Raining On My Parade

[Camilla and Darwin]

First off, I know there are a large group of people who are against taking their dogs to dog parks. I'm not one of them. Darwin loves it, and it has really helped him be well socialized. He has also learned to play well with dogs, and gets plenty of exercise because of them. We have had very few bad experiences. So, I know a lot of you may want to say "stop taking your dog" but that isn't really an option for us. Any other suggestions are welcome! 

The new apartment we just moved into has a dog park. I have been so overjoyed about this! It's less than a 30 second walk to a fenced in off-leash area. It's complete with agility equipment, and we just love going there ever night! Now, there is just one problem.

There is a guy at our apartment complex who insists on bringing his dog to the dog park, even though it is extremely vicious. He'll show up, take his dog out of the car, and stand outside the fence staring at you. He waits a few minutes for you to leave, and if you don't, he'll bring his dog in. Everyone I have met tells me they always leave when he comes in. The one time I came across him, he barged right into the park, with his dog off-leash and his dog IMMEDIATELY ran up to and snapped at Darwin. He gave me a dirty look and didn't apologize. Of course, I immediately leashed Darwin and left, before his dog attacked him! 

 This dog also doesn't like men, and apparently, has tried to bite the men who bring their dogs there. The guy doesn't care AT ALL. Even if there are numerous dogs playing together, he will force his way in and wait until everyone is scared out of the park. This guy is huge, and according to the other tenants, is NOT a nice guy. People have talked to him about his dog, and he just swears and tries to intimidate them. You know, he's one of those typical short tempered guys who resorts to threats and violence. Scary. 

This is so frustrating because all though I never go there if he is, it just so happens that EVERY time I take Darwin to the park, the guy shows up. I have gone during different times of the day too. It's like he waits for us to come, then barges in. Ugh! 

ANYWAYS, there is a sign right at the entrance of the park that says "all dogs must be well behaved and friendly" he knows it isn't allowed. I am thinking about complaining... but I'm afraid he would react badly. Does anybody have experience with this kind of thing? Any suggestions? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would contact whoever owns or manages the dog park and ask them what you and the other residents can do. Is it a public park? Is it for residents of your subdivision only? Find out what legal recourse you may have. There's strength in numbers. Get all the other people who have had probelms with this guy & his dog to sign a petition. It's easy to get a glimpse of a license plate as you are leaving the park, lol. I would try to get him & his dog banned from the park using the rules of the park and the management agency or whoever is responsible for enforcing the rules. And I would do it as a group...then he can't intimidate any one individual.

[Camilla and Darwin]

It is our apartment complex's park, and only residents can use it. I do frequently get together with them, and they were all pretty angry when they told me about him. So I think they probably would take action... but a lot of people are frightened of him.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The management doesn't have to tell him the names of those who complain. If he's violating the rules, he's violating the rules. They can ban him on that basis. It isn't a court or law where he gets to face his accusers.
And why is he driving to the park if he lives there? I was thinking he must not be a resident.

[Camilla and Darwin]

He drives up in his jeep, music blaring. Don't know... maybe he doesn't want to walk to the park from his apartment? If he lives at the front part of the complex, could be like a 3 minute walk. (not at all long... but maybe he's lazy?)

[Joyce & Wilson]

Had a similar situation awhile back at our city owned bark park..A gal who had a pitbull kept coming with this dog who would play awhile then get revved up and attack. When I saw her once with the dog it had a muzzle on..and I watch my dog close for any of these intimidating dogs and will usually leash up and sit or leave. It doesn't happen very often. This dog got into it with a med. sized mix breed and drew blood. Another person at the bark park called police, when they got there..they took the dog. Since it was their 3rd. call on this gals dog ..they took it and had it put down. Her name was given the couple whose dog was hurt and she was responsible for their vet bills. You have to be on your toes anywhere you take your dog and keep a watchful eye out. I hope with this guy.. you can get this resolved without anyone or any dog getting hurt. Once the manager figures its easier to ban him than face a lawsuit on the liability of the park!! Good luck..hope it will work out.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's a great point, Joyce. If it's a private park, the owners of the complex are liable. That's why any park has rules about vicious dogs...ultimately, the town, county, complex, or whoever owns & operates it will be responsible for any damages. If they get a petition from a number of residents about one particular person, they would rather ban one person than risk a lawsuit.
But Camilla, the first thing I would do is have somebody run that license plate and see if he's even a resident. If not, he can't be there anyway, period.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

If the management company won't do anything, go with neighbors to the police. May be private property but this dog sounds like he is vicious and those laws usurp private property regulations. This guy and his dog sound like he is 'known' to the police.
We also do dog parks - both before and after work to let the girls run in a different environment than home. I have had trouble only 1 time and it wasn't the dog as much as the human. But I do know that the weekend early am humans come more to chat with other humans and do not watch their dogs. We don't go then.
Good luck and keep us posted on what happens.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I agree with Karen...contact the management and complain. I would ask them not to use your name because he sounds nutty. They are liable for what happens on their property and should take action. If not, I would go down to the police station and file a complaint.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

It seems to me that the Dog warden should be involved as well if there is a known mean dog in public (repeatedly). Why wait until someone is hurt or worse yet killed. Seems the apt complex could just claim they got a number of complaints and they should call the Dog Warden.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Well, let me start out by saying guys like this make my blood boil, and I wouldn't let him intimidate me. (I know, probably not too smart). I would definitely confront him the next time you are in the dog park and he shows up with his dog. I would ask him to wait until you and Darwin are finished using the park. If he threatens you, I would give him one warning, and if he did it again I would call the police. If he does not listen, and brings his dog in anyway, I would tell him that you will be reporting him to the owners. If you can get others to complain as well, that should help to get a response. Others may feel that it is reckless to confront him, but I've always found guys like this just love intimidation, and when someone stands up to them they will often back down. I am normally very easy-going, but I can be a mouthy "b...." when I'm dealing with a bully.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, Are you my long lost sister?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

HA, HA, HA!!!!!