Balls/toys in dog parks..

[AgilityPup]

I suppose... It's a good point... But having a DA dog myself, I can see how being able to bring my dog in (with a muzzle. Not a chance she'd go in without one!) to work her AROUND other dogs would be the good point for me, because as it is I have a hard time finding somewhere to work her...

I would understand taking a DA dog there in the off time to just play, and exercise, but I see the going there while there are people there as a chance to train.. Ya know?

Not that I ever will take Bella to the dog park... I stick with the dog people I know understand her issues now - mostly at obedience and agility classes.

 

[elegy]

I suppose... It's a good point... But having a DA dog myself, I can see how being able to bring my dog in (with a muzzle. Not a chance she'd go in without one!) to work her AROUND other dogs would be the good point for me, because as it is I have a hard time finding somewhere to work her...

that is a really poor idea. it is unfair to the dog, it makes them vulnerable in several ways (leash, muzzle). this is especially a bad idea if your dog's DA is a result of fear/anxiety.

if you need a place to work your DA dog, try a park with a leash law, a parking lot at a big box petstore, inside the big box pet store, or in classes. even outside of the dog park, where dogs are still leashed as they enter and leave.

i honestly cannot think of a more unfair situation to put my own DA dogs in than what you describe.

 

[AgilityPup]

I suppose... You make good points... I should think more before I post!

I'll look into the ideas for places you posted. Thanks.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

I suppose... It's a good point... But having a DA dog myself, I can see how being able to bring my dog in (with a muzzle. Not a chance she'd go in without one!) to work her AROUND other dogs would be the good point for me, because as it is I have a hard time finding somewhere to work her...

I would understand taking a DA dog there in the off time to just play, and exercise, but I see the going there while there are people there as a chance to train.. Ya know?

Not that I ever will take Bella to the dog park... I stick with the dog people I know understand her issues now - mostly at obedience and agility classes.

I don't think that's fair to her or to other dogs. I am sure she would be uncomfortable, muzzle or not, around other dogs. Elegy had some great ideas.

 

[AgilityPup]

Bella goes to her other classes around other dogs, and sometimes with her muzzle on, but I didn't think about the fact that someone else might have decided to bring a DA dog, off leash, and she could get hurt...

*goes to crate for punsihmet* I need to think before I type!

 

[lizzybeth727]

Where do you suggest they go? Do you think people have not tried to find places to take their dogs so that they can get away from other idiot owners and their ill-mannered dogs? And why is it any different than your dog who does not play with other dogs. My dogs sniff around, too. We also do obedience work. But because my dog couldn't care less about other dogs, I shouldn't take him to the dog park? Please explain that logic.

I guess I didn't make my point clear. I was responding to comments like these:

If I don't take a ball to the dog park, the Tollers simply don't exercise. They follow me around at my pace like little shadows. I always try to take a ball with me, otherwise my trip to the park is a complete waste of time.

I would suggest (not intending to point fingers at the originator of this quote), if this is the way someone's dog is in a dog park, going somewhere else to play with toys, since obviously the park itself is not that interesting. I just wouldn't risk an incident just so that my dogs can play fetch, when I could go to any number of other places to practice that - if you don't have a backyard, maybe go to a neighbor's, friend's, or to any park even if you have to keep your dog on a long-line leash. I like to play fetch at a nearby park in the tennis courts.

Or, if you MUST go to the dog park to play fetch, go during off hours when there are few or no other dogs around, so you have a good idea it's safe.

What I meant about my dog is, even though she doesn't care about other dogs she still has a good time at the dog park. And all the activity IS distracting to her, so it's a good place to work on obedience. I know that she also won't care about other dogs playing with toys, and she won't get aggressive with other dogs, so occasionally (like, once or twice a year for us) the dog park is a nice outing for her.

 

[Georgygirl]

I guess I'm kinda lucky, or unlucky depending on how you look at it. Joey has no interest in toys at the dog park. We brought his fleece tug last time (which is one of his favs at home) and we ended up leaving it there with a couple beagles who were having a blast with it. (We've got about 10 at home, lol) Joey showed no interest. He'd just run around with the other dogs.

I think people should follow whatever rules are posted at the dog park. If it allows toys, people with dogs who are possessive should go to the park when it's not busy or with friends who know not to bring toys. Maybe even ask people if they'd mind putting away toys for awhile so the dogs could play. Couldn't hurt to ask.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

I would suggest (not intending to point fingers at the originator of this quote), if this is the way someone's dog is in a dog park, going somewhere else to play with toys, since obviously the park itself is not that interesting. I just wouldn't risk an incident just so that my dogs can play fetch, when I could go to any number of other places to practice that - if you don't have a backyard, maybe go to a neighbor's, friend's, or to any park even if you have to keep your dog on a long-line leash. I like to play fetch at a nearby park in the tennis courts.

No, I understand what you are saying. But the part in bold I have a hard time with. Where are people supposed to take their dogs if they shouldn't go to dog parks? If my backyard was adequate enough as far as room to really stretch legs out and run, finding a place to run my dogs would not be an issue. Space is very limited where we live. There are two places that we can take the dogs to go run around, off leash: the dog park and the baseball diamonds. However, the baseball diamonds are often being used for.. well, baseball little league, softball, neighbor kids playing ball. I cant very well just strut into their game and tell them my dog needs to run. We also have some beautiful regional parks, which are great places for leashed hikes and walks, but not great for the full out run they need.

Only two of my three dogs can go the dog park, which is fine, but we have every right to be there as other, non-aggressive dogs. My dogs don't act out, they don't attack others. They just want to run. If other dogs run with them, that's fine with them, but they aren't in it for the thrill of playing tag with other dogs and what not. They want to run and they want to run hard and throwing a ball at the dog park is one of the best ways for us to do that.

Unless you have a miracle location up your sleeve.. of course.

 

[lizzybeth727]

BP, I don't understand why you're getting so defensive. You asked for opinions, that's my opinion. And I'm not the only one with this opinion. I never said you have no right going to a dog park. If it works for you, fine.

 

[Squishy22]

Hmmm, in the dog park I used to go to I hardley seen any fights over toys and many people would bring in balls and stuff. The fights that broke out were due to people bringing in dogs who were DA and dogs who were extremely dominating. I've seen dogs that would run around snapping at the other dogs just to be bullies... not even interested in the balls. Or dogs that would lunge if another dog approached THEIR space or THEIR owners. If your dog doesnt mesh well with others, then dont bring him in. Its that simple.

I once seen a guy bring in a GSD who had a muzzle on and who would flip out and try to attack the other dogs. How are the others dogs suppsed to know that the dog cant bite?? Soon, all thats gonna cause is a fight between a dog who is protecting himself from a dog who has a muzzle on. Its easy to figure out who would win that one. Awful idea.

 

[Kayla]

The rule at the offleash hiking trial that I go to sometimes has a strict no toy rule. If a dog picks up a stick to play with fine, but the members really try and educate users to the problems it can cause which I think is fantastic. On occasion I have walked into the play area ( its a huuuuuge series of hiking trails but there is one large open field where alot of the owners bring their dogs to play) while people have toys, I simply walk on as Duke will gaurd a ball if he happens to catch one ( and he's pretty fast). On the off hours I bring two frisbees ( good way to item exchange or distract and any incoming dogs while I get the other one) for him as he loves to run all out across the field to do a death defying leap into the air to catch it.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

BP, I don't understand why you're getting so defensive. You asked for opinions, that's my opinion. And I'm not the only one with this opinion. I never said you have no right going to a dog park. If it works for you, fine.

Oh, I'm not at all. I see people saying dogs don't need to be at the dog parks if they don't play with other dogs, but I don't see people coming up with feasible options for those dogs. I'm just trying to get people to think. If you think THAT was me getting defensive then you better put your seat belt and hang on for the ride if you ever DO experience me getting defensive. (I'm kidding of course, I realize you may not know me very well as I've been gone a lot lately. )

 

[Buddy'sParents]

Hmmm, in the dog park I used to go to I hardley seen any fights over toys and many people would bring in balls and stuff. The fights that broke out were due to people bringing in dogs who were DA and dogs who were extremely dominating. I've seen dogs that would run around snapping at the other dogs just to be bullies... not even interested in the balls. Or dogs that would lunge if another dog approached THEIR space or THEIR owners. If your dog doesnt mesh well with others, then dont bring him in. Its that simple.

This is much of what I have experienced as well. There was one time that Buddy was chasing his ball and he got there and another dog got snarky with Buddy because he was in his space. A quick "out" to Buddy was all it took for him to get out and a good yelling at the other dogs owner and her promptly leaving with babystroller, two kids and her dog ensued. Sometimes people just don't think. I think it's becoming a lost art, actually.

 

[PoodleMommy]

BP: I guess I should have phrased that better... I meant in the dog park when other dogs are there.

Elle is not always great with other dogs, so she can come to the park and play with our dogs if no one is there... if someone else shows up Elle is removed from the situation so as not to cause trouble. So yes, aggressive dogs or dogs with issues should be allowed just not to interact with other dogs.

 

[Labra]

The only time I would use toys at a dog park would be at off peak hours when no one was around. Otherwise, I would not risk it. Tons of dog parks have a no toy rule anyway.

It annoys me when people bring toys to the park and get hissy when another dog comes near. That is what dogs parks are for - dogs interacting with other dogs! if you don't want other dogs near your dog, or you want to play with your dog in peace, don't take your dog to a dog park.

 

[Toller_08]

Lizzybeth, there is no other place for them to play! Dog parks are our only option. Just because the Tollers don't enjoy running aimlessly with other dogs does not mean they do not belong in a dog park, and does not mean they should go in off hours. They like to sniff and walk around and socialize occassionally with other dogs, but that's not exercise, and more than anything, they enjoy retrieving their ball and should be allowed to do so. It's yet to have caused an issue. Like I said, I only play with them when I'm in an area where there aren't many dogs around (if any), and I quit if a dog who looks like it's interested comes by.

I don't see a problem with bringing a dog who enjoys retrieving and their ball to the dog park as long as proper precautions and whatnot are used. Squeaky toys, ropes, etc. I don't think belong in a busy dog park.

 

[TheGoldenRetriever]

if you need a place to work your DA dog, try a park with a leash law, a parking lot at a big box petstore, inside the big box pet store, or in classes. even outside of the dog park, where dogs are still leashed as they enter and leave.

All excellent ideas to work a DA dog around other dogs, with the exception of classes.

It's inconsiderate of an owner who knows their dog is DA to enroll that dog in classes anyway. DA dogs are very disruptive in multi-dog classes, as well as potentially dangerous. It's really not much better than bringing a known DA dog to a dog park. Perhaps an owner with a known DA dog may think it's OK because they paid to be in the class, but so did everyone else with their non-DA dogs.

Also note many instructors prohibit DA dogs or will kick them and their owners out of the class.

 

[elegy]

It's inconsiderate of an owner who knows their dog is DA to enroll that dog in classes anyway. DA dogs are very disruptive in multi-dog classes, as well as potentially dangerous. It's really not much better than bringing a known DA dog to a dog park. Perhaps an owner with a known DA dog may think it's OK because they paid to be in the class, but so did everyone else with their non-DA dogs.

Also note many instructors prohibit DA dogs or will kick them and their owners out of the class.

thankfully that has not been my experience at all and i will continue to do classes with both of my DA dogs as well as continue to compete with them. a well-managed DA dog is NOT disruptive in the least. my novice competition class has three reactive dogs, two of which are also DA. it's not been an issue, but all three handlers understand their dogs and the trainer understands how to run a class with these dogs.

if the owner understands how to work them under threshold, an obedience class, especially made up of dogs who are not beginner dogs, can be an excellent way to work with these dogs.

obviously if the dog is losing his mind when he's anywhere within ten feet of another dog, it's not a good idea to put the dog in classes, but if the dog is at a level where he is able to work more closely with other dogs, obedience classes can provide an excellent, structured environment where all the dogs are under control. far better than a dog park with a bunch of off-leash dogs that aren't under anybody's control.

 

[lizzybeth727]

obviously if the dog is losing his mind when he's anywhere within ten feet of another dog, it's not a good idea to put the dog in classes, but if the dog is at a level where he is able to work more closely with other dogs, obedience classes can provide an excellent, structured environment where all the dogs are under control. far better than a dog park with a bunch of off-leash dogs that aren't under anybody's control.

Agreed. I've had several DA dogs in classes with me before, and like you said, as long as they stay under threshold dog class can be a good way to let your dog have positive experiences while in the presence of other dogs. But of course, the trainer and handler have to both have a very clear idea of what threshold is, and what level the DA is.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

That is what dogs parks are for - dogs interacting with other dogs!

Maybe by your definition, but I want to exercise my dogs however they want, NOT by how YOU want me to exercise my dogs.

If you took a child to a park and they didn't want to play with other kids, would you force them to? I sure hope not!

Coincidentally, I found a dog park definition on wikipedia and it says, "A dog park is a facility set aside for dogs and their owners to exercise and play off-leash in a controlled environment... " Funny it doesn't mention playing with other dogs.