Dog Park Etiquette

[DownYonder]

This is long, but I need some advice about behavior at the dog park. First, a bit of background info. Our Welsh Terrier is a retired show dog. Her breeder and owner is a professional handler at the dog shows, specializing in terriers. His place is therefore full of terriers–both his own and client dogs. As is pretty typical in those situations, our dog was raised in a kennel, with adult dogs all housed separately and kept in separate runs to avoid terrier brawls.

We adopted our dog about 18 months ago after her show and breeding careers were finished (she is now 8 years old). We have recently started taking her to a local dog park on the weekends to give her a chance to socialize with other dogs. She gets along well with the Corgi and Boykin Spaniel at the barn but I don’t get there much anymore since my horse passed. I thought she might enjoy a chance to be with other dogs, and she is mild-mannered and non-aggressive for the most part. She does sometimes “flip the terrier switch” at other dogs when we are walking her on leash, but she has been really good at the dog park. She likes to sit on the bench and watch the other dogs and has finally gotten comfortable enough to get down and run around a bit, but she generally tries to avoid the other dogs. If they come toward her, she trots away and usually jumps back up on the bench to get away from them. She is not aggressive toward them at all–never goes after them, and mostly just wants to be left alone. If one persists, she can usually get it to back off by simply lifting her lip, and most of them have enough sense to not press the issue.

Last week, she surprised us by touching noses a few times with two older male Westies and even got down and trotted around with them a couple of times. There were no “terrier moments,” which we took as a really good sign that she was handling things pretty well.

Then there was yesterday. The park was really busy, with lots of little dogs of various kinds and ages. Our dog mostly did okay–did her usual watching from the safety of the bench–and got down and trotted and ran around a bit, condescended to sniff noses with a few dogs but again mostly wanted to be left alone. She was really good, came to me when called (yeah, we are making progress!), and mostly tried to ignore and avoid the other dogs, even when a few others would start playing really hard, with lots of growling, etc. Our dog was doing well with all that activity but at one point I was in the middle of the yard and called her, she came running over to me (good girl!), but a Sheltie puppy also ran over to me. And she went at it–snarling and ready to rumble–and she nailed it. It was over really fast–she immediately backed off as soon as it yelped, but she had bitten it on the face and left a mark just below the dog’s eye (no blood, just a bit of missing hair). Of course I was mortified and while the owners were a bit concerned, they were mostly okay with it–the husband even said, “I used to have a terrier. It happens.”

My dog immediately ran back to the bench and sat there quietly for a few moments while the owners and I were examining their pup, but then a Boston Terrier puppy stood up on the bench to say hello to her. She snarled at it and when it didn’t back off, she snapped at it. I knew it was time to leave at that point because there were so many dogs there and I was afraid she was just going to get more and more irritable by dogs not leaving her alone. (Add in the fact that many owners were letting their dogs run wild there while they stared at their phones, completely unaware that their dog was stirring things up.)

I would like to keep taking her to the park because I think the socialization is good for her, but I am worried about other dogs that persist in “getting in her space.” (Puppies seem to be the main culprits–they don’t know that a lifted lip or snarl means “back off or else.”)

So I am thinking that I should probably put a soft muzzle on her so she can’t hurt another dog that is pestering her. Good idea, or not?

[Dr_Doolittle]

Unfortunately, dog parks are “self policing”. Clueless people bring all kinds of dogs (some unsocialized), bring “Cujo” - hoping that he will “be good TODAY” - and have no control over their dog (if they are even paying attention to it), along with lacking any common sense about doggie interactions and/or knowledge of canine body language.

It sounds like your girl is not a good candidate for the dog park experience - for a variety of reasons.

Defensive aggression is pretty common, especially among smaller breed dogs and/or dogs who haven’t been thoroughly socialized at a young age. She is acting out because she is anxious and overwhelmed, trying to “correct” puppies who are pushing boundaries out of inexperience, trying to defend herself, and HOPING that you will notice that she is deeply uncomfortable - which is why she keeps coming back to the bench - a safe place above and away from the other dogs (and with her human.)

Please stop taking her, since things can only escalate (and maybe next time the consequences of a “rumble” will be more serious )

Have you taken a training class? It would be very helpful for you (and her) to go to class with a good trainer; in addition to learning commands, the point of the class will be to work on getting the dog to focus on YOU - in spite of the presence of other dogs. There is no mingling or allowing dogs to pull to each other (or shouldn’t be!) Your dog will be expected to relax and pay attention to the handler and follow commands in spite of the proximity of other dogs; this takes a bit of time and practice (and well-timed treats, rewards, and “marking” of the desirable behaviors), but any dog can improve if the owner takes control of the situation, becomes a calm, confident leader, and is THE source of reward and reinforcement. You don’t always get what you want when it comes to training, but you DO get what you regularly reinforce

Leash reactivity is common among anxious and under socialized dogs. I highly recommend the book: “Feisty Fido” by the wonderful Patricia McConnell ($7 on Amazon and 40 or so pages long), it details a Counter Conditioning protocol which is extremely effective in dealing with dog and on-leash reactivity (and help immensely with training auto-focus, relaxation in the face of “triggers”, and “incompatible behaviors”: when your dog sees another dog, instead of going into reactive mode, she immediately looks at YOU and sits for chicken or cheese.

It’s NOT okay for dogs to pull and bark and react when they see other dogs during leash walks, but you have control over whether or not she does this.

She should be focused on and checking in with YOU: her safe place, source of positive reinforcement, calm leader who is in control of her and what she does.

You don’t actually “socialize” dogs by throwing them into situations with a bunch of strange dogs with no humans in control of anything; this is chaos unless you have a resilient, happy go lucky, confident dog with a thick skin.

An anxious terrier is a ticking time bomb, since they will act on their fear with aggression.

I would focus on training as a priority; get her to do things for you throughout the day and she will begin to trust you and look to you when she is uncertain. If you have friends with calm, emotionally stable older dogs, you can try setting up a “play date”; first you will need to follow the meet and greet protocol of having the dogs walk past each other at HEEL a few times (use treats to get her to focus on you and not “lock on” to the other dog), then have them sit at your left side with the humans right shoulder to right shoulder (and make a few seconds of small talk), heel away; finally you will approach the other dog with your dog AT SIDE on a short leash, have both dogs sit at the same time, tell them “okay!, say hello”, move leash towards other dog, allow brief! 1-2 seconds of polite sniffing (the doggie version of a handshake), then “okay, let’s go” and heel away. Rinse, repeat (3 times is good), then try the dogs together off leash, supervised.

This should take place in a largish fenced area in a neutral spot - not either dog’s home base.

Hope this helps!, and good luck.

[GoodTimes]

I don’t have much to add. The above post is well written.

The only dog parks I enjoyed going to we’re the ones in Edmonton. They are unfenced which forces people to work on recall and leash issues.
I visited a couple dog parks when we moved back to Ontario and they were just recipes for disaster. It’s been several years since I’ve been to one, and I doubt I’ll ever go back.

I highly suggest you find a trainer or a facility that offers a variety of classes.

[Marla_100]

Dr. Doolittle, that’s an excellent post and according to my observations, it’s spot on.

I agree that OP’s dog does not seem like a candidate for dog parks. Many, many dogs aren’t either due to their inherent
nature or upbringing without proper socialization.

[S1969]

I agree with the above posts. Why bring her anyway; it doesn’t sound like she enjoys it that much, especially if she feels other dogs are in her space.

Dog parks are weird places. They work well for really easy tempered dogs and for those that bully the others (because they have fun and other people leave.) Sounds like you have opportunities to socialize your dog without going to a crowded park that may or may not work out. You are lucky that the person had a “I used to have a terrier” attitude - a lot of others will not feel that way.

[Foxtrot_s]

“Dog parks are weird places” true!

But it only takes a negative interaction with a young dog to lealve a life long lasting impression that may be impossible to
reverse.

I never take mine to an off leash park around the time people come home from work - too many over energized dogs going ballistic.

We have a wonderful beach - never seen a fight there. Too big and no territorial outbreaks.

[CaliforniaDreamer]

It sounds like your dog isn’t enjoying the dog park.

[ASB_Stars]

People can be clueless.

The dog park where I take my two is fenced, and my guys get along well with everyone, most of the time. The only issues we’ve had didn’t devolve to fights, but if an aggressive dog approaches either of mine, the other is instantly there to protect their sibling. That seems to back the issue down.

However, there was a dog fight there a couple of months ago. An adorable bully breed (not a pit) puppy eight months old, got into it with a golden. They were going to reach in and try to break it up, and I handed them my Chuckit- and said, use this. There wasn’t any blood, but it was nasty. The bully folks left with their dog, and the people with the golden took it outside the fence for a walk- and then, they brought it BACK. I chatted with them, and found out that the dog was from a Mennonite breeder west of me. It was not of good quality, and I strongly believe that it was a rage dog. The owners are completely clueless.

So, you’re going to get all kinds. I would be hesitant to take your dog to the park, but I understand that you want to have her socialize. Is there a trainer you can take her to?

[Foxtrot_s]

more - I feel it is essential to preserve your dog’s self-esteem.

[HPFarmette]

The dog park is not good for your dog. That is not a failure on your part. Even without the breed tendency, you dog is well past the (very young) age where learning confidence in such a volatile setting would be easy. Many people are beginning to feel that dog parks are just not a great idea…

[Holly_Jeanne]

Lots of good information above that I will also refer to in my work with mine. Can you keep an eye on the dog park to see when it is not as busy and stressful? Maybe do the introduction mentioned above with a willing friend and then take those dogs when it is quiet? Our dog park has a big dog area and a small dog area. My problem is that my small dog (20 lbs) is a bit wild and too much for most small dogs. My large dog (48 lbs) is afraid of large dogs and can get defensive. I have been able to figure out when nobody is likely to be there and have been able to let them run together in one area. I used to live on a farm and they are used to doing lots of running and it’s hard for them now that I have a small fenced yard. Going first thing in the morning and letting them run together has made them very happy. If I am there and someone else comes, I leave. Good luck with your dog!

[Unfforgettable]

Dog parks in general are a train wreck waiting to happen. I advise my dog clients to steer completely clear of them. Too many clueless owners (It’s OK…he’s friendly! as they let their loose dog charge up to yours…never crosses their mind that yours might not be happy about it) and out of control dogs.

[She_s_Pure_Gold]

I saw this article in NYT- worth the read. Also, sounds like your dog does not enjoy the park. Do you have 1 or 2 dogs in your neighborhood that your dog could play with 1 on 1 instead if you think she’s craving that?
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/06/smarter-living/the-dog-park-is-bad-actually.html

[jreventer]

I hate dog parks and wish they were never “invented”

The only time I am ok with dog parks is when they are “private” or monitored. We have a local rescue who has a awesome 4 acre fenced area. But it has a membership, dogs are temperament tested prior to being admitted and must have all vaccines up to date, prevention, fecals, etc. This is a great set up.

We also have a local one that is an old baseball field, always empty as it is in the middle of nowhere. So I take my dogs there to run. But they are always by themselves so no interaction with other dogs. My dogs are actually very stable around other dogs, but the things I see at dog parks make me cringe. Dogs with prong collars on playing so if they get hung up they’ll get hurt. Dogs bullying other dogs and no one stepping into stop it. Everyone thinks their dog plays great with other dogs, but it’s like kids, they don’t all play well together. Let’s not mention the dogs with kennel cough, parvo, flea, parasites. It’s a vet’s dream really, lol

Your dog is giving you clear signs she is uncomfortable. Not all dogs need dog friends. And terriers often are quite happy being alone. If she was raised in a show dog kennel, she actually may have not interacted directly a lot with other dogs. She obviously had large exposure to other dogs as far as on leash or in crates and runs, but not likely play time.

[tabula_rashah]

For the most part, I am not fond of dog parks- there’s just too many things that can go wrong with so many types/personalities of dogs shoved in a high energy situation in a small space.
We do have one near us that we use occasionally but it’s set up very differently than most. Really it’s just an off-leash area of a large park. It’s maybe 20? acres of trails through the woods and lake front so there’s plenty of room for dogs to have their own space.

[maybedog]

A dog park ruined my dog. No other words!

[Where_sMyWhite]

I won’t take my two Border Terriers to a dog park… for me, way too many unknowns in behavior and heath care of other dogs.

My dog’s get their ‘socialization’ in a limited form at nosework classes and trials. At both places, I allow no nose to nose contact with either of my dogs.

[CanteringCarrot]

I. personally, wouldn’t go to a dog park. Now if I did and met some dogs that mine got along with, maybe I’d approach them about meeting there at a less busy time or in another area for our dogs to play and have some interaction.

Your dog may be just fine without interaction with others, especlally given how she was raised/kept. If you keep her well exercised, that may be just fine for her.

Dog parks may me too nervous because there are a lot of unknown dogs of unknown obedience level.

[SonnysMom]

I prefer a good doggy day care to a dog park. Much more controlled. My neutered male lab was getting humped by all the other male dogs. The day care I sent him to switched him in with the girls. He was very polite with them, he wasn’t getting humped so was much happier. He came home a very tired doggy. I used to take him on average twice a week. It was enough to keep him behaved.
They would have you bring the dog in on the weekend for a trial and temperament testing when there were fewer dogs.
He also had a fenced yard at home and we would go to the local park a lot to swim in the lake.

[DownYonder]

Thanks everyone for your input. To address some questions/comments:

I am not sure I agree that our dog “doesn’t enjoy the dog park.” It is true that she wasn’t enthused about it at first (was actually confused–“what, dogs running around together?”). But she has become increasingly more comfortable with the idea. We introduced her to dog parks very gradually beginning with short visits when the parks weren’t busy and carefully monitoring the situation to not let her get overwhelmed. Even though she doesn’t "play’ with the other dogs, she does enjoy sitting on the bench and watching them. She is now pretty relaxed about it for the most part and will sort of “smile” as she watches the other dogs. She gets a bit nervous if one gets too close but she has been getting better as she learns that every dog isn’t necessarily going to jump her. (She did a brief stint as a house dog in her previous life, but the owner’s two Airedales kept ganging up on her and I think she is a bit shell-shocked from that experience–along with her experience growing up and living in a show terrier kennel.)

We always watch before we go in to see if there are dogs that look like they will cause problems (really amped up dogs, super assertive dogs, clueless owners, etc.). If so, we bypass the park that day. And when we do go in, we monitor things very closely and protect her from risky situations as much as possible. We got surprised by the Sheltie puppy the other day because it was about 10 feet away playing with its owner (and behind me). She saw my dog running to me and ran to meet my dog (the owners said she was 6 mos old so I am sure she was hoping to play with my dog). I was busy watching my dog and wasn’t even aware the Sheltie was also running in my direction until the two dogs met at my feet. In retrospect, I think my dog misinterpreted the Sheltie charging toward her as an attack and she was acting to protect herself.

At any rate, we are going back to square one and will be very, very careful about dog parks. The park was busier than usual that day and I think that contributed to the incident. My dog was doing well with things for a while but we should have left earlier so she didn’t get overwhelmed by all the stimuli. (To reiterate–she never goes out of her way to instigate things!) So we will make sure to only do the dog parks if they are fairly quiet with laid-back dogs and attentive owners. (In addition to small dog/large dog sections, why aren’t the parks divided up into old dog/young dog sections?)

Regarding training–FWIW, I have extensive experience from years ago with breeding/showing/grooming/training. (My Afghan Hound and Saluki bitches were tops in their obedience classes although I didn’t show them in obedience competitions.) I am not inclined to send my Welshie to a trainer but may consider attending a training course with her. (Have to say though that I recently watched a course in session at a local training school and thought–“Good Lord, I have better dog training skills than that trainer!”) I do have reservations about trying to “override” her show training though. She didn’t learn things like come, sit, stay, etc., and I don’t really want to confuse her at this point in her life–except for recall, which is pretty important and she is doing well with learning it.

So again, thanks for the input. You have all give me a lot of food for thought.