People with toddlers loose among a group of dogs, misinterpretation of dog behavior, obvious bullying and dominating labeled "oh he just wants to play", rapid escalation of other dogs joining a dominating dog ....people are not educated on what is appropriate behavior. I have been scouring the internet to compile any type of informational material that I can gather to educate these dog owners about

1) when is my dog being bullied ?
2) when is my dog being a bully?
3) what are acceptable behaviors and what is going to lead to trouble?

Can you direct me to any material in particular that would help? I would like to be able to arm people with knowledge: signs they should look for and dispel some of the myths...

Thanks!

Ed's Comment on Dog Parks:

The solution is to not visit dog parks. Dogs are pack animals - there is NO REAson on earth to be exposing your dog to strange dogs outside of his pack. You bring problems on yourself by doing this. Not only is this concept of dog parks dangerous for your dog - it is dangerous for people who find themselves in a position to have to break up dog fights.

Read the article I wrote on HOW TO BREAK UP A DOG FIGHT WITHOUT GETTING HURT.

Hi-
Your site is great and I am looking for your opinion about by 14 month old dog Maisie. She is a Australian Shepherd mix (picture @ 8 mos. attached). We got her at a pet adoption day when she was 8 mos. old. She was spayed. Her previous owner was a college student who couldn't care for the dog.

The dog quickly adjusted to living with us and has been nothing but affectionate (very) to me and my wife.

After a few months went by, she began barking at people approaching the house, which was OK with me at that time. I didn't reward or punish. Since I travel, I thought it would be nice to have the dog make some noise if a stranger approaches the house while my wife is home alone. However, this problem is getting out of hand. She now is going crazy when the doorbell rings and will not calm down. We have put her in her crate and she makes so much noise, that we have to move her to a back room when guests are here.

We want to get her used to guests, so a little after guests arrive, we will bring her out on a leash to sniff the guests and get to know them. Both times we did that, she jumped at the guests (I yanked her back on the leash and yelled at her) and she was removed to the back room for the remainder of the visit. This behavior was once limited to our house, but now she is beginning to do similar things outside of the house.

We have always taken her to dog parks to play with other dogs and people and her behavior there has generally been good. If she has ever gotten into a scuffle, I have pulled her away reprimanded her and forcefully walked her away on her leash. THe last two times at the dog park, she aggressively attacked small white dogs (unprovoked). Both times, I have verbally reprimanded her and shaken her on her leash. Since, it happened a second time, I doubt it is having an effect.

Lastly, she has begun to growl and lunge at people outside of our home (in the pet store and on a farm where I work). I never let her go unleashed outside of the dog park or our backyard for fear that she will attack a dog or a person.

Can this problem be treated or is it too late? I feel that this problem is new. She has basic obedience training, and will follow basic commands but does not pay attention in high distraction situations.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Brian
Florida

Dog Fights in Dog Parks

I have a 5 year old female pit mix. She is very loveable and friendly-especially to people. Everyone that comes into contact with her says that she is just the sweetest dog. Very affectionate.

About a week ago, we went to the dog park that we always go to. There were the usual 5 dogs that go there that she runs around with-but there was one dog that I haven't seen there before. She was running around with them having a blast. Then all of a sudden, a fight broke out between my dog and the other dog-who is not aggressive at all. It sounded terrible. I didn't know what to do-so I stood clear to let them fight-didn't want to get in the middle. My dog was very aggressive-she kept going after the other dog. The owner of the other dog tried to break it up and got badly bit. The two dogs eventually were separated and I left as soon as I can. Ever since the fight-my dog has been acting funny. Very timid, and scared, which is very unlike her. She's usually very happy.

I have a few concerns:

-Why is my dog acting weird, should I be worried about my own safety-she's never tried to attack me.

-Since the owner of the other dog got bit-can he do anything to me-legally?

I just don't know where to go from here. I definitely will not go to that park, or any other park. She will be on a leash at all times. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much,
Sarah Q.

I'd also like to say, upon re-reading your article, that I do appreciate it. I enjoy going to my local dog park because I am friends with several trainers and owners that frequent it (whose dogs are very well under their control) but each time I go I bring a first-aid kit for my dog. I go less and less frequently any more because I'm seeing more and more un-neutered and un-spayed dogs running around, especially those who are mixes of dog-aggressive prone breeds. I have absolutely no problems with such breeds, but it worries me because of certain incidents I have witnessed. One such incident was a very large un-neutered adult "pit bull" mix type dog--looked to be an Am Staff cross. There were perhaps 6 to 8 Boxers in the park that day with two being pups looking about 4 to 6 months. This pit-type dog became very dominant with one of the smaller puppies and began to rough it up by knocking it over and chasing it. Several owners noticed this behavior becoming quite dangerous and leading to aggression so the Boxer pup's owner (a man of about 6') took his pup and began to walk away. Nobody could locate the pit's owner since they were nowhere in immediate sight. I watched (and I'm upset I didn't take photos of this) as the pit turned around and continued after the Boxer as it was being led by the harness with it's owner. The owner finally picked the pup up (after it began yelping and further provoking this pit's nips and excited barks) and the pit didn't stop there--it began to leap (several feet off the ground) and snap at the pup as the man carried it. The aggression ensued as owners began congregating to find a way to keep this dog away because it had no collars on whatsoever and was wriggling past everyone to take giant running leaps at the Boxer--who was now hoisted over the man's shoulder. The man was physically pushing and shoving this aggressive dog away from him because it was jumping about as high as his chest and laughing itself off of other dogs and people to get to the Boxer puppy. The owner was finally located (she was quite unfit to be an owner--very skinny white trash-type woman with an attitude and obviously very little dog education) and was yelled at by several owners to keep an eye on her dog and to keep an obviously dog-aggressive animal out of the park. The dog obviously didn't listen to her because it took several minutes to be caught and she put a chain collar on it, the entire time babbling about how her dog "just wants to play" and "isn't mean at all." The owner of the dog park had arrived at this time and demanded that she leave the park and was not welcome back, as far as I had heard this was not an isolated incident involving her and her dog. Since then I've been very cautious about when I bring my dog in (~9 month-old husky/aussie cross) and how long I stay. It proves the point that dog parks are not safe for many reasons and it's almost like playing roulette with your pup--you don't know what dog is going to trigger an attack and it's go at your own risk.

Jinn

Photo by Jinn Sabarika ~ www.spiralingdreams.com

Problems in Dog Park:

Ed,

I am the owner of an dobie with a very even temprement...but when provoked he will fight back. We go to a dog park and he plays and walks with other dogs. This week a neutered Cane Corso after walking with him decided to hump him once we were done with the walk. The owner did nothing to pull his dog off of my dog. My dog freaked out and they got in a fight, no blood was shed, but the owner of the dog that did the humping started a big uproar and emailing members that he considered my dog a dangerous dog (Dobe) and pulled people on his bandwagon. I think people should control their dogs so that they are not humping other dogs at the park. Others say that is normal behavior. I cannot seem to convince half of the people that it is inappropriate park behavior. What do you think? Is the dobe a dangerous dog for protecting himself? Is the Cane Corso the start of the fight because of the humping behavior? Thank you.

Karin

Ed's Answer to Problem in Dog Parks

This is an example of why you should not be going to Dog Parks. They are a bad idea conceived by nice people.

The fact that the Dobe acted appropriately is beside the fact. What should have happened was the owner of the Can should have stopped this behavior, when that did not happen the Dobe owner should have stopped the behavior. Neither of these things happened so the Dobe had to deal with it.

People who do not understand pack behavior go to dog parks. People who do not understand pack behavior create pack behavior problems by not being pack leaders. When that happens bad things happen.

The solution is to not go to dog parks because they are filled with uneducated dog owners with untrained dogs.

DOG KILLED AT DOG PARK

I originally found your site about 6 years ago. At the time, I was just starting to get into breeding GSDs, and was amazed at the sheer volume of information, tips, and common sense on your site. I was just on it today, and was reading your dog park article. There is one thing that you failed to mention in your article. When you have dog sitters, you MUST ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS make it crystal clear that they are not to take your dogs to dog parks. I was out of town for a few weeks, and a friend was keeping a few of my dogs at her place (the ones i could not take with me) I had a beautiful red sable 10 month old male out of slovakian and dr working lines.

Voodoo was not aggressive towards other dogs, usually, but Rachel took him, Chaos, and Bella to a local dog park. Voodoo was instantly attacked, and killed. I have never taken any of my dogs to dog parks, and was totally shocked that that was allowed to happen. the park was supervised, but the staff was busy elsewhere. Bella and Chaos brought parvo home that they obviously got at the dog park. I called the park office, and they told me that over 100 dogs had become sick with parvo after they, or other household dogs had visited.

Needless to say, I lost 2 litters, in addition to my 10 month old male. that park is in the middle of a class action lawsuit from several of the dog owners.

Thank your for your interest in our German Shepherd Dogs
Kaliber Kennels

Ed's Answer to A Dog Attack at a Dog Park:

You should sue the people who run this park.

A comment from a Dog Park Supporter:

Ed:

How do you allow people to post crazy unsubstantiated reports like this that make no sense ?

If there was a dog park in North America that had incurred 2 cases of parvo virus that news would be getting headlines in every major newspaper in the country.

If you had an ounce of sense in your head you should have been able to figure that out for yourself.

Instead of posting every single unsubstantiated story that comes to your attention, why don't you spend about 10% of your free time getting some details about the stories you post ??

Your web site is a f#$%@ing embarrassment and I have ZERO respect for you or any of your opinions.

Please THINK before repeating rumors that make no sense.

If you ever get any legitimate INFORMATION about a dog park fatality please either post the information to my group or at least ask the sender why they did not contact a newspaper about the incident.

Regards

Bill Z
WRZ
Camden County, NJ
ccdogpark@hotmail.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dogpark-National-News/

Ed's Comments:

Bill

We are going to have to agree to disagree. We also have similar opinions of one another.

Ed

An Email from a person who manages the park in question:

I would like to address two issues regarding the post made by Julie Gatlin regarding 2 dogs being killed at the Plano Dog Park. This is not true. Our park has a section for big dogs and a section for little dogs. Signs are posted stating such. A person brought her little dog into the big dog area and was asked to go to the small dog area by members of the Plano Dog Park Association. She refused. Her little dog started running in the park and a Greyhound started chasing her dog and got to it. The small dog later died as a result of the injuries. This is the only incident regarding a death as a result of being at the Dog Park.

As for the comments regarding her dog being on leash inside the park, what is the purpose of having your dog ON leash inside an off leash park? We have signs posted at the entrances to the park, stating ALL DOGS MUST BE OFF LEASH INSIDE THE PARK. Why did Ms. Gatlin not follow the posted rules?

As for the city being dumb, we researched dog parks across the United States and Canada for years and found that the #1 issue is that all dogs MUST be off leash because if one dog is on leash inside the park, aggression may occur.

I encourage you to post the truth regarding Ms. Gatlin's post.

Thank you.

Debbie New [Debbien@plano.gov]

Ed's Comments on the dog park where a small dog was killed:

And your email is supposed to make this right? Your lack of understanding and ignorance about dog behavior seeps from your email like a festering wound.

Ed

Bills's obviously gone on TILT:

Ed:

You have no idea what the hell you are talking about !!

Debbie is 100% correct and you are an idiot. I can't emphasize that enough.

When someone contacts you with dog park questions please refer them to someone with some real knowledge and stop posting anonymous ravings that couldn't possibly be true!

If you had half a brain you'd be dangerous.

Don't bother taking those ridiculous messages down from your web site now. I'm posting something about you and your crazy ideas to my group today so other people can have a good laugh.

All I need to know is where you are located so I can warn local dog owners of your stupidity.

Regards,
Bill Zardus

ANOTHER READERS COMMENTS ON BILL

I just read your responses to Mr Frawley on the dog parks issue....

You should have put little dancing clowns on your responses since they are about the funniest ( and clearly ignorant) responses I've ever seen.  

First, is it really your opinion that two or more cases of parvo would show up in the national news?  If so, you don't understand the dynamics of the news industry.  It would take a major epidemic covering an entire region for that to make the national news.

Second, having your dog on a leash when others are off-leash does not provoke aggression.   It's the lack of control by owners of aggressive dogs that are the problem.  I for one would much rather an owner have an aggressive dog on-leash rather than off-leash - wouldn't you?   So your answer is that all dogs should be off-leash, regardless of aggression?  Now that's just stupid.  

And do you really think that people send emails to Leerburg about fake dog fights and deaths?   That makes a lot of sense.  Yeah - dog fights at dog parks are so rare, Leerburg must be making them up... 

I have seen numerous dog fights at the dog park I go to - all by aggressive dogs not being controlled by their owners (and have never sent Ed an email about them.)   I  now carry a large pipe when I go to the dog park, and if your dog (or any dog) violently attacks my girls, then that dog will be limping home at best.  And I would expect the same if my dogs got aggressive (although they follow me like I'm the dog whisperer at dog parks because they know I am their leader.)

And Debbie - I get the impression that the little dog that was killed by the greyhound was at fault for being loose in the big-dog park....   Granted, the owner was stupid for not using the right park, but the owner of the greyhound should be sanctioned for not maintaining control of their dog.  What don't you understand?

Bottom line is - owners are responsible for their dog's deeds and controlling their actions - yet you imply that it's best to just let them all loose even though most owners have little (if any) control over their pets.   You must be stuck on stupid.

Unfortunately, you're both idiots and I can see why your dog park is dangerous...   Post that to your yahoo group, so we can all have a good laugh.

Fred

Dog Attacked in dog Parks:

Hi Ed,

I have a 1 year old boxer. He is not very dominant, has never initiated a fight, and does not really know what to do when another dog goes after him. In fact, he always backs down if a dog puts him in his place when he's getting annoying.

Just recently, there have been quite a few dogs that attack him out of the blue. I know that you are not a fan of dog parks, but when I took him there earlier today, one dog was hardly through the gate and viscously went after my dog and bit his leg. It scared me to death. That dog was immediately removed and another dog came in no more than 10 seconds later.
I was consoling my dog and checking him for bite marks, when another dog came in, sniffed him, and immediately went after him. Luckily, the owner and I were right next to them and were able to separate them right away. Both owners said that their dogs had never gone after a dog for no reason like that.

Like I said, my boxer has never started a fight. I would hate to stop taking him to parks because he loves to play with other dogs so much and I hate the idea of not letting him run off the leash since we just recently moved to the city and he is so used to running freely.

He is not neutered. Could dogs sense the increased testosterone and feel threatened? Should I get him neutered for this reason? Or, do you think he could possibly have something wrong with him that other dogs can sense?

The only health issues that he has right now is demodex. He also has some sores around his penis, which he has been cleaning very often. I have not yet had them checked out. Do you know if this is indicative of something else? Should I be concerned?
I'm just trying so hard to find a reason why some dogs go after him like that. Maybe there isn't one...

I would really appreciate your help. My dog means so much to me, as I'm sure you understand, and I am so afraid of something happening to him. Any advice that you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Lisa (& boxer Riggs)

Ed's Answer to Dog Attacks in Dog Park.

There is no silver bullet here. This is a dominance/rank/lack of training and leadership problem. It has nothing to do with mange or your dog's testicles (not at one year and not according to your description).

Dogs don't need to be aggressive to be attacked - they only need to be in the presence of other dog aggressive dogs. Some dogs are so poorly trained and so dangerous they only need to see another dog to attack. If you are willing to gamble your dogs life on that - well go for it. This week I got an email from a lady whose young dog was killed in a dog park.

The ONLY SOULTION is to not go to dog parks. The fact is you should play with your dog and not rely on dogs to play with your dog. Dogs don't NEED OTHER DOGS TO PLAY WITH - that's a human misconception.

Your dog needs exercise it does not need to play with other dogs. Take your dog out and use some of the toys we sell and then use them to get the exercise your dog needs. When you do this you will notice - the bond with you and your dog will get better.

Subject: Beware of the Dog Park in Appleton,WI

Hi Everyone it was just brought to my attention that one of the puppies we sold to a couple was viciously attacked on Saturday. The attack happen at a place dogs are to go and be able to run and play. The dog park on French Rd and OO. According to a friend a adult pit bull was in the puppy