August 22, 2014

My 8 month old dog loves other dogs and is very playful. When at the dog park he grabs other dogs by the face and ears & won't let go. The other owners at the park think my dog is aggressive and judge me as an owner. Should I use a muzzle?

Full Question:
Hi there,

I own an American bulldog male 8 months old and desexed. I have been having problems with him around some other dogs. He is very playful and loves other dogs, but doesn't know his limits. He will play with a dog and then grab their face or ears and won't let go! Some dogs scream, which makes him more excited and longer to let them go. He never has harmed them though, but it's such a problem people think he is aggressive and judge me as an owner. I'm highly contemplating a muzzle for his dog park visits, otherwise I will be too stressed to socialize him. Please help. Thank you.
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I would stop taking him to dog parks, his behavior is not playful it's bossy. I don't recommend dog parks for most dogs and most certainly not for assertive and bossy dogs. It WILL become a big problem for you and your dog. I would read this article about dog parks.

Your dog is either going to hurt another dog or he's going to try his moves with a dog that doesn't tolerate it and then you are going to have a fight.

Socializing doesn't mean you have to take your dog to a park and let him off leash. I would also read this article about socializing puppies.

You might want to take a look at our online university class for basic obedience. It covers a lot of information and includes our video on marker training (The Power of Training Dogs with Markers) and pack structure in the curriculum (Pack Structure for the Family Pet).

I want my dogs to be safe and courteous around people and dogs. Taking them to a dog park & turning them loose is not part of that education process.

We have a number of eBooks that may be helpful.

Cindy Rhodes

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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