[Olivier]

Originally Posted by 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!

Have you tried to socialize Lucy around other dogs ? What happened wasn't all the other dog's fault .