Dog Park behaviour help.

[Lenora]

Our dog park is very cliquish. Owners gather on one side and yak while their dogs do whatever. If one of their dogs picks a fight they get mad with the owner of the dog that's been jumped. Interrupts their socializing I guess. We don't go much anymore unless it's off-hours.

[dmey]

Yeah, some people think they can just leave their dog there and go chat or even go for a jog!!!.. luckily, so far people here have been pretty cool, they are all really nice and willing to help and without attitude. even the guys with the fighting pitbulls, who hang out by the dog park area ,are at least responsible enough not to come inside with their dogs. I have to say I dont understand why anyone would want to fight a dog or anything really but..
In general I am pretty surprised, honestly I thought it wouldnt be as nice.
I went again this afternoon, im just getting back, and it was great. There were some new people, and the german sheperd was there again, and this time it was better, they did end up growling at each other but for the most part Ayo didnt pay much attention to him. There were some people there who have an organzation called friends of animals ( in spanish) and they get together on weekends to do dog things and they are professional trainers.. He mentioned he knows someone here who has a few basenjis. It turns out they are the same person I already knew. Mr. Aguilo. He imported a couple of basenjis and pretty much all the basenjis here are from those. I know there is
Ramses de Aguilo and Aida de Aguilo. I think he bought a Djakomba basenji and crossed her with Redmarsh Bufallo Soldier which I think he owns or co-owns, i am not sure. I will find out, this week.

[Mojo's Mom]

Glad it went good today! Mojo started out the same way, but he's getting much more used to it now. All I have to do is say Dog Park and he runs to the front door!!

[DebraDownSouth]

Not a dog park advocate. I like those that let people sign up fenced areas for them and their play mates… or by size. But allowing a GSD and basenji to settle issues is dangerous... you did right removing him. Also, squirt bottle can backfire... can make him even more antagonistic by associating spraying with the dog. Dogs aren't children who HAVE to get along with others. I'd plan play days with dogs you know if possible.

[dmey]

Yeah, I thought about that, that they should have a separate one for bigger dogs.. but…
Its not really a dog park.. its a in a public park, and the government hardly spends on people , much less dogs.. its an abandoned Badminton court that someone has gathered some money to fence and put two doors on and some sand. thats it..
Another thing it should have is double doors. Cause I keep having to run and grab Ayo everytime someone is trying to come in, cause if he gets out... ....

[Mojo's Mom]

The dog park I go to is brand new and beautiful! It's pretty big and totally fenced in. They always have doggie bags and water available. They also have a small area where you walk in and then it leads into the big park area, so when you enter the main park even if another dog tries to get out it is fenced- no escaping!!! The people are really friendly and keep a good eye out on their dog. I haven't seen any dogs that cause much trouble, and if any dog is not behaving, the owners usually leave and try again another day. It has helped Mojo with his socializing so much! We used to leave if any bigger breeds showed up- Mojo didn't always play nice with big dogs, but now he does a lot better- we don't have to leave anymore!!!

[nobarkus]

For the most part the people and dogs are pretty good where I go but there are instances of dogs being possessive of the balls the owners throw. So Buddy, being the friendly dog and wanting to chase it too get's occasionally attacked by the other dog. Yesterday a girl was throwing a ball for her large dog and he got into a small short fight with another large dog, then a little snarly with some other dog. Buddy went near him when he was getting his ball and he attacked Buddy. No damage done, just scared him as he's not a fighter. I told the girl "your dog is way too possessive of that ball!" She apologized, asked if Buddy was OK and she said she was taking him right out of the park. If a dog is possessive of a ball don't bring it into the park! When someone throws a ball for their dog usually 2-3 other dogs chase it too.

[dmey]

Yeah, I don't think people should bring the dogs toys or treats into the park , that can cause problems with resource guarding….

[Kipawa]

Our off leash park is wonderful, but definitely different on the weekend. For one, there are way more dogs and people, but more importantly, most of the people there are not very in tune to what is going on with their dogs. There was a pug today that was tugging at Kipawa. Good thing Kipawa is good natured - he just walked back to me. I prefer the dogs and owners that are there during the week.

[Patty]

Going back to an earlier suggestion on Bewler's post - I wouldn't throw a bowl of water over two dogs in a fight - it will most probably make them even angrier.

What a shame that some owners arer so irresponsible in taking aggressive dogs into the park. It is a privilege to be able to allow interaction in a friendly level in such an environment.