MsBex

I understand your frustration but from the other end of the stick. Cory's supposedly a medium sized dog, but by my own measuring stick he's a small dog, and I only ever go to dog parks now during off-peak times, as I find most larger dog owners don't seem bothered by the fact their dogs are using Cory as a soccer ball (literally being rolled between their legs!) My conclusion is that rude dogs and owners are everywhere regardless of dog size!

x1 My dog loves to play and is quite boisterous, however he doesn't have the physicality to keep up with the larger dogs. I'm so disappointed Gold Coast City Council doesn't offer segregated parks, and occasionally will drive 45+ minutes to a neighbouring Council (Logan) just for that peace of mind.

Thanks for your replys. I have seen a few other puppys do it, and never really thought much about it, until I got a chance to live with it. Have been pretty much doing similar to you Danielle, so will keep doing that with more consistency! :D

Hi. We've just moved into my sister's who has a 4yro SBT and things have been going well. There was the expected humping by Storm (SBT) to 1yro Cory (Cocker) but overall Storm is a pretty laid back dog. The thing I'm not sure on is that Cory has been chewing on Storms ear whenever they play, and generally being a pest as he has a higher energy level than Storm. Storm doesn't seem to like it but just turns his head or lies down trying to ignore Cory when he's not interested. They do have a lot of down time just sleeping side by side, however have been wondering if the ear chewing is just normal behaviour or if it is something I should be stopping, and is so how? I have been separating them whenever I think Storm needs a break, as I know its my job to discipline Cory. Any advice would be appreciated.

Awwww ... Amazing how she's changed in a year! What a cute puppy and gorgeous dog! Happy Birthday Shyla!!

Voted.

Sorry for going OT

Yep - anytime a new dog comes into the dog park Sophie runs over for a butt-sniff wanting to play with her Hackles sky-high and people are going "is she going to attack?" Sigh. I just keep saying out loud so people can hear me "Sophie put your hackles down so everyone else knows you just want to play". People think the big scary GSD is going to eat their shit-malti-poo haha ... I was in the dog park the other day, giving Cory a good run before his desexing op (the next day). There were only 3 other dogs in the park, all little dogs. A great big GSD came to the gate. Immediately the two other owners packed up and left. Thinking of all the good GSD owners on this site, I went with Cory to the gate, and politely asked the owner before he entered if his dog was ok with small dogs who still think sometimes they're puppies. The owner was great, and said his GSD loves small dogs, alot better than he likes big dogs. Was a great opportunity for Cory to play with a big dog in a controlled environment (by now we had the only 2 dogs in the park!). The GSD was awesome, but was so sad to see, as he was only 18mo but had terrible elbow/his dysplacia (spelling?) and after about 10mins romping, slowed down considerably Back to your post though, I naturally would want to know if a big dog was ok, as if he wasn't, the danger to Cory would've been alot greater than if it was a Pomeranian for example that didn't take a liking to him.

Thanks for the tip, I've set an alarm reminder ;)

Best of luck with Charlie. I really admire your positive attitude (know it must be hard to maintain at times) and think the confident vibes you give, would be nothing but helpful for Charlie. What sort of pup are you considering getting? Such an exciting time!!

I'd be wary if I saw a SBT offlead when I had Cory with me, because I used to own a DA SBT. I'm also very wary if one comes to the dog park because you just can't tell from looking at them if they're going to be DA or not. Having said that, I'm soon moving in with my sister who has a SBT that isn't DA, but even then the two dogs will be separated when no-ones home to supervise. Personally I the breed, there's nothing nicer than patting the big, thick head of a SBT!

Cory loves empty milk bottles with a bit of rice thrown in for sound effects! Very funny seeing him drag it in and out the doggy door. I love it too, as its FREEE! Soft toys go without saying!

Aww that's sad! I've always admired the bond between Caesar and Daddy. Run free Daddy, you were a great ambassador of your breed.

Does anyone have any links for a good long lead? I can only seem to find horse leads?!?! My son still bears the marks of a retractable lead wrapped around his ankles, needless to say that went straight in the bin!

I think it's a battle you'll never really win with educating kids, which leaves the only other option of controlling/acclimatising your pet better. I do understand the frustration that comes with kids who aren't dog savvy, particularly having previously had a dog with a very high prey drive, yet I don't hold any high hopes for kids to change their behaviour. My son for example has been around dogs since he was very young. He's always been taught not to run and scream around dogs, not to approach/pet a strange dog without asking both mine and the owner's permission, and not to play wrestle with even our own dogs, however despite being told NUMEROUS times sometimes it seems to go in one ear and out the other! He's very repentent when I tell him off, yet I know it won't be the last time. He's not a naughty nor a highly strung child at all, just forgets things, like most children I know.