We went back to the dog park today! Smart or stupid?

[Dori & Rua]

I wanted to make sure Rua wasn't going to have any issues being around lot's of dogs, so I decided to go to the dog park this afternoon.  It was a beautiful 65 out (not sunny, but finally decent weather).  There were lot's of people.  I kept her on her leash the whole time...no running or frolicking for her...just some appropriate dog greeting. 

 

There was one border collie there (two of the dogs that attacked her last Saturday were border collies) but he was on a leash.  As long as I felt the dog was acting friendly, I would let the dog approach Rua and vice versa.  We didn't stay for long, but I needed to make sure she knew she was safe as long as she was with me and that I had her back!  LOL  I will probably do it again...I learned a lot from this whole thing.

 

Rua and I are in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training right now, and the session last Wednesday was on socialization, and after reading the article that the trainer emailed to us, I decided to go back.  I am going to include the section on socialization and the link to the article here (I posted it in the training group also).  The article is REALLY long, but I thought it was a great read.

 

Socialization

Please remember that socialization is teaching your dog how to act in social situations-- not necessarily "play" or having to greet every other person or thing in the environment.  As our pups mature, it's important for them to see us as their pack.  Think of it this way-- you come in contact with many people every day while you're out and about, shopping, perhaps at work, etc.  I don't go up and talk to every person I see-- hardly!  And if I had a child out with me, we'd certainly work on when it's appropriate to say "hi" to a person and how to correctly do that, wouldn't we?  For the most part, we go about our lives living peaceably with people around us all the time, ignoring most of them.  It's very natural for young dogs to want to investigate everything and anything, but it's also very important to teach them self-control and give them opportunities to do so when it's safe and appropriate.

 

http://flyingdogpress.com/content/view/42/97/

 

So, what do you think?   Was it a good idea or not to go back???

 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

 

I second (third, fourth?) the comments about being on-leash being more trouble (socially) than being off-leash.  Usually though it's the dog on the leash that gets aggressive (or so I have heard and seen on occasion) because they feel threatened. 

 

I certainly understand why you are hesitant to allow your dog to run free, but I think it also provides them with some good opportunities for a safer situation.

 

The way I look at it - if your dog needs protecting, how are you able to protect them better:

- Tied to your dog who is frantically struggling on-leash and getting tangled

or

- Hands free with a leash you can use to pull the other dog OFF your dog

 

I prefer option #2 :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Luna, I also prefer the "off leash" option.  What I was saying is the I wouldn't have gone back to this dog park either on or off leash because of the prior scary incident.  Just me...

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Yep, I am right there with you Jane.  Gracie is pretty much indifferent to most dogs.  We can walk and pass other dogs and she doesn't even give them the time of day.  If we are walking off leash she doesn't leave me to go check out another dog either.  But, if she sees a Doodle, PWD, Poodle or anything Doodley, she wants to go meet them.  She seems to just know who she likes and does not like.  She likes to check out Springer Spaniels because her two BFFs who she grew up with in the "hood" are Springers.  Once she knows they are not Genie or Sable she could care less.  I personally give Rottweilers and Pitts wide birth.  Gracie has been attacked by one too many Rottweilers and the Pitts have too much attitude and body language going on when they get near.  I too always look for the body language and what the tail is doing.  If Gracie is off leash she just seems to know what to stay away from and if I see something I don't like heading toward her I get in between and head them off.  Gracie is NOT a dog park girl.  My daughter uses one all the time and when we go when we visit with Gracie, she just stays by my side.

[Suzanne & Jack]

I am in agreement with going back to the DP.  When Jack first started going to the park a very large Rottweiler clocked him, knocked him down and stood over him.  This was nearly 3 years ago.  Everytime that dog came to the park Jack would steer clear and look up at me as if to say "Okay, mom we can go now.  The bully is here."  We're lucky because he no longer comes to the park.  Fortunately our park never has more than 20 dogs at a time.  I never take treats, but we do take tennis balls and Jack likes to play with his basketball.  We always walk out away from the gate as soon as we get inside.  I agree with the other comments that a dog on a leash is a target. Right now my boys are completely zonked after a couple of hours of play. I hope you have better experiences, if not you're welcome to come to Paul Ruster Dog Park in Indianapolis

[LINDA & TEDDY]

Dori,

I am glad that you and Rua had a good experience at the dog park. Everything that I have read and observed is that the dog feels safer and has more control off leash. When Rua is on a leash she becomes a target. You can still stay close and even  intervene if necessary, but think about letting off lease so she can feel safer. It will definitely be a more comfortable situation for her.

[Lorraine Bromley]

Totally a good idea. You wouldn't want to allow that fear of certain types of dogs or situations to continue and limit her ability to grow into a well rounded dog. She needs to learn that there are bad things and good things and scary things. But she has to learn not to be afraid.