Sneakersmama Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 Do you take your huskies to them or not. I'm guessing the definition of a dog park could vary. Around here they have a few dog parks that are huge fenced in areas where people take their dogs to socialize off-leash. They generally have something with water in it for the doggies and bags to pick up poos provided. I've been to one w/ a friend and her dog but haven't yet taken a dog of my own to one and I'm not sure how I feel about all that interaction with strange dogs (though I do let him play with neighbor and friend dogs in our yards or homes, but that's different). Do you take your dog to them, why or why not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 We don't have any around here, think if we did and it was very well fenced, i'd try mine in it but only if there were no other dogs in there. I'd have to know the other dogs to put my mind at rest that there would be no fights Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 there arent any near me my dogs go to the local feild every sunday tho n whilst there arent many dogs about n every1 keeps to themselves i meet up wit my friends n their dogs n let them play we r meetin a new husky on sunday if the can make it so that will b fun i agree wit sarah i wud rather i knew the dog so i no they wud b safe as bings gets grumpy if hes hassled 2 much n will tell them off which looks VERY aggressive but it isnt hes a giant softie and I KNOW he wudnt hurt a fly ( actually i lie he likes 2 chase flies n eat them lmao) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneakersmama Posted March 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 ( actually i lie he likes 2 chase flies n eat them lmao) :ran_biggrin: Sneakers ate a Junebug last night, so I'd suspect he'd eat flies also... Yeah, I've always kinda felt that way about them, but then I keep hearing from people around here how great they are, so I dunno. On the one hand he could have fun, but on the other what if there's a mean dog there? Maybe mostly people whose friends don't have doggies go there? We have plenty to choose from, though alot of the smaller dogs are scared of Sneakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 awww how can they be scared of him- he's so cute!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 y not take him but go in with him holdin him or jus holdin his lead n let him sniff the dogs let them sniff him or ask the owners if they can bring their dogs out 1 by 1 so sneakers can meet them to c if he wud b ok in there wit them jus an idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disciplined Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 y not take him but go in with him holdin him or jus holdin his lead n let him sniff the dogs let them sniff him or ask the owners if they can bring their dogs out 1 by 1 so sneakers can meet them to c if he wud b ok in there wit them jus an idea No offense, but this is a bad idea. I know you meant well with the suggestion but it is a big no no to restrain your dog in a dog park. I have a fair amount of experience with dog parks and unfortunately this issue. The dog park is a neutral zone and so everyone is on equal territory. But if you were attached to the dog then everything changes. They become very protective with you attached to them. Plus being restrained will make the dog feel vulnerable while all of the other dogs have free roam/mobility. This will make him more nervous especially if several dogs are approaching from all sides and the dog feels like he has no control. This coupled with the fact that it is a new environment will make for a difficult time for you and your dog. Plus dogs tend to get entangled and a whole host of problems start then. When a dog approaches yours in an aggressive manner it is best to back off and watch. Usually the dogs will sniff nervously and circle around and then that's the end of it. But if you jump in or if you are nervous and yanking on the leash then your dog will interpret the other dog as a major threat and strike first. Or the other dog will see it as a challenge and strike. So if you want to try it out then go when there are few people there (later at night if it is lighted or earlier in the day when others are at work). If there are few dogs and you can control the situation and environment then a short lead can work. Or if you have a harness you can try holding on to it yourself without the lead. The dogs are less likely to get aggressive towards you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disciplined Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 I for one love the dog park and can't wait till Kaiser gets his last set of shots so I can take him. I don't have any large fenced area for my dogs to run around in. So when I bring them to the dog park they can gallop at full speed and go wild. It is the best workout they can ever get. It also matures the dog greatly as they learn pack/social dynamics and how to accurately interpret another dog's behavior. Most dogs that go to the dog park regularly are not vicious or aggressive. You will have several alpha's show up and they may test each other, but you hardly get any dog drawing blood. Plus the husky fur is very good at protecting the dog. This results in other dogs nipping at the legs or ears. This will teach your dog to defend him/herself in these vulnerable areas. You never know when your dog will need to defend himself and also you (outside of the dog park I mean ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 I will never ever EVER take a dog of mine to the dog park again. (warning: long post ahead ) Dogs parks are the same here as the OP mentioned, some are unfenced but the majority are fenced off areas. I took Micha to the dog park from when he was a pup until he was about four years of age. Yes, I was very naive and I had no idea what really constituted appropriate doggy behaviour until it was too late. When Mish first started going as a pup he was attacked by two border collies the second they came into the gate. He was only five months old, and right in his first fear period. I had no chance to prevent it, it happened in seconds, and my poor little baby was so terrified he urinated all over himself. This was sadly not an isolated incident and over the four years I saw a LOT of dog attacks and fights. One dog was even KILLED by another dog (not when I was there thank god) during the day. Any time a new dog would come to the park, all the regular dogs would rush at it and crowd over it at the gate. The 'regular' dogs were basically allowed to do what they wanted. Owners stood around gass bagging rather than watching their dogs. Micha would be thrown on the ground by the more dominant 'regular' dog, grabbed and shaken by the scruff of his neck. I was told that it was normal doggy behaviour and because I was so naive and inexperienced I sadly believed them. Then Micha started doing the same thing to other dogs. He never injured another dog, but would terrify them. He did it mostly to puppies and more submissive dogs. The regulars didn't worry about the behaviour, it was only new comers who did, but every time I took Micha to the park I was terrified he would do it again. I was told (and stupidly believed) that the more I socialised him the better his behaviour would become. I was SO wrong. About 2 1/2 years ago I had enough. Micha was so bad that he would lunge at other dogs as we walked by them on our walks. He couldn't be let near puppies and I had to stop taking him to the dog park. I was terrified because we were soon to bring a new pup into our household. So I was referred to a canine behaviourist to try and fix his problems. She spent two hours with Micha and I and the diagnosis was that he was fear aggressive. Thankfully, it wasn't too bad (compared to other cases she worked with) and after only two sessions with her and lots and lots and LOTS of work with a program she designed for Mish, he has had a huge change in his behaviour. In hind sight I can see where I went wrong, and I still 6 1/2 years on feel incredibly guilty that I put Micha in such a dangerous and risky situation. I wish I could take it back and change it. I have a dog who can never be take to the dog park at all, EVER, because of his fear aggression that is from being attacked by other dogs at the park. I can't do a lot of things that I wanted to do with him, like competitive obedience and agility, because I can't 100% trust him around other dogs. I have been able to get him in a sit stay about a meter or two from another dog though That was huge progress for us!! I can't take him anywhere that other dogs frequent as even though he is a very well behaved dog now, if another dog gets in his face, he becomes terrified and it is very stressful for him. I have had to learn a lot about canine aggression and I have attended workshops and training seminars about it. Having a dog aggressive dog is awful, it is hard work and worst of all - it could have been prevented. I would never ever let an aggressive dog near my dog, if one tried to approach my dogs it would get a swift kick in the head. A dog being on a leash should be no problem in a dog park - dogs are not protective of their owners (LOL) unless they have been trained in protection work. Dogs are protective of themselves, and a threatened dog will be threatened by others whether or not it is on the leash. There is no excuse for aggression in dog parks and if a dog "targets" another dog on the leash that dog has behaviourial issues full stop. The dog being on a leash is just an excuse. I organise monthly doggy play dates on another forum I'm on, we have had almost 30 dogs running together with absolutely no issues - not once in more than two years - because we are all relatively dog savvy people and know what is acceptable doggy behaviour and what isn't. We have strict rules in place and no one would ever bring a reactive dog. Unfortunately, the general users of dog parks do not have the same respect, and I have lost count of how many bad experiences I and others have had. Dog parks should not be a free for all but unfortunately more often than not they are. They are an accident waiting to happen and a risk I will never be willing to take again. They are definitely not a place for a puppy - one bad incident when a pup is in their fear period can have damage for life. Puppies are often targets at the park for older and more dominant dogs. It is a HUGE risk taking a pup to a dog park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 Just to add - no dog who attacked Micha ever 'drew blood'. They don't need to for an attack to leave a dog terrified. The incident does not have to be by a dog who regularly attends the park either - the risk is still there and it is a big one. The worst attack Micha had was, as mentioned above, by two border collies who had never been to the park. As soon as they came in the gate and spotted him, they were on him, both of them attacking him as he laid there and cried. He wasn't seriously injured but the attack left enough damage to make him fear aggressive - especially because he was a puppy in his fear period. This incident is not an isolated one, sadly I have heard one too many stories about dogs attacked at the dog park a woman I know had a 4 1/2 month old pup need a heap of stitches after it was ripped apart by a dog at the dog park. Her pup has been dog aggressive ever since that incident. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huskyluv Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 I take mine to the dog park at least once a month. We have a monthly husky meet up at the park closest to my house and it is great fun to watch all the huskies (sometimes 15+ sibes) get together to play off lead. Sometimes when I'm feeling lazy I'll take him to the dog park just to burn off some of his energy and let him play with other dogs. I think how the dog will react being kept on a lead in the dog park in the company of a bunch of off lead dogs will depend on the individual dog. Most dogs that have never been to an off lead dog park are brought in on lead and kept on lead until after the initial meet and greet (or as I call it, the sniff fest) and they are calm. Another tip if you're concerned about how your dog will react would be to take them to the park during one of the lower activity times when there will be less dogs there. Most dog parks are full on the weekends (naturally) but generally if you go in the middle of the week in the late morning/early afternoon there aren't as many dogs there and you can monitor things a little closer and have less to worry about. Plus it will put less pressure on the dog as well if he's meeting say four dogs instead of thirty. My first time taking Dakota to the off lead dog park I used both of these strategies. First I took him there at a non-busy time, we went in the early afternoon on a Tuesday. Once there, I let him sniff the dogs from outside the fence before going in. Then once we went into the park I kept him on lead until after the sniff fest and he was fairly calm. Then I let him off lead and he did wonderfully. His hackles were up for a while so I kept a careful eye on him but he did great, settled in comfortably and had a grand time. Taking into account Smeagle's attack experience, yes there are times when people bring in aggressive dogs. I've run into it myself several times but overall our experiences have been positive so I continue to go, but I will leave if there is (or someone arrives with) an aggressive dog. Some people spoil all the fun but I won't let it stop us from going. Our dog park is separated with an area for small dogs and a larger area for large dogs. Most puppies are brought into the small dog area, however we have lots of small dogs come into the large dog area and they are not picked on or anything. I think how the "regulars" allow their dogs to behave will vary. Our park is great and any little squirmish that breaks out the owners are very quick to distract and redirect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 You sound very responsible huskyluv We run big meet ups but they are always dogs that we know and as I said, the owners are aware of the 'rules'. These meets are the only time I will set foot in a dog park, unfortunately I will never be able to take Micha I know people who have found 'good' dog parks where the regulars are all very responsible and do the right thing, but they seem to be an oddity, at least where I live. It hasn't just been one bad experience I have had unfortunately, and I have heard of so many experiences that have been worse than mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huskyluv Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 That really is unfortunate Bec. I think I am fairly lucky to have such a great park near me to go to. It's nice that you still go to the meet ups though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 Yeah I get to socialise my beagle, although she's more interested in scenting than she is in other dogs! For me it's more about letting her have a run around in a safe and contained area and using that opportunity as a time to train and proof commands under distractions. I couldn't tell you the last time Micha was able to do a real, free run off leash outside of my backyard. Sometimes we take him to my grandma's as she has a good sized yard that he can run in, but it's not the same. We do training off leash but he doesn't get the chance to run as he's always in the heel position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneakersmama Posted March 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 Wow, Smeagle. That is pretty scary. I think I will stick with playdates here and there w/ the neighborhood dogs. We have a fairly larged fenced yard, so that's probably good enough running space for now at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 Wow, Smeagle. That is pretty scary. I think I will stick with playdates here and there w/ the neighborhood dogs. We have a fairly larged fenced yard, so that's probably good enough running space for now at least. It is terrifying to see your dog attacked by another one, especially when they are so scared that they urinate all over themselves But I am all for controlled socialisation Like I said I set up play dates with dogs I know are friendly and IMO that is the best, less risky way to go about it. It's what I have done ever since my beagle was a pup, I also take her to obedience club and various canine events/activities as they are also a good way to socialise in a controlled environment. All socialisation means is giving your pup or dog a new experience and assigning it a value. They don't need to be socialised with other dogs all the time or even regularly as long as when they do, it is a positive experience, and they learn that other dogs have a positive value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sneakersmama Posted March 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 awww how can they be scared of him- he's so cute!!! Well, we aren't sure if those few are rats or dogs, but when they see a puppy who is twice their (fullgrown) size, it puts them on edge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jules dief taz tor Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 nothing like that over here, wish there was tbh, back garden only for off leash runnin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siberian_wolf Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 OMG Bec, just read your story with Micha. Thats awful how people could think that as 'normal doggy behaviour'! Good that you took the right steps and helped him over-come his fear and are still helping him now by avoiding situations which could set off the fear aggressin again, well done to you We dont have have any specific dog parks around here. We have plenty of nature reserves, forests, etc where we can walk dogs but they are not dog parks. I think after reading some stories on here I dont think I would take mine to one if there was one, especially Gizmo as he can be a very dominanting dog at times. Which I have got worried about (will put a post about this later), especially with the meet up in may. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 Thanks SW It is the least I can do, seeing as it was my inexperience and naivety that put him in a position to become fear aggressive. The guilt you feel knowing it was your fault never goes away, he doesn't get to enjoy the same things that Daisy does because of his 'issues' and it breaks my heart when I have to leave him at home He's not that bad now, but if another dog got in his face, he would be very threatened and reactive, I just can't take the risk by putting him in a situation where we are likely to encounter another dog in such close proximity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huskyluv Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 I hope that everyone doesn't take the idea that dog parks = aggressive dogs away from this thread as I don't think that was the point of Smeagle sharing her experience. My dog has been attacked by more dogs running off lead just on regular walks than he ever has at a dog park. I'm just trying to say not all dog parks are bad and need to be avoided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 I hope that everyone doesn't take the idea that dog parks = aggressive dogs away from this thread as I don't think that was the point of Smeagle sharing her experience. My dog has been attacked by more dogs running off lead just on regular walks than he ever has at a dog park. I'm just trying to say not all dog parks are bad and need to be avoided. No I'm sure there are some dog parks that are ok They are just not a risk I would be willing to take with my dogs and I think people need to go in aware of the dangers, they really aren't the place for puppies or reactive dogs of any kind. And as you said, watching the dogs who are in the park and seeing how they interact with each other is a really good idea to get a feel of the park before going in. We have really strict leash laws here so whilst I have encountered unsavoury dogs off leash in the past, none of those experiences rival the bad incidents I've seen, heard and experienced at the dog park. I have two dog parks within 10 minutes walking distance from my house and at least 10 others within a 15 minute drive... we have a lot here, maybe people take them for granted. My view that dog parks are accidents waiting to happen will never change (due to my experiences) but I can appreciate that people have good dog parks near them and have found them a positive place to take their dogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siberian_wolf Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 Thanks SW It is the least I can do, seeing as it was my inexperience and naivety that put him in a position to become fear aggressive. The guilt you feel knowing it was your fault never goes away, he doesn't get to enjoy the same things that Daisy does because of his 'issues' and it breaks my heart when I have to leave him at home He's not that bad now, but if another dog got in his face, he would be very threatened and reactive, I just can't take the risk by putting him in a situation where we are likely to encounter another dog in such close proximity. I know how you feel. I still feel guilty about when we used to let them off the lead on walks. Although they never ran very far away from us, Gizmo did chase a horse and it would have only have taken the horse to kick him and I could have lost him forever! I feel really bad for doing that and putting him at that risk! Like yourself it was due to my inexperience of the breed that caused this and I would never think of letting them off the lead now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huskyluv Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 We have really strict leash laws here so whilst I have encountered unsavoury dogs off leash in the past, none of those experiences rival the bad incidents I've seen, heard and experienced at the dog park. I know how you feel Smeagle, I was just trying to point out that every time one takes there dog out of the house there is some level of risk. We have strict leash laws here but that doesn't change the fact that my dog has been viciously attacked by off lead dogs just when I take him out for a walk. He's never been viciously attacked at a dog park. I respect yours and anyone else's decisions for why they do or don't go to dog parks. I'm just pointing out that a dog attack can happen anywhere and my worst experiences have not been at a dog park. *shrugs* Just seems like my experiences with off lead dog attacks have been opposite your own. I'm just concerned that someone without any experience at dog parks will see the thread and not even check one out or give them a chance. It is good that you share your negative experiences so that people can pay attention and know what is possible, keep a good eye out, weigh risks and benefits, and go out with a level head to make an educated decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted March 12, 2009 Report Share Posted March 12, 2009 I know how you feel. I still feel guilty about when we used to let them off the lead on walks. Although they never ran very far away from us, Gizmo did chase a horse and it would have only have taken the horse to kick him and I could have lost him forever! I feel really bad for doing that and putting him at that risk! Like yourself it was due to my inexperience of the breed that caused this and I would never think of letting them off the lead now! Amy, at least you and I both know better now and as bad as I feel about exposing Micha to aggressive dogs, the one positive thing I can think of is that I will never make the same mistake again and in the long run it has made me a better dog owner. If it wasn't for Micha's aggression, I would never had met the amazing behaviourist I have now been friends with for more than two years. I have learned so much too and am a better dog owner for it, I also wouldn't have met the behaviourist I am working with now with my beagle (for drive training) and so much more. The positive thing about any experience is that it is always an opportunity to learn so I have tried to make the most of it in that regard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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