Dog Park Etiquette

[NellieBelly]

Thanks Britster for the encouragement! Agreed!

I was seriously mortified the first time it happened. Now after my initial experience, I just immediately pull Hudson off other dogs if he starts humping. Oddly enough, I took him to the dog park again yesterday and it was another man's dog that kept humping Hudson. Hudson didn't seem to mind but it was annoying that the man thought it was funny and chopped it up to "dogs will be dogs" and didn't think he needed to do anything. I mean his dog kept following Hudson WHEREVER he went until I said something to him to get him to tell his dog to stop. I was planning to leave until some more dogs came and distracted the other dog.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Mom to Hot Rod

In my experience, my 2 are total afraid of the dog park although they are getting used to it. My Maggie is very submissive and I guess other dogs can sense it. I got a bit upset at one owner whose (bigger) pug was barking right in Maggies face as she was cowering and didn't do anything. Yes, it is a dog park but at the same time, you should be aware of what your dog is doing. In my case I would have appreciated it if the owner would have called her dog off. Maggie was all of 4 1/2 lbs at the time and to this day is afraid when she hears dogs barking.

I say let Charlie enjoy himself but just be aware of what is taking place, be it he is being scared to death or bullying another dog (not the normal playing sort of thing).

I think I was with Britster at the part when someone got upset about the treats. Yeah, there are some people who can be sticklers. I usually try and go with someone I know so at least I know my dogs know other dogs there.

Oh definitely. I don't let Jackson bark in a dogs face who is clearly uncomfortable, I will try to stop him. If the other dog is fine and initiating play, I let him keep going. I can't stand when people just don't even pay attention to what their dog is doing!

Originally Posted by NellieBelly

Thanks Britster for the encouragement! Agreed!

I was seriously mortified the first time it happened. Now after my initial experience, I just immediately pull Hudson off other dogs if he starts humping. Oddly enough, I took him to the dog park again yesterday and it was another man's dog that kept humping Hudson. Hudson didn't seem to mind but it was annoying that the man thought it was funny and chopped it up to "dogs will be dogs" and didn't think he needed to do anything. I mean his dog kept following Hudson WHEREVER he went until I said something to him to get him to tell his dog to stop. I was planning to leave until some more dogs came and distracted the other dog.

Yep -- it's crazy to me! This little Yorkie will do this to Jackson and literally follow him around for 2hrs. Once, Jackson was running and this little 4lb'er was hanging on to his leg still while he was running! LOL. He's lucky Jackson is so tolerant.