Drama At The Park, WWYD?

[yorkiegirl83]

I'm beyond upset right now. I posted a while ago about Emma being dominating over another dog at the park (growling). She was leashed, as well as the other dog she acted that way towards but there were 7 off leash dogs in one group.

Now, they are there every evening.. which is when we take our LEASHED dogs to the park as well.

They sit in lawn chairs, have about 3 cars there and the 7 dogs. None are ever on leash. Immediately, when we get there they rush us as we are getting our dogs out of the jeep.

Obviously this freaks our dogs out. They bark and whine because they are on a leash and the others aren't. This puts them at "risk" in their mind and I can see why.

The couple never does a thing to go after the dogs. They call their names and that is IT. They never even attempt to come get their off leashed (breaking the rules) dogs.

I'm also not one to play the size game and be afraid of bigger dogs or act like mine should get special treatment because they are small, but this is RIDICULOUS. The fact is that these are strange dogs, charging at me and my dogs and have easily 80+ pounds on them.

So tonight my little sister (11), myself and DH took all of the dogs to the park. She had Mckenzie, I had Emma and Sean had Lula and Bent.

The dogs immediately came over as we got out of the car, we shooed them away, and walked as FAR as we could away from them. All our dogs were on standard leashes (not flexis). They were pulling and excited but not barking at the other people or dogs at the park.

The off leash dogs came over to them, 3 out of the 7... charging across the park at us. Sean was a bit away, and Morgan and I were walking together. My little sister is really really afraid of big dogs and she picked up Mckenzie to protect her because she was shaking and barking and the big doberman JUMPED all over Morgan.

The other dog who looked to be a pitt mix jumped all over me and nipped at Emma. Morgan was screaming and in tears... she was so scared the dog was going to hurt Mckenzie.

I've called the police now twice, but they never show up when the people are there and they said all they can do is give them a warning. I'm just so upset. We've always enjoyed the park and I don't feel I should have to stop going seeing as I am doing not a thing wrong.

All my dogs are registered, wearing collars and tags AND LEASHES.

Any thoughts?

[Sadie's Mom]

Do you have a leash law there? If so, the police can do more than a warning.

[Felina]

I'd keep bugging the police and keep track of the dates and times. The squeaky wheel gets fixed first.

Also, I'd start carrying some sort of pepper spray if those dogs approach yours threateningly, don't be afraid to use it on the dogs.

You have rights to enjoy peace at the park as much as everyone else.

[Rudys Mom]

Oh My, I feel really bad for you. What is wrong with those other dog owners? Is the dog park owned by the city? Or the township you live in? Whoever the dog park is owned by maybe you could call them and report what's going on. That is so sad, irresponsible dog owners really make me mad.

[yorkiegirl83]

The park is owned by the city and there are leash laws here.

Also it is clearly posted in multiple places that LEASHED dogs ONLY are allowed.

So many people bring off leash dogs and I usually don't mind if it's one or two and the owners are right there.

But these people are bringing a pack of dogs without any control over them. I guess you could say our group of 4 was a pack too, but they were spread over multiple people walking them and were safely leashed.

I thought the police could fine them, but the person that answered said they would give them a warning and notify them of the law. HELLO it is all over the park

[Ichabob]

The dog park my son use to take his lab had a small dog section and a large dog section, it was also run by the city it was in fl. you might try and see if the city want do that there.

[Miz Mary]

call the dog pound.....or human society ????? I HATE big dogs too, and I HATE the owners who dont keep them NEXT TO THEM leash or not !!!! I will pick my dog up and leave the area.....
HEY !! TAKE PICTURES !!! or VIDEO !!! When the dogs come rushing up and jumping/nipping at you ....wouldnt that be PROOF of harassment or something ?? AFTER you take the video, go back another night, and talk to the people - tell them you will carry and use pepper spray !!!! Properly warn them !!!
Or go to the park later after they are gone.....

And like it was said above - document every thing, with dates/times and descriptions !

[Dina_Nichole]

Hey girl I know we just talked about this but just wanted to say I hope these people stop this crap soon.

[Yapper]

Definitely keep contacting the police or see if there is a park ranger. If the person you talk to isn't helpful go above them. Keep at it.

One thing I noticed is that the bigger dogs run up to you and your group and jump on you. Except for the pitt, it sounds like they aren't trying to hurt you or your dogs. Although that's still not acceptable at least they aren't trying to attack. It's curiosity. Try to remain calm so that both your dogs and theirs don't react.

Just a little bit of info. Some dobermans, not all, will appear to be charging towards you. Often they are just very curious and run right up to the person and then come to a stop within inches. It can be very intimidating and scarey. Every once in a while my dobe would get loose and that is exactly what she would do to someone walking down the street. She just wanted to meet them. She thought everyone was a friend. I was so embarrassed until I got her to stop doing that. Obviously you can't train their dog but what you can do is turn your back on them when they get up to you and ignore them. Do not look at them, do not say anything to them, do not acknowledge them. They don't like it and get bored. We did this in training to get them to stop jumping up.

Another thing you could try doing , if possible, is when you get to the park and before you take your dogs out of the car, go up and introduce yourself. Talk to these people and ask about their dogs. Complement their dogs. Then tell them that you just wanted them to know your niece is terrified of big dogs. Would they mind leashing or distracting their dogs just until you get out further in the park. I know it seems obvious to us but they may not realize or see their dogs as a nuisance. They see those big dogs as their "babies" and think of them as harmless. I was guilty of making the same assumptions and would roll my eyes when people with little dogs would walk in the opposite direction. NOW, I know better but it's all perspective. (I attached a picture of my two.) I see both of them as my "little babies" even though there is huge difference in size.

Last but not least their is spray you can get at pet stores that is specifically for deterring dogs. It's harmless to them but gets them to go away. That way if you have to use it and the owners complain you can show them the product and then tell them you weren't sure what they would do so you were taking precautionary measures and gently remind them there is a leash law. Would they mind leashing their dogs until you go by.

However, if you really feel you or your dogs could be hurt I wouldn't take the chance of continuing to walk in that area. You can't change the behaviors of others, only your own. Find another area that you like to walk in and change your routine. I know it doesn't sound fair but at least you will know you and your babies will be safe. Take it from someone who lost her baby. I'd do ANYTHING to keep her safe. It's just not worth the risk.

Like the others said you have a right to use that park but they do too. Unfortunately you can't make them follow the law and keep the dogs on leashes.

Hopefully something I've written can be of use and will work. Good luck!

Mouse's Mommy

[yorkieaddict]

This is why I only go to Yorkie only meetups. The size difference is just too scary and it is at your own risk at the dog parks. Be careful I have heard too many stories. It seems everyone will tell you that their dog does not bite but if they have teeth they can bite so go with your instinct.

Yapper - That picture with the doberman and yorkie is just the cutest.

[wemple2]

I'm not one for a confrontation, so I would probably go else where...sorry!!!

[seainthecity]

I've always found that going "higher" in the chain has great effect. Call the Mayor's office, your local representative, etc. Seriously, you can't believe how well it works. Just make sure you have records of contacting the police. You are a tax payer and deserve to be able to use that area within the boundaries of the law...and expect others to as well. I'd tell them you feel threatened (I certainly would if large dogs came charging at me.) I'm tired of folks who don't follow the rules and ruin it for others. Email, letters and letters to the editor of a local paper also put pressure on local officials to follow through.

[yorkiegirl83]

Thanks for all the opinions. I won't be bringing them there at that time anymore, although it does irritate me because it is the most convenient time for me.

I'm not generally afraid of big dogs ( I know small dogs can be just as nippy/aggresive). And I think they are generally friendly dogs.. but there is an unspoken language between dogs that I don't like to mess with.

Like, mine were clearly threatened to be barking that way, and with some on leash, and some off leash it makes for an uneven playing field. My dogs must have felt threatened being on leash and knowing they could not protect themselves if something happened.

I guess I just feel like, I work so hard to make sure that my dogs are well behaved to the best of my ability. I would never have any of my dogs, no matter how reliable off leash at a public park where there are softball games going on, children, cars, ect.

We can do walks in town, but the park was just so nice and peaceful and the dogs enjoyed the different smells and scenery. I hate that irresponsible dog owners can take that away from me. It doesn't seem right at all, but I agree that there is not much I can do if they continue to break the law.

At first I didn't want to complain too much because I didn't want it to become NON dog friendly and in general I am not a complainer. This just seems dangerous to the dogs, lazy on the part of their owners, and just a general rudeness all in all.

It really put a downer on my night to see my dogs so freaked out and they were so hard to calm down. I don't want Mckenzie who is only 3 lbs and 5 1/2 months to be terrified of other dogs as she is already so shy.

I guess all I can do is change the times I go, as much as it stinks or find a different park .

[Suzy]

You shouldn't have to find a different park. It's your park too-you pay taxes too! I like the idea of introducing yourself to them-they may just not know that you don't appreciate their dogs bounding up to you all the time. They also might be more sensitive to it if you tell them your sister or you or your tiny dog is afraid of big dogs, and could they please keep them on leashes.... it might work. If that doesn't work, I would call the police again, and explain the situation, and how you tried to go about it and handle it yourself. You might also take a cell phone with you that has the non-emergency police dept. phone number programmed into it. As you're driving in, if you see the dogs are unleashed, call right away, and then continue your walk as usual, and make sure the police come.

As always, document everything!

[Akhong]

If the dogs are not supposed to be off leash, then I would contact the city (b/c the police wouldn't do much where I live in Vancouver BC). There is a fine of up to $2,000 in my city if you're violating a by-law such as having a dog off leash in a LEASHED area.

Are there any signs up in the park w/warnings of fines and a number for you to contact? If not, I would definately look up the by-laws that are enforced in your area...then you can give the city this information.

I hope that helps