How would you handle this?

[Jennifer and Jack]

Today at the dog park for small dog time, I brought Jack and Molly myself because my mom had something to do.

Molly is a very submissive dog and backs down to everyone. Jack does not. He is not a bully but he isn't going to be pushed around, Jack has been going there for a whole now on and off and never any problems...

This morning there was about forty small dogs there which is normal for this time. They were all playing, I was talking to a group of people and Jack and another dog got in a little scuffel over something I don't know what or who started it, I scooped Jack up immediately and corrected him.

The other older man who is known not to obey the rules, giving dogs treats, when no treats are allowed etc is the owner of the dog Jack grumbled with. He doesn't talk to any one there and in the past I have talked to him a bit. Jack never liked this man, he has always barked at him until he gave Jack a treat.

Anyway, as soon as the scuffel which lasted exactly five seconds was over the man, came across the dog park yelling at me that I have a bad dog that is out of control and doesn't play well with others. I asked him what happen because I didn't even know the dog was his. He was very rude and when I told him not to speak to me that way, he said that I didn't deserve respect and he walked away.


So trying not to cry the other ladies told me to ignore him and that he is a jerk. I didnt leave the park because I wanted to not be run off.

I came home now granted I am upset and overly emotional about it because like my mother said, it was just the straw the broke me.....I am dealing with a ton of stufff the past few days.


So my question is, how do I handle it? This is my moms dog park in a 55 and over community and I don't want my mom to be uncomfortable here. I also will be spending a lot of time here so I am not sure just not taking Jack back is a good idea?

How would you handle this situation ?

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

I would take Jack back there, but I would probably do it when cranky guy isn't there...at least for a while until I cool off.  If cranky guy is there and you take him, I would watch Jack very carefully.  I am so sensitive...I would have been really upset too!

[Jennifer and Jack]

We went back to the dog park for little dog time this morning. Jack will not be going to big dog time until we do more training as he does not do so hot there but little dog time is where the rude man was....

Today we went back, the guy was not there, everyone was so kind and so sweet to me, telling me what jerk that guy was etc.... It turned out the guy was suspended from the park yesterday after I left. The man was throwing a tennis ball to his dog and another dog tried to take his dogs tennis ball. The jerky guy raised his arm like he was going to hit the other dog ..security was called and he is on suspension.

For some reason I don't feel happy about it, my heart is sad for this guy, he must have so e real issues. Everyone thought I was. It's for feeling sad for him but seriously how sad and lonely of a life for him.

Jack did super at the park today .... He was super cute playing, it always warms my heart to see him so happy.

Thanks for your advice....your support and love

[Dori & Rua]

I don't think I would take Rua to the dog park if there were 40 other dogs there.  That, to me personally, is too many and there are always bound to be disagreements between the dogs.

That being said, if I was in the situation, I would have done just what you did...ignore the jerk, continue playing, and go back when he wasn't there!

[Jennifer and Jack]

As my life would have it, I ran into the guy that was rude to Jack and I, he also was suspended from the dog park for bad behavior. I was at the town center when I saw him. At first I was very defensive and ushered Jack and Molly away, he came chasing after me, pretending like he was my best friend. I talked to him he does have a very bad temper but I sincerely believe he doesn't k ow now to interact with others.

While he didn't apologize, he was trying so hard that he melted my heart and we had a twent mi ute conversation! Better to be on good terms with people. I don't want hard feelings if it can at all be avoided.

Now about dog parks.....where Jack and Molly go it is extremely regulated, video cameras everywhere, Small dog time is a tight group of people who love their dogs immensely. There are a lot of dogs there. The park is three acres and o. Average about forty dogs go during little dog time.

Jack does good with the little dogs, he is the new kid on the block so he needs to be watched like a hawk to make sure there are no scuffles .....yesterday Jack was playing with a bunch of dogs and one of the dogs that was twent pounds or more sat right on Jack... The other dog got nervous too many dogs, he didn't hurt Jack at all , Jacks face was priceless because he usually is the one who is alpha.

I can't decide about the saftey totally. I will not be bringing him to big dog time as jack got overwhelmed the other day too many dogs and he went nutso barking at a big dog that did nothing,

I am still trying to weigh the benefit for us. Jack runs for an entire hour and seems to like it....I have to follow him Which is not that easy. For my mom, Molly and the dog park is great! Molly is just a puppy still almost eight months, she is a submissive puppy so she at this point will back down to anything she runs and plays but stays near my mom.

Sigh.....I never know what is best....

[Angela, Wheeler & Wicket]

Our local park has 2 separate areas, small dog area (under 30 lbs.) & large dog area (over 30). The 1st time we took Wheeler, we took him on a Thursday around noon, there were no big dogs, so we just started playing ball with him, then a lady came with a Pug & a Puggle, & she asked if they could play with him in the big dog section, we of course said yes, but he is very playful (he was only about 8 months) but they all had fun. The 2nd time we went, both sides had about 10 dogs in them (on a Sunday afternoon), one of the things that seemed to help a lot, was before entering the fence, we walked Wheeler around the fence & let him sniff the other dogs through the fence & also so they could sniff him. When we entered a couple of minutes later, the other dogs still stood at the entrance to greet him, but it wasn't as bad as sniffing for the 1st time. I hope Jack gets to love the park as much as Wheeler does & I also hope that you can get to enjoy it as well! I always look forward to the park, I love seeing all the different dogs!