Our first visit to the dog park and I get attacked!

[happy bunny]

We live about 5 minutes from the dog park and I have been debating on taking Max & Lucy there because I was afraid of how they would react. DH and I decided we would give it a go and took them. When we got there, Max just took off like he had not a care in the world. Lucy was more reserved and did pretty good while other dogs checked her out.

So we are there probably about 30 minutes, getting to know some other owners and having a nice evening. Lucy kinda snapped at a few huge dogs, but they just walked away. Well, I guess she snapped at the wrong dog and this dog, about the size of a grown Spaniel, began chasing her and started to pin her down and bite at her. Of course Lucy was trying to bite back and was yelping as this dog pinned her down and DH and I both ran for them along with the other people around.

I got there first and snatched her up immediately while pushing the other dog away and she lunged for Lucy as I was holding her and the other dog bit me! HARD!! Right below my navel, but THANK GOD, missed Lucy!! I was so scarred that Lucy had been bitten hard enough to be injured, but she seems okay now. The lady that had brought her was actually that dogs sitter and she was shocked at what had happened. DH checked to make sure the other dog had its rabies tag, which thankfully it did. If I can remember right, it was the first time that the sitter had brought that dog to the dog park. I'm not sure if that dog was socialized or whatever, I didn't think to ask at this point.

The sitter gave me her and the owners phone numbers also. We stayed for about 10 more minutes, but Lucy was now terrified and I was scarred to death to have her around and maybe snap at the other dogs and possibly get hurt worse. I had started to hurt and bleed pretty good by that point. Now I'm just worried that Lucy will be even more snappy if we go again and not sure if I could take another dog trying to attack her.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to ease her back into going to the dog park? It was her first time and now I'm afraid she will not do well from here on. DH doesn't think she should go to the park and be around big dogs anymore, but I'm not certain if I totally agree. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[mjharpst]

We have had something of the same happen but luckily not as scary! I am so sorry that your first visit was so terrible! We have taken Roxie to the dog park and this man came in with his huge German Shepherd, he was only a puppy and started after Roxie as soon as he was off his leash chased her to the ground! I was able to get him off her and he really was only trying to play but could have seriously hurt her.


Anyways after this we waited awhile before we took her again, I think that if you are wanting to go back try taking her on a walk beforehand so that her own high energy is lower and just beware of who else is around. Try it again it is a great experience for both of you when it goes right- the socialization for her is great!


BTW- I would contact that owner and find out how well this dog behaves normally- her dog needs to learn some manners!

[erickajm]

How unfortunate. I think just like kids, if you plan on continuing the dog park route then I wouldn't wait to take them back.. get right back in the game and try it again.. Hopefully next time it won't be as traumatic.

[Ladymom]

I hate dog parks! I have heard too many stories like yours.

You need to take Lucy to the vet to be checked. Bite wounds puncture and often close up quickly. They can get infected easily.

You also need to go to the doctor yourself. Dog bites are very serious. State law may require that they be reported.

Any vet bills or doctor bills will be the responsibility of the dog's owner.

[happy bunny]

Thank you. I think a good walk before hand is a good idea and jumping right back into is also a possibilty.

[mjharpst]

Originally Posted by happy bunny

Thank you. I think a good walk before hand is a good idea and jumping right back into is also a possibilty.

I would also get the two of you checked out too! Just in case!

[happy bunny]

I will call the owner tomorrow and see what happends. Hopefully this doesn't become a huge issue. I haved no idea what the state laws regarding dog bites in Colorado are. I guess I'll be doing some research tomorrow too.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by happy bunny

I will call the owner tomorrow and see what happends. Hopefully this doesn't become a huge issue. I haved no idea what the state laws regarding dog bites in Colorado are. I guess I'll be doing some research tomorrow too.

Your vet will know the dog and report it if he is required to or, if you go to the doctor, they will report it. A dog bite is serious and they need to verify he was up to date on rabies.

Please get both you and Lucy checked out.

[happy bunny]

I will have to find a vet in town. We just moved here about 3 weeks ago.

[LuvmyYorkies2]

How scary! You should definitely not go to any dog parks anymore, that allow large dogs to roam around in the same area as small dogs anymore. If I go to a dog park, it has to have a fenced area for large dogs and another for small dogs. Luckily, all the ones I've been to have them seperated according to size.

I hope Lucy recovers & is not too traumatized going around other dogs. You'll have to slowly ease her back into being around other dogs again.

I hope you are okay too!

[myteddybear]

Does that park not have seperate area for large and small dogs? I have only taken mine once and that was because we were away from home and they were having to spend a lot of time in thier crates while at families homes. The did have a seperate area for dogs over 25 lbs. Most of the time we had it to ourselves but after a while a lady came withe her dog probably 12-15 lbs and was fine unril honey got nervous and started to run from him. Then he took chase and she was scared to death. No big deal, no fighting or anyone hurt but I would never take them in a normal situation just due to what "could" happen and doggie diseases even though the are vaccinated.
Hear way too many horror stories about them.

I hope you are both ok and I am so sorry you got bitten.

Kim

[happy bunny]

There are 2 sections, but one side is closed. I have no idea why. It seems like all of the dogs are just running around with each other. An area for smaller dogs would be nice. At least I'm a member of a yorkie play group here in Denver and she can still hang with smaller dogs.

[dagibbie]

Originally Posted by happy bunny

There are 2 sections, but one side is closed. I have no idea why. It seems like all of the dogs are just running around with each other. An area for smaller dogs would be nice. At least I'm a member of a yorkie play group here in Denver and she can still hang with smaller dogs.

I am glad that she is part of a play group. That will help her get over what happened. I also think that you should at least walk her around the park to get her used to the area again.

[yorkie mad]

Im so glad you are ok, well if being bitten is ok.
As I said before I was quite jealous that you guys have dog parks and we don't in the uk but I keep hearing all these horror stories about them now ,that I have changed my view.
No I wouldn't take your babys back there at all! Why should you risk their health as well as yours to be with dogs that arn't socialized properly. In the long run it will do more damage to their social skills.
When Im out on a walk with Tia and she is off leash and a dog is coming the other way, I
1. look at the owner to see how much control they have over their dog
2. Look at the breed ,not always the size and then use my judgment on if its safe for Tia to stay off leash or to put her on.There has been the odd occasion I should have put her on or visa versa but I go on gut instinct . I don't bother asking the owner if their dog is friendly anymore because a couple of people have said yes and its tried taking a chunk out of her.
Im sure not all dog parks are bad , obviously it depends on what dogs are there but as a good mummy you just want your babys to have safe play.

[candybaby]

I hope nobody gets mad but I think Lucy should also go to a trainer to learn not to snap at other dogs. I'm not saying what the other dog did was right but what Lucy did wasn't right eithier. I say this because there was a dog that kept snapping at my yorkies (made them scared) at the dog park and the owner picked her dog up and left before something happened (which IMO was the right thing to do).

I'm sorry your first experience was a bad one.