Do People Ask You For Advice

[aussielover]

Do people ask you for advice on how to train their dog?

I often get asked at the park about how to solve issues with other peoples advice. I'm not quite sure why and I don't really feel qualified to give a proper answer.

Yesterday there was a nasty incident where a lab chased a SWF which was squealing for quite some time, the owners were unable to catch either dog. The lab owner is quite annoying and told the SWF owner (when they eventually got the dogs) that "first rule of the dog park is never to pick up your small dog" WTF??? I would have picked up my dog if it was being chased by a crazy labrador!

Shw then asked me for advice on how to stop her dog from doing that! I told her she needed professional help and she should keep her dog on the leash for the moment.

She got really shitty and said the dog needed to exercise and wasn't aggressive just trying to play. Who cares, it scared the s*** out of the other dog imo, it was in prey drive and could have gotten quite aggressive, a pack of other dogs started joining in as well, so quite a dangerous situation.

Just a brag but as soon as I saw this happening I called Mindy back to me (she was thinking about chasing too) and put her in a sit stay. Then went over to try to help separate the dogs and Mindy stayed where I told her!!! good Mindy! (she didn't remain sitting though, she laid down- lazy LOL)

Anyway i know this owner won't listen to me, I also told her she needed to work on the dogs recall, she seemed unsure of how to do that she actually said "should i just bring a biscuit to the park?" not really sure what that meant?

Even though I know what I would do if that was my dog, i don't really feel comfortable advising someone else on what to do

anway I guess all i could do was tell her to get help from someone who does know what they are doing.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

Well it's just lucky that the SWF wasnt ripped to shreds by a pack of dogs.

A small poodle was killed by a labrador in our local park just recently.

You can tell people that the dog park is dangerous and their dogs shouldn't be there but what the heck, everyone thinks they are entitled to do what they want to do, when they want to do it.

I've actually written an article on do's and don'ts in dog parks. I rarely take my littlies who are very well behaved and placid but it's simply too dangerous for them.

I'd recommend to the SWF's owners that they don't take their dog in unless there are only dogs of the same size there.

I'd certainly pick my small dogs up if they were being harassed - sometimes it's that or a mauling.

The large dog's owner needs to have better training, as you say. Every dog in a dog park should have excellent recall although if they are in prey drive (they shouldn't be there either) they probably won't listen.

[helen]

I often get questions about training Brittanys from my website which is fine by me. Did get one though from a person whose Brittany came from a pet shop and they were having issues, asked what to do. I spent a lot of time emailing them etc and advised where to go for training etc but they never did contact the people I recommended, what can you do?

[Shmurps]

Well it's just lucky that the SWF wasnt ripped to shreds by a pack of dogs.

A small poodle was killed by a labrador in our local park just recently.

You can tell people that the dog park is dangerous and their dogs shouldn't be there but what the heck, everyone thinks they are entitled to do what they want to do, when they want to do it.

I've actually written an article on do's and don'ts in dog parks. I rarely take my littlies who are very well behaved and placid but it's simply too dangerous for them.

I'd recommend to the SWF's owners that they don't take their dog in unless there are only dogs of the same size there.

I'd certainly pick my small dogs up if they were being harassed - sometimes it's that or a mauling.

The large dog's owner needs to have better training, as you say. Every dog in a dog park should have excellent recall although if they are in prey drive (they shouldn't be there either) they probably won't listen.

Hi dogmad,

Any chance of reading your article on do's and don'ts in dog parks?

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

Here you go!

DOG_PARKS.pdf

[aussielover]

Well it's just lucky that the SWF wasnt ripped to shreds by a pack of dogs.

A small poodle was killed by a labrador in our local park just recently.

You can tell people that the dog park is dangerous and their dogs shouldn't be there but what the heck, everyone thinks they are entitled to do what they want to do, when they want to do it.

I've actually written an article on do's and don'ts in dog parks. I rarely take my littlies who are very well behaved and placid but it's simply too dangerous for them.

I'd recommend to the SWF's owners that they don't take their dog in unless there are only dogs of the same size there.

I'd certainly pick my small dogs up if they were being harassed - sometimes it's that or a mauling.

The large dog's owner needs to have better training, as you say. Every dog in a dog park should have excellent recall although if they are in prey drive (they shouldn't be there either) they probably won't listen.

Oh my goodness how awful!

This labrador is headed for trouble i think, which is a shame, could be a nice dog with some training. The problem is the owner won't accept responsibility, it is always the other persons fault- "your dog was squealing and ran away which excited my dog" rather than "my dog has terrible recall and won't listen to me"

The dog also has a major jumping probalem, it has knocked a few people over including myself. she actually said "you shouldn't have bent down like that (i was bending down giving mindy a pat) while there are dogs running around, it excites my dog..." How else i am i meant to pat my puppy?

I have read your article, perhaps i should print a few copies out and hand them out at the park

[Kavik]

It is not always the big dogs at fault with the chasing. When I used to take Diesel to the dog park, there were a few small dogs, one in particular (a JRT) who would deliberately come up and jump on the big dogs faces and run and try to get them to chase. They were really persistent and didn't leave the other dogs alone. I was always worried, even though my boy is pretty good and gentle, he does like the odd chase, and these guys were so little! At that point I couldn't call him off in the middle of the chase. His recall is much better now and I also don't go to that park much anymore.

[aussielover]

It is not always the big dogs at fault with the chasing. When I used to take Diesel to the dog park, there were a few small dogs, one in particular (a JRT) who would deliberately come up and jump on the big dogs faces and run and try to get them to chase. They were really persistent and didn't leave the other dogs alone. I was always worried, even though my boy is pretty good and gentle, he does like the odd chase, and these guys were so little! At that point I couldn't call him off in the middle of the chase. His recall is much better now and I also don't go to that park much anymore.

Well i think it is defferent if the small dog actually wants to be chased. I don't think they would be aquealing in fright if that was the case.

[mollipop]

Had a quick read of your article, Dogmad. Very interested in what you said about undesexed males.

I regularly take my "pack" to a dog park and it's amazing how desexed males go after my entire boy - maybe they are jealous that he still has his bits! As soon as he stands taller and puts his tail up I call him away. The owners of the other dogs say "they're only playing, don't go away"! I can read my boy's body language which is obviously more than they can do. He's never been involved in a fight and I've only ever heard him growl a few times and I want it to stay that way.

[wuffles]

It is not always the big dogs at fault with the chasing. When I used to take Diesel to the dog park, there were a few small dogs, one in particular (a JRT) who would deliberately come up and jump on the big dogs faces and run and try to get them to chase. They were really persistent and didn't leave the other dogs alone. I was always worried, even though my boy is pretty good and gentle, he does like the odd chase, and these guys were so little! At that point I couldn't call him off in the middle of the chase. His recall is much better now and I also don't go to that park much anymore.

This happens regularly to us as well. Smaller dogs come and jump on my dogs faces, run away, then when they get chased they squeal and just keep running and running. Sometimes I grab my dogs (who love chasing games) but the other dogs jump on their faces while they're in a stay or while I'm holding their collars!!

IMO both owners have some responsibility. If you have a small dog that runs away and squeals, it might not be the best idea to bring them to the park when big dogs are around. Likewise, if you have a big dog that likes to chase, it might not be the best idea to bring them into the park when certain dogs are there that you know set them off.

I think some people expect dogs to be perfect, and they are not, we can only do our best to minimise the risks and be aware of our own dog's behaviour.

[aussielover]

It is not always the big dogs at fault with the chasing. When I used to take Diesel to the dog park, there were a few small dogs, one in particular (a JRT) who would deliberately come up and jump on the big dogs faces and run and try to get them to chase. They were really persistent and didn't leave the other dogs alone. I was always worried, even though my boy is pretty good and gentle, he does like the odd chase, and these guys were so little! At that point I couldn't call him off in the middle of the chase. His recall is much better now and I also don't go to that park much anymore.

This happens regularly to us as well. Smaller dogs come and jump on my dogs faces, run away, then when they get chased they squeal and just keep running and running. Sometimes I grab my dogs (who love chasing games) but the other dogs jump on their faces while they're in a stay or while I'm holding their collars!!

IMO both owners have some responsibility. If you have a small dog that runs away and squeals, it might not be the best idea to bring them to the park when big dogs are around. Likewise, if you have a big dog that likes to chase, it might not be the best idea to bring them into the park when certain dogs are there that you know set them off.

I think some people expect dogs to be perfect, and they are not, we can only do our best to minimise the risks and be aware of our own dog's behaviour.

well thats just playful playing.

This particular incidient was not playful at all, the smaller dog did not return to play with the other dog.

However, personally i find it unacceptable for my dog not come when called. I wouldn't call her away if it was all just play but if the dog or owner becomes upset, i expect she will come back to me 99% of the time, otherwise she would be on a long lead.

I think small dogs have a right to walk in the park, even if there are big dogs around.

My puppy is usually not interested in them anyway apart from saying a quick hello and sniff.

anyway it is not my intention forn this to degenerate into a small vs big dog thread

Merely asking whether regular dog owners (not professional trainers) would give advice to other dog owners or tell them to get professional help (and have a bit of a rant lol)

[wuffles]

I wasn't intending a small dog v big dog debate either, I have seen dogs of all sizes harass other dogs I also think there is a difference between fenced, designated dog parks and open spaces that are dog off leash areas.

Back to your original question, I have given advice before but not for any serious matters. I've told someone who brought their 8 week old puppy to the dog park that it's not the best idea I've given advice on how to teach tricks. I've given suggestions on loose leash walking that people may not have tried. I've also discussed dog body language with people... But as I say, no serious behaviour problems!

[Kavik]

I didn't mean it to sound like big vs small

Just that it is not always the big dog's fault if small ones are being chased. I don't like Diesel chasing as I worry about the smaller dog getting accidentally hurt (Diesel is 30kg and while gentle is not that um agile lol). Now that he is getting older he is not as interested in playing with other dogs and I do more training and recall work with him so he mostly ignores them or goes for a sniff unless the other dog is really exciting and he can't help himself

[RallyValley]

If it was something little and not something huge that the person would need a behaviourist for I would try to give non preachy advice and maybe direct them to dogstardaily or a local training club.

[corvus]

"first rule of the dog park is never to pick up your small dog" WTF??? I would have picked up my dog if it was being chased by a crazy labrador!

I wouldn't! The reaon why is because I have seen it several times turn a bad situation worse. IME a dog that is already excited is quite likely to be tipped over threshold if they see someone pick up a small dog. It's like the moment the dog leaves the ground it becomes a toy. They will jump up and try to grab the dog out of your arms. It excites other dogs and you can quickly find yourself in the middle of a pile of dogs all trying excitedly to snatch the poor terrified dog out of your arms. Then you're stuck, because you can't put the dog back down while you're surrounded by a bunch of dogs trying to grab it.

My small dog doesn't flee and squeal, so we don't ever have this problem, but when he was a puppy if he was being harassed I would crouch by him. That way he could shelter under me where the other dogs couldn't get to him and everyone had a chance to calm down. He could go back to the game when he felt comfortable and know that I was there if he needed a break.

Incidentally, my dogs are well socialised and not very prey driven, but they would still get quite aroused if a small dog was running away from them squealing. I can call them off, but it's one of the hardest things to call them away from because it's REALLY exciting. I don't really blame an owner that can't call their dog off that kind of thing. It took a lot of practice for us. It might be that owners of such dogs have a right to walk their dogs off leash, but if I had a small dog that did that I sure as hell would never let it off leash in a dog park. IMO it's asking for trouble. So I agree with wuffles that both parties have a responsibility. Big dog owners in being able to call their dogs off and small dog owners in being sensible about putting their dogs in potential danger.

Occasionally I get asked for advice, but most people seem to think they have their dog well in hand. I restrict what I say to simple stuff like "reward him when he's doing what you want him to do".

[W Sibs]

Do people ask you for advice on how to train their dog?

I often get asked at the park about how to solve issues with other peoples advice. I'm not quite sure why and I don't really feel qualified to give a proper answer.

Yesterday there was a nasty incident where a lab chased a SWF which was squealing for quite some time, the owners were unable to catch either dog. The lab owner is quite annoying and told the SWF owner (when they eventually got the dogs) that "first rule of the dog park is never to pick up your small dog" WTF??? I would have picked up my dog if it was being chased by a crazy labrador!

Shw then asked me for advice on how to stop her dog from doing that! I told her she needed professional help and she should keep her dog on the leash for the moment.

She got really shitty and said the dog needed to exercise and wasn't aggressive just trying to play. Who cares, it scared the s*** out of the other dog imo, it was in prey drive and could have gotten quite aggressive, a pack of other dogs started joining in as well, so quite a dangerous situation.

Just a brag but as soon as I saw this happening I called Mindy back to me (she was thinking about chasing too) and put her in a sit stay. Then went over to try to help separate the dogs and Mindy stayed where I told her!!! good Mindy! (she didn't remain sitting though, she laid down- lazy LOL)

Anyway i know this owner won't listen to me, I also told her she needed to work on the dogs recall, she seemed unsure of how to do that she actually said "should i just bring a biscuit to the park?" not really sure what that meant?

Even though I know what I would do if that was my dog, i don't really feel comfortable advising someone else on what to do

anway I guess all i could do was tell her to get help from someone who does know what they are doing.

Mindy sounds so good

Mostly, when my friends gets puppies they bring the puppy over and we go through basic training with them (well, i train the humans and play with the puppy ). I sometimes get random strangers coming up to ask me questions when they see me do some training with Charlie or Emmy in the front yard.

With the bolded part - I wouldn't pick up my 2 either (unless it's a very very bad situation for Charlie). I would like to believe that they trust me enough if they feel stress, they come back to me and I'll be there to protect them. Which they do. If I know they are feeling a little unsure about the situation.. I usually squat down to their level and they sit between my legs to gather up their confidence to go back out again.

With Charlie, he simply just plants his butt on the floor so he doesn't run or can be chased. Then I will walk over to him (we are never more than 1 m away from each other.. ), so he can sit between my legs and wait for me get rid of the other lab. Most of the time, it's very easy to distract the other dogs to do something else.

Corvus mentioned that it makes the situation worst. It really does. It often makes other dogs more excited and more curious about Charlie and more determined to get a sniff of him or whatever.. which make Charlie more stressed out about it. While sitting down and not paying attention to them or shoo-ing them away.. they lose interest and rush off to do something else.

Edited August 27, 2010 by CW EW

[aussielover]

Mindy is quite good. She prefers to be chased rather than do the chasing though. The only time she won't listen is if she is playing her special chasey game where she gets a stick and waves it in the other dogs face and gets them to chase her to get the stick.

The SWF owner had to pick the poor dog up because the other owner was making no attempt to get her dog away apart from lamely calling it.

It stopped squealing when she picked it up so the other dog lost interest luckily.

[corvus]

While sitting down and not paying attention to them or shoo-ing them away.. they lose interest and rush off to do something else.

Yep, I have found the same thing. It keeps it a much lower key affair. My boys both come back to me if they are uncomfortable.

I would have tackled the Lab. Much easier to catch and once you've got him the little dog is out of immediate danger and can then be picked up if required or simply put back on leash. If it's on leash and the Lab tries to menace it again, it can't bolt and you can crouch down and protect it as above. Better for everyone as the Lab doesn't get the fun of chasing and the SWF doesn't get the terror of being chased. Often the small dog can come around and decide they aren't so scared of the big dog after all. IME if you are going to pick up a dog at the dog park you should do it when no other dogs are watching. If they see the dog in your arms but didn't see it get there they seem to be less excited by it, although it's still no guarantee. One time my dogs found a dead possum in the yard. They were quite interested, but only poking it with their noses. The moment I lifted part of it off the ground they both got extremely excited and started to bite and try to play tug with it. As soon as I put it back on the ground they left it again. Weird, but it's the same sort of thing with small dogs sometimes. It's like when you pick it up it becomes a toy to bite and pull on.

[poodlefan]

While sitting down and not paying attention to them or shoo-ing them away.. they lose interest and rush off to do something else.

Yep, I have found the same thing. It keeps it a much lower key affair. My boys both come back to me if they are uncomfortable.

I would have tackled the Lab. Much easier to catch and once you've got him the little dog is out of immediate danger and can then be picked up if required or simply put back on leash. If it's on leash and the Lab tries to menace it again, it can't bolt and you can crouch down and protect it as above. Better for everyone as the Lab doesn't get the fun of chasing and the SWF doesn't get the terror of being chased. Often the small dog can come around and decide they aren't so scared of the big dog after all. IME if you are going to pick up a dog at the dog park you should do it when no other dogs are watching. If they see the dog in your arms but didn't see it get there they seem to be less excited by it, although it's still no guarantee. One time my dogs found a dead possum in the yard. They were quite interested, but only poking it with their noses. The moment I lifted part of it off the ground they both got extremely excited and started to bite and try to play tug with it. As soon as I put it back on the ground they left it again. Weird, but it's the same sort of thing with small dogs sometimes. It's like when you pick it up it becomes a toy to bite and pull on.

No way would I grab anyone's strange dog - its a fast recipe for a nasty bite. Kicking I would do and damn what the owner thought.

If dogs are coming hard at your little one, I'll pick mine up regardless of whether or not dogs can see. I'd rather kick them off while they leap than watch them shake my dog to death like a rag doll, play tug of war with her or tear her to pieces. You do what you have to to keep your dog safe and bugger any lessons it's teaching other dogs. Training is for the dogs owners to do, not me.

Anyone who lets their small dog run with stranger large dogs is asking for trouble IMO. Dogs don't even have to be aggressive - rough play injures and kills also.

CW:

I usually squat down to their level and they sit between my legs to gather up their confidence to go backout again.

If the incoming dog knocks you flat on your arse to get to your dogs CW, you'll be in no condition to help them. Stand up on your feet.

Edited August 27, 2010 by poodlefan

[W Sibs]

While sitting down and not paying attention to them or shoo-ing them away.. they lose interest and rush off to do something else.

Yep, I have found the same thing. It keeps it a much lower key affair. My boys both come back to me if they are uncomfortable.

I would have tackled the Lab. Much easier to catch and once you've got him the little dog is out of immediate danger and can then be picked up if required or simply put back on leash. If it's on leash and the Lab tries to menace it again, it can't bolt and you can crouch down and protect it as above. Better for everyone as the Lab doesn't get the fun of chasing and the SWF doesn't get the terror of being chased. Often the small dog can come around and decide they aren't so scared of the big dog after all. IME if you are going to pick up a dog at the dog park you should do it when no other dogs are watching. If they see the dog in your arms but didn't see it get there they seem to be less excited by it, although it's still no guarantee. One time my dogs found a dead possum in the yard. They were quite interested, but only poking it with their noses. The moment I lifted part of it off the ground they both got extremely excited and started to bite and try to play tug with it. As soon as I put it back on the ground they left it again. Weird, but it's the same sort of thing with small dogs sometimes. It's like when you pick it up it becomes a toy to bite and pull on.

No way would I grab anyone's strange dog - its a fast recipe for a nasty bite. Kicking I would do and damn what the owner thought.

If dogs are coming hard at your little one, I'll pick mine up regardless of whether or not dogs can see. I'd rather kick them off while they leap than watch them shake my dog to death like a rag doll, play tug of war with her or tear her to pieces. You do what you have to to keep your dog safe and bugger any lessons it's teaching other dogs. Training is for the dogs owners to do, not me.

Anyone who lets their small dog run with stranger large dogs is asking for trouble IMO. Dogs don't even have to be aggressive - rough play injures and kills also.

CW:

I usually squat down to their level and they sit between my legs to gather up their confidence to go backout again.

If the incoming dog knocks you flat on your arse to get to your dogs CW, you'll be in no condition to help them. Stand up on your feet.

It really doesn't matter if I'm standing up poodlefan.. i'm a shortie

Most of the time I do squat but there are occasion where I do stand too.. it all depends on the situation and the dog that comes rushing towards Charlie. If a dog gets to much, I will clip the other dog with a spare leash I carry around and call it's owner to get their dog...