My question is: what is the goal of taking your dog to a dog park?
I've been assuming the folks on this board are primarily working dog trainers. The goal would be to teach your dog to *ignore* other dogs, not run up to all strange dogs and want to play. I'll be the first to tell you, all dogs need and deserve interaction w/their own species for their mental health, but that can be done in a safe and controlled manner by getting together w/club mates or friends who have sane dogs and sane handlers.
What I've seen is that the dog park becomes a fast, easy way of getting the dog worn out so the owner doesn't have to make the environment more stimulating for the dog.

I guess I was a little of topic when I posted my orignal story,

The place where I had been walking my pup is a lake with a walking path around (not really a LEASH FREE PARK). Whats the difference really? None.

Anyway my objective was to socialize this guy so he can be trusted around other dogs, adults and kids (he is already nuts about kids <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )

Let me repeat my pup was not actually attacked as the other dog slammed on the brakes about one foot away, but the fright factor was definatelty there.

Anyway I have learnt my lesson and from now on like most on here say better just to keep to dogs YOU KNOW are reliable around pups, luckily this is an option <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Does this mean I'll be living under a rock from now on....gimme a freaking break!! If you want your dog/pup torn to shreds go right ahead what a great leader you are.

Obviously dog parks have there place we can chose to not use them unlike driving where we have to "take a chance" everyday.

I feel sorry for the pup that was mauled, It reinforces the "carry a big stick" and use it motto....

regards

Hayden

Hayden wrote:I feel sorry for the pup that was mauled, It reinforces the "carry a big stick" and use it motto....


I agree and believe me, the dog that attacked my son's pup was dealt with. I didn't have a stick handy but my son had left a wiffle ball bat outside......it served the purpose but unfortunately the damage was already done to the pup. This did not happen at a dog park but I think the odds of things getting out of hand increase exponentially when you turn a lot of dogs loose together, especially when the owners are clueless about pack behavior. Why risk it? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Lou,

Funny stuff! Only problem is that it takes me an hour to drive to work! Maybe next week I'll try my son's scooter and avoid all major freeways. I figure I might get there in 8 hours or so!

Seriously, I respect your point of view and I understand where you are coming from. My only thing is that I don't think they are safe places for novice dog owners to take their dogs, and that would seem to be the majority of people. I truly believe that dog parks are disasters waiting to happen. I think I've blabbed on enough about this so I will agree to disagree with some of you. It's been a good debate. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />