A different perspective on dog parks?

[jjwoodee]

As you all know I have been working patiently and determinedly with my dog on getting obedient. I'm reading and working on the exercises in the book titled Control - Unleashed. The on-leash fear agression issues are slowly fading but still remain a difficult challenge. Through it all there have been setbacks, and changes to my approach along the way. I'm learning and hopefully my dog won't hold it against me.

I'm at a point where I'm contemplating joining a local dog club and taking classes in setting with other dogs. I believe he is ready for this - and maybe down the road agility.

Anyways, I surprised Picaso with two visits this weekend to old stomping ground local dog parks here in Baltimore. These parks are off leash parks. I was amazed at Picaso's demeanor - calm and attentive and 90% obedient. Not a 100 but I'll take it . When we worked at enough of a distance with other dogs in sight I had him do long distance stays and recalls. Flawless. He even did well when being approached by other dogs - and sometime broke the sit but usually when the other dog was overly excited. I could sense he wanted to be by me.

I gave Picaso the "break" command several times to let him romp and run with the other dogs, and he actually was coming back when recalled. Click and treat! Some of these other dogs who are his regular pals that he hasn't seen for 2 months since disappearing into obedience training. The other owners were amazed with how I was working with Picaso and soon I was peppered with training questions. I even had a Cesar Milan (*cough,cough) moment where I had 5 other dogs following Picaso and I around as were were doing our heel exercises. (and some rudely jumping on me) Adojrts recipe for salmon treats may have something to do with it also. In fact when I was leaving the park one gog decided he wanted to follow us out of the park and at one point when I stopped to the dog to go away, it started barking at Picaso and I! Finally the owner showed up to apologize.

Anyways when I had moments of observing other dogs, I started to realize the lack of impulse control and rudeness of particular dogs. Sadly, if something bad happened and a dog ran off I don't think any of the other owners could confidently get there dogs attention. It's almost like the dog parks have become a place for many NOT all owners who are not or half-heartedly committed to obedience, a drop off and "go play" talk and chat owner social hour. I should know I was of these owners.

I want my dog to continue to experience these parks without always having to work, but I'm also concerned about now what seems to me out of control and A.D.D dogs that are often at the park. You just don't know what you are going to get at these parks. I was curious to know the opinion of the owners on this forum - is the best use of dog parks as distraction training? And how do you handle the other dogs when suddenly they start surrounding youor acting rudely?

 

[BostonBanker]

It's almost like the dog parks have become a place for many NOT all owners who are not or half-heartedly committed to obedience, a drop off and "go play" talk and chat owner social hour. I should know I was of these owners.

That's exactly what it is like around here. People grab their dog who had been crated for the entire day, then take it to the dog park to run around.

I won't put Meg in that situation. She is very worried about other dogs barreling at her, and it is my job to keep her safe and happy. She is much better off in classes, where any introductions can be controlled.

I don't know what sort of issues you have had with your dog, but I have read CU. The big part that stayed with me is the discussion about making your dog comfortable by being sure you always have his back. I can't do that at a dog park with a dozen dogs or more, so I choose to avoid the parks. I have occasionally worked with Meg in the parking lot for distractions if I'm in the area, but don't bring her inside.

 

[jjwoodee]

I won't put Meg in that situation. She is very worried about other dogs barreling at her, and it is my job to keep her safe and happy. She is much better off in classes, where any introductions can be controlled.

I think as an owner that's excellent that you recognize this trait of your dog and to know your dog's limits. You can only get this sense by spending a lot of time and observing your dog. Unfortunately not a lot of the "crate all day" owners have this luxury due to employment.

My main issue is on-leash reactive to other strange dogs on walks thats hard to predict. I would hate to show up for a class in a controlled situation where my dog gets out of control, but I feel I have made enough progress through suggestions in this forum and what I've read to give it a try.

 

[adojrts]

I would hate to show up for a class in a controlled situation where my dog gets out of control, but I feel I have made enough progress through suggestions in this forum and what I've read to give it a try.

I am absolutey amazed and so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!! All along I have been impressed by your desire to seek opinions and options and to have an open mind. You dumped the trainer that you had employed and struck out on your own. You took advice with dignity, you obtained the suggested reading material and it is very obvious that you read it and learn to apply the training methods with success.
Your ARE a star and your dog's hero.
It does not surprise me that the people in the dog park are impressed, they should be. Hopefully it will inspire them to do like wise.
I am confident that you and your wonderful dog will do just fine in a class setting and I would expect that you will at the head of the class.
As an instructor, it is someone like yourself that makes teaching so rewarding because of those qualities and the willness to educate yourself and grow. And the fact that you didn't quit when the tough got going, you branched out and grew instead.

You have made my day, thank you.

Lynn

 

[Lilavati]

I don't think the best use of dog parks is distraction training. It certainly is a use, however.

Yes, many of the dogs there are not fully under their owner's control . . . but the excercise and socialization are good for them. I guess it depends on the park. At the park I go to, we do have social hour . . . but we are also watching the dogs. The few incidents there have been, people have responded swiftly and effectively to break it up. People who have troublesome dogs are asked to leave and not come back. People with dogs who can't handle the park are taken aside and it is explained to them that they need to work with thier dog in a less stressful enviroment before coming back. So I don't think the dog park is bad.

I do do some distraction training with Sarama there . . . but it is play time for her. Largely, I let her play . . . besides, I can't bring treats to the park unless I want a very sweet old husky who is always there to follow me around. I love the dear old fellow, but sucking on the pockets of my jeans gets old.

Now, I will say I did not approve of the woman who brought her dog to the park, with a shock collar, for distraction training. She wanted the other dogs to distract her dog, and when they did, she shocked him. I left when Sarama herded her dog away from her and she shocked the dog. It wasn't fair and I refused to let Sarama be part of her 'training' program. Notably, I have not seen her since . . . I suspect one of the dog park gurus had a chat with her.

 

[lizzybeth727]

I don't think the best use of dog parks is distraction training. It certainly is a use, however.

This is an important point. Dogs do need that time to socialize with other members of their own species, as well as practice how to play and interract with other dogs, which could help in many situations when you encounter a dog in other places.

At the same time, I think our dogs do certainly need to respond to us 100% of the time we need their attention at the park. If a fight breaks out, it's only natural for the other dogs to want to get involved, and we just can't have that. I supervise small groups of dogs that I train playing together every day at work, and we are very strict about when I call you, you'd better look at me, or else your play time is over (or at least on hold for a 2-minute time-out). Of course we practice this a lot, when they're distracted and when they're not.

 

[corgipower]

I am absolutey amazed and so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!! All along I have been impressed by your desire to seek opinions and options and to have an open mind. You dumped the trainer that you had employed and struck out on your own. You took advice with dignity, you obtained the suggested reading material and it is very obvious that you read it and learn to apply the training methods with success.
Your ARE a star and your dog's hero.
It does not surprise me that the people in the dog park are impressed, they should be. Hopefully it will inspire them to do like wise.
I am confident that you and your wonderful dog will do just fine in a class setting and I would expect that you will at the head of the class.
As an instructor, it is someone like yourself that makes teaching so rewarding because of those qualities and the willness to educate yourself and grow. And the fact that you didn't quit when the tough got going, you branched out and grew instead.

You have made my day, thank you.

Lynn

I agree completely

As for using dog parks as a distraction, I have done so, with my dogs that are getting ready to compete, but not in the dog park. I take my dog to the dog park, and do obedience outside it, with the dogs inside it running around being very good distractions.

 

[jjwoodee]

I am absolutey amazed and so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!! All along I have been impressed by your desire to seek opinions and options and to have an open mind. You dumped the trainer that you had employed and struck out on your own. You took advice with dignity, you obtained the suggested reading material and it is very obvious that you read it and learn to apply the training methods with success.
Your ARE a star and your dog's hero.
It does not surprise me that the people in the dog park are impressed, they should be. Hopefully it will inspire them to do like wise.
I am confident that you and your wonderful dog will do just fine in a class setting and I would expect that you will at the head of the class.
As an instructor, it is someone like yourself that makes teaching so rewarding because of those qualities and the willness to educate yourself and grow. And the fact that you didn't quit when the tough got going, you branched out and grew instead.

You have made my day, thank you.

Lynn

Thanks for your kind words. I didn't realize the effort,care, and responsibility it takes owning a pet and a bit naive to the training part. On the other side the companionship and unconditional love my dog offers is well worth it. I want to train with methods that feel right, and with the previous trainer it just got to that point it no longer felt right. The more I read, the more it becomes clear that every dogs personaility is unique and thus the training methods will obviously be different.

Firing my trainer wasn't easy but this forum has helped ease that transition. Since I'm a studio artist and painter, I have to always keep an open mind and seek out perfection in my own work. Often when an artist that can draw a concept or visualize an idea from different angles while keeping an open mind produces stronger work. The work has to feel right, otherwise it lacks passion or becomes cliche and trite. You're a dedicated trainer yourself, and you know the value of patience and keeping an open mind. You're advice and suggestions holds value with me.