Dog Parks Pro or Con?

Article I: By: Nancy Freedman-Smith- Use Common Sense at the Dog Park

Article II: By: Kelly Ryan- Is Your Dog a Dog Park Dog?

Article III: By: Shirley Greene- Dog Parks: A Politically Incorrect View

Use Common Sense at the Dog Park
by: Nancy Freedman-Smith
(Previously published in the Casco Bay Weekly, used with permission.)

Many well-known trainers and behaviorists have come forward to issue warnings about dog parks. Even off-lead puppy classes have come under fire. Why? Because people often don’t know how to recognize or respond to problems when they arise and can inadvertently do more harm than good.

Many owners treat their dogs like children. But would you let a two-year-old play unsupervised with significantly older children while you had coffee with the other children’s parents? Would you allow a toddler to wrestle, bite and annoy a senior citizen? Would you allow the neighborhood bully to repeatedly pin your child down without intervening?

Owners have an obligation to their dogs. They need to better understand their dog and how to interpret their dog’s body language. Dog parks can be wonderful places for canines and humans but they hold the potential for conflict and consequences.

Watch out for the bully dog! It’s a fact of life—some dogs will attempt to bully or intimidate other dogs; some occasionally, some constantly. Some dogs don’t do well in multiple dog situations and may become aggressive. Some breeds are more likely to inflict harm. On one of my recent trips to a dog park a young female chased younger dogs down like prey animals. She bit their necks, rammed them and pinned them down. Many secondary fights broke out as the dogs collided with their owners in their attempts to escape her. Clearly this is the time to make your exit! Allowing your dog to be traumatized by the bully dog could make your dog fearful of other dogs and hamper future training.

Dog parks are not for every dog. Don’t take it personally. Just as some people don’t like crowds, some dogs are uncomfortable in groups. Keep in mind that your dog’s tolerance for time spent at dog parks may diminish with age, much in the same way your tolerance for crowds has diminished with age.

Beware the ‘Resource Guarder’! Not all dogs are willing to share their playtoys or treats!

Beware the Fence! An agitated dog on the outside of the fence can aggravate dogs inside the fence’s boundaries. Allowing the dogs to meet through the fence isn’t recommended and could lead to barrier frustration/aggression. Don’t allow your dog to run up and down the length of barrier if other dogs are getting agitated.

Don’t allow dogs to congregate at the gate or exit. Allow newcomers to acclimate and have an escape route. Dogs need to be able to flee. If your dog has learned some obedience, by all means practice before you let them loose. Let the park be your good dog’s reward!

Don’t take females in season to the park! Enough said.

Beware of unneutered male dogs. An intact male is often (but not always) a predicator that his owner is not responsible. Beware of more than one unaltered male dog in the park at a time; problems can quickly escalate.

Do not take a sick dog to a public place. Just common sense!

Try ‘Time Outs’. Leash your dog and escort them away from the group. If you have learned calming commands like “Settle,” this would be the time to use them. Once your dog relaxes, reward him with more playtime. If he remains agitated, call it a day.

Properly socializing a dog does not mean allowing your dog to run wild for an hour a day, as some individuals mistakenly believe. Socialization takes place when our dogs interact with other dogs in a safe, supervised environment. It occurs when our dogs have positive experiences with other dogs. And socialization takes place in a group training class where they learn to work and pay attention under your guidance. With proper socialization our dogs develop self control and bite inhibition. It is important for dog owners to learn how to read dogs’ body language on the road to helping their own dog become confident. Dog owners should exercise their dogs like they drive their cars—using common sense and acting defensively.

Nancy owns Gooddogz Training in Portland Maine.
www.gooddogztraining.com

IS YOUR DOG A DOG PARK DOG?
By: Kelly Ryan

As a trainer, I am frequently asked how I feel about dog parks. My answer is, "I don't know, how does your dog feel about dog parks?" Dog parks can be great places for your dog.They can meet and play with other dogs, run in large areas free from their leash and safe from traffic hazards. They can meet all kinds of new people of different colors, ages and sizes, and some of those suckers...er umm people even dish out treats!

      Dog parks can also be dangerous places for your dog. Most dog parks have
      rules posted requiring the dogs to be vaccinated and excluding
      “aggressive” dogs. That’s great in theory. Have you ever had to show proof
      of your dog's vaccinations before entering a dog park? Not every dog owner
      is responsible maintaining their dog's vaccinations. Between, sharing
      kisses, water dishes, and toys, dogs who frequent dog parks run the
      potential for being exposed to worms, giardia, and other parasites and
      diseases.

      Also, who decides which dogs are aggressive? Is a dog playing
      rough and very vocal, or is he truly exhibiting signs of aggression? Are
      you prepared to make the distinction? Is any other owner in the park? If
      your dog is on the receiving end of the rough treatment, does it matter to
      you?

      Now you might be thinking that dog parks aren't such a great idea.
      So, I’ll tell you that I regularly go to dog parks with my dog. I began
      because we lived in an apartment, and she is a high energy dog who needs
      to run. I have continued, because it is a great place for us to work on
      training with distractions. Once she had solidly learned a basic behavior,
      we went to the dog park to work on it there. Not only was this great for
      her, it dramatically improved our bond. Which is, after all, why I got a
      dog in the first place. Also, it has given me a dog who will pay attention
      to me and work for me despite the presence of other dogs. Nice bonus.

      However, to enjoy the advantages of a dog park, I had to make a few
      choices. Initially, part of why the dog park seemed so great was I could
      let my dog run around and burn some energy with other dogs, and I didn’t
      have to do that much work. (After a full day at work, I’m not really all
      that excited about playing two hours of fetch!) I quickly realized though,
      that going to the dog park with my dog was not about me sitting on the
      picnic bench while she ran around. It was still about me paying attention
      to, and spending time, with my dog. I needed to know where she was and
      what she was up to....AT ALL TIMES. This is not only for purposes of poo
      patrol, but also because I wanted to know she wasn’t starting any trouble,
      no other dogs were starting any trouble with her, and she wasn’t barking
      at people or chasing kids. (Although I do not think dog parks are an
      appropriate place for young children, they are there and it’s my job to
      make sure nothing unpleasant happens between my dog and the toddler
      walking around with graham crackers on her hands and face.) These are each
      your responsibility when you go to the dog park.

      Each and every time I go to the dog park, I assess the other dogs and
      owners in the park. If I see anything I don’t like, either before I get in
      the park or while I’m there, we’re out of there.

      The Threshold Area. Most dog parks have a double gated area to take your
      dog off-leash before you are both actually in the park. First, take your
      dog off-leash in this area. DO NOT walk into the park with your dog on
      leash. When you walk into the park with your dog on-leash and all the
      other dogs are off-leash, you are potentially creating a number of
      problems. First, you may be affecting your dog’s body language. When a dog
      is pulling on leash, all their body is going forward and they are telling
      other dogs they are a challenge...even if they don’t actually intend to
      be. Second, by keeping your dog on-leash when all the other dogs are
      off-leash, you are putting your dog at an enormous disadvantage. If your
      dog feels the need to get away from the onslaught of dogs, she has no way
      to. Being unable to get away, she may feel the need to defend herself.
      The Rush. Without fail, when you and your dog arrive at the dog park, many
      other dogs will rush the gate to greet you. How friendly of them. The
      problem here is that dogs in dog parks form loose packs, and they will
      want to quickly assess where your dog fits in that pack.This may lead to
      some conflicts, particularly if you have a fairly dominant dog. Also, the
      sheer number of dogs at the gate may overwhelm your dog, and again, he may
      feel the need to defend himself. One way to avoid that particular pitfall
      is to just wait it out. If you stay in the gated area until all, or most,
      of the dogs have gone back to running around, you can avoid a lot of
      potential problems. This may mean you have to wait for quite a while, but
      it will make the dog park experience much more pleasant for your dog, so
      it is worth it. Also, if your dog is gathering at the gate as new dogs
      arrive, either call him off or go get her. Let the new dog have a chance
      to get in the park with a minimum of problems.

      What Is Your Dog Saying? Pay attention to your dog at the dog park. Be
      ready to accept that your dog may not be an appropriate dog to be in the
      dog park or may not enjoy the company of other dogs or that many other
      dogs. Let me just tell you right now, dog parks are great fun for SOME
      dogs. They are a nightmare for others.

      Is your dog being a bully? You might think, “He just plays rough like
      that.” Look at the dogs your dog is playing with, if they aren’t enjoying
      it, your dog is being a bully. Dogs are masters at communicating their
      discomfort and fear. A dog who behaves appropriately will respect that
      another dog is uncomfortable and either leave the dog alone, or ease up.
      If your dog does not do this, then your dog is being a bully. Own up and
      either remove your dog from the park or at least make him back off of the
      dog he is bullying.

      Is your dog afraid of the other dogs? Dog parks can be too overwhelming
      for some dogs. Is her tail tucked and ears back? Does he feel like he has
      to defend himself from the other dogs? If so, maybe the dog park isn’t a
      happy place for your dog. Maybe your dog would rather go on a walk or run
      with you, or play a rousing game of fetch, or learn agility.
      Ultimately, the choice about dog parks is up to you. But, as with every
      aspect of having a pet, if you choose to go to dog parks, do so with your
      eyes open.

DOG PARKS : A Politically Incorrect View

By: Shirley Greene

Introduction

I love dogs. Big dogs, small dogs, compliant dogs and dogs that don’t give a hoot about pleasing anyone but themselves all share a place in my heart.

I love parks. Whether the majestic Tetons in Wyoming or the rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon, parks are special. I even like the corner tot lot - it is a great place for puppy socialization.

I love walking dogs in parks. Whether hiking a wilderness area in the high Sonoran Desert or enjoying an impromptu conversation with a child, going with a canine simply makes the trip better.

Yet, I am against Dog Parks . I am not in favor of fenced urban grasslands where numbers of strange dogs are brought to frolic in unleashed bliss. This is especially true when people are oblivious to their dogs’ actions, in particular, and totally clueless about canine behavior, in general. With few exceptions, owners of both pet and working dogs should avoid Dog Parks like the plague.

Manure doesn’t move out of your way; you must step over or around it. There are enough problems with training and socializing dogs. Without looking for them, some are bound to find their way to your door. No need to invite them in. When you come upon a situation that may land you in deep doo-doo, like a Dog Park, use common sense - avoid it.

Disease

I have yet to see a Dog Park that posts a sign: “No one under 21 weeks admitted.” No puppy belongs at a Dog Park. A pup’s immune system is immature and cannot physiologically be expected to repel a full frontal assault. Bringing a pup into a Dog Park is playing Russian roulette with its life. Yes, socialization is important. But, you can’t train a dog that is either severely brain damaged or dead.

Even when your pup is older, or if you have a dog that is fully immunized, going to a Dog Park is very risky business. Who in the park is shedding Parvo virus or leaving giardia infested stools? Which dog was just exposed to kennel cough? Want to share fleas or ear mites? Is that a hot spot or ringworm on the pooch walking by?

Dog Parks actively facilitate the exchange of contagious diseases and parasites.

Socialization

The People

ü Macho Man – “My dog could take yours, if I told him to.”

ü Little Person – Mastiff accompanied by pre-teen and his friend.

ü Clueless – Drinking latte, dog’s hackles up: “uh, duh…like, you know…?”

ü Show Off – “I can do anything to any dog and it won’t bite…watch me.”

ü Know It All – “You can cure allergies by feeding your dog Vicks Salve. ”

The Dogs

ü Hackles up, teeth showing, growling at each new dog that enters.

ü Ears back, tail tucked, shaking like a leaf, spending lots of time on its back.

ü Dig, dig, dig - - China here I come.

ü Jump, jump, jump - - on people, on other dogs.

ü Climb the fence, get pulled off; climb the fence, get pulled off…

ü Mark the gate, mark a tree…oh, no…he just marked ME!

Dogs learn from other dogs. Are you willing to have your dog mimic these behaviors? In an ideal world, only highly social dogs with stable temperaments that are under voice control of their handlers would be found at Dog Parks. The world is not ideal.

To me, utilizing a Dog Park for socialization makes as much sense as using a stick of dynamite to light a cigar. Not only will you not get what you want, you may get results you couldn’t imagine - even in your worst nightmare. And, you may have a big cleanup after the smoke clears, plus a scar or two.

If any trainer advises you to take a shy dog to the Dog Park and let it learn to play – get another trainer. If any trainer tells you to take an aggressive dog to the Dog Park where it will meet dogs that are even more aggressive to put it in its place – stop payment on your check. If any trainer suggests you take a fearful dog to a Dog Park for total immersion with strange dogs, new people and a variety of situations – cover your ears. And, should a trainer say that you have a really nice dog with good temperament and balanced drives – keep it that way. Don’t risk training or socializing at the local Dog Park.

A Dog Park is not the appropriate venue for your canine companion to either learn obedience commands or practice socialization skills. That must take place under controlled conditions.

Control

Many control issues come into play the minute you open the Dog Park gate. Even if your dog is Lassie and fully obedient at all times, things inside a Dog Park are not under your control.

People

You cannot control who comes through the gate. Despite posted rules and regulations, you cannot direct the behavior of other dog owners. You may ask others to watch their dog more closely, but what if they don’t? And, what if they take offense at your request?

Size of Dogs

Many Dog Parks are divided into two specific areas: one for dogs over 50 pounds and one for smaller pets. Ever seen a forty-nine pound dog shake a MinPin? When there is one owner for both a toy poodle and a Great Dane, which area will they use? Will you be happy with that owner’s choice?

Physical Environment

You enter the Dog Park with an aging pet and find several mud slicks. Will your dog be able to maintain adequate footing with puppies jumping up or other dogs playing chase? Slick footing is dangerous for pups’ joint development, as well as for senior dogs.

Is there a gap in the fencing? Are there holes beneath it where another dog tried to escape? Is poison oak growing up a tree? Why did the groundskeeper leave a length of barbed wire inside the fence and how many dogs will try to chew or fetch it?

NOTHING is under your control at a Dog Park – not the people, their dogs or the physical environment.

If you believe your pup has issues socializing with other animals or people, ask a competent trainer for help.

To Treat or Not To Treat

I watched a man bring packages of “mystery” meat into a local Dog Park, offering hunks the size of my fist to any dog close enough to take them. There were eight dogs present and only one pet owner succeeded in getting to their dog before it ate at least some of the meat. I prayed the man was a generous butcher and not mentally unbalanced or cruel.

A friend watched a woman place the contents of two bags of dog bones into a huge pile and then call ALL the dogs in the Dog Park to come for “treat time.” Isn’t that a new and interesting way to test dominance, aggression and food guarding?

One man’s meat is another man’s poison. Some dogs share food; other’s fight for possession. What risks are you willing to take?

Authority

Who has authority at the Dog Park?

ü Owners who succeed at intimidation?

ü Aggressive dogs that snarl or bite?

ü Dogs that have formed a park pack?

ü Gang members looking for fun?

ü Regulars – who ask you to wait until they’re finished?

ü Park Rangers who may patrol weekly?

ü Animal Control personnel who are a 30-minute-drive away?

The only authority you have is the ability to take your dog and leave the Dog Park. But what happens if your exit is blocked by any of the first four on my list?

Setting the Stage

Each outing with your pet should be pre-planned. Not only does this mean taking the necessities, such as fresh water and a leash, it also means having a training plan and setting goals. Perhaps your visit to the park will be aimed at walking on a different surface. Maybe a trip to the tennis court is really a better opportunity to try off-leash obedience in a fenced area.

Setting the stage means deciding what steps you will take to make certain you and your dog reach a specific training goal. The more controlled your environment and the better prepared you are, the less likely you are to need remediation. It is much easier to set your dog up for training success than it is to try and fix a problem that you never saw coming.

A Dog Park cannot meet my criteria as a safe place for dogs to play or learn. There are too many risk factors working against a good training or socialization plan.

To set your dog up for success, you must have control of the training stage. This can’t happen at a Dog Park.

True Stories

Can you dig it?

A neighbor takes her high-energy miniature poodle to the Dog Park so that it may use those facilities, rather than her yard, for digging. As the dog dug its umpteenth hole, a woman approached my neighbor and politely asked her to remove the dog and replace the dirt. My neighbor said: “I won’t leave and you can’t make me.” As the woman turned to avoid escalating the confrontation, she fell - - in one of the freshly dug holes - - and broke her ankle. My neighbor paid her medical bills and sent flowers, too.

Who let the dogs out? Who? Who?

A good friend took her Shiloh Shepherd to the local Dog Park early on a Monday morning. The usual weekend crowd was absent and several senior citizens were visiting with their pets. My friend took her dog off leash and slowly walked to the back of the park where she’d spotted an empty bench. As she sat down, she noticed her dog - - OUTSIDE the fence and immediately commanded DOWN-STAY. Then, my gal-pal proceeded to climb the fence and help others call their dogs. Someone failed to secure the gate and it was the owners who were securely INSIDE the Dog Park, while their pets were running free.

Truth is stranger than fiction

I haven’t told you about the 160-pound Mastiff rescue brought to the Dog Park by new owner on his way home from the shelter. What about the 3 Dobermans that were dropped off at the Dog Park while their owner drove down the block to pick up his girlfriend after work?

Exceptions to the Rule

Friends would accuse me of undue prejudice if I failed to mention times when a Dog Park may work:

§ You live in an access-controlled, gated community that has a Dog Park for residents, only. Your HOA Rules and Regulations or CC&Rs specifically require that a current shot record be kept on file prior to issuing you a pass for the Dog Park. There is individual accountability and responsibility with sanctions or fines for those who do not follow the posted rules.

§ Your town allows private groups to reserve the Dog Park and during those times access is by invitation only, checked by a city employee. (This will not lessen health risks, of course.)

Set you and your dog up for training success, not failure.

Be smart. Be safe. Be in control.

Previously Published and presented w/ author’s permission:

GSDCA Review, March, 2002

Dallas Morning News (exerpts)

Plano Dog Obedience School/Margaret Fitch, Owner

IACP SafeHands Journal