Staffyluv Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 Mrs RB my Ziggy would love her.. All he wants is a dog to take the ball and run, so he has someone to chase or run with... We have a ball obsessed dog in our group, who wants the ball all the time... I guess we are lucky in that the rest of the group don't seem to care about it... They just run with whoever has the ball, challenge each other by shouldering each other as they run after who has the ball... I do see how it can become an issue but I really do think that you can get groups of dogs that seem to meld together really well. If we get dogs that come into the park that cause issues, we just leash our guys and leave... Sadly we have seen a couple of fights but none from the usual group that hangs together.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Rusty Bucket Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 @staffyluv we mostly have "ball issues" at the beach - so I prefer the big wide beaches where I can avoid owners who think the universe revolves around them. Mostly it's the problem with ball smashing that other owners don't seem to get. Their dog doesn't bust up the ball so why would mine? Ie they're ok with sharing until their ball ends up in little bits. And if I pick up a ball and return it to an owner by throwing it - my dog thinks it's her ball now - cos I threw it... I've worked pretty hard at getting her to leave other dogs toys alone but it's hard when the owners throw the ball right in front of her, and a few of them have such crap throws they've hit me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dee lee Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 Mrs RB, I can't see how you can put the blame onto the person throwing the ball, when it's your dog stealing it? When I play fetch with my dog, I understand the risks of ball stealing & I am alert to other dogs approaching, but I expect that owners with known ball stealers will be monitoring their dogs & at least attempting to prevent it! Sure dogs will be dogs, I hold no grudges, but I find it perplexing that anyone would think that the ball thrower is the problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nawnim Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 (edited) Some dogs are ball obsessed and it can be an asset as their owners can use balls as part of their training with ball play being the reward for good work. I often wonder what would happen at an obedience trial if in the Open class a row of dogs are lined up doing their stays with their handlers out of sight and someone threw a ball in front of them. I believe some of those highly trained dogs would break their stays. I own a ball obsessed dog and I never take a ball to dog parks because I don't want any problems. However other people take balls there and even leave them lying around afterwards so that when we go into a dog park the first thing my dog will do is to go looking for a ball that someone else has left and then bring it to me, (or anyone else she thinks looks promising), dropping the ball at my feet, and expecting me to throw it for her. The concept of ball stealing was new to me until this year. I always thought if someone threw a ball it was okay for my dog (or any dog) to join in the game and chase and retrieve it. Btw my dog doesn't steal balls she brings them back and drops them at the the thrower's feet expecting the ball to be thrown again. Sometimes when another dog has got to the ball first she will just follow it and when they lose interest and drop it she will pick the ball up and bring it back to the thrower. We don't go to dog parks any more because I don't want my ball obsessed dog to lose her enthusiasm. Edited September 28, 2012 by padraic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 @staffyluv we mostly have "ball issues" at the beach - so I prefer the big wide beaches where I can avoid owners who think the universe revolves around them. Mostly it's the problem with ball smashing that other owners don't seem to get. Their dog doesn't bust up the ball so why would mine? Ie they're ok with sharing until their ball ends up in little bits. And if I pick up a ball and return it to an owner by throwing it - my dog thinks it's her ball now - cos I threw it... I've worked pretty hard at getting her to leave other dogs toys alone but it's hard when the owners throw the ball right in front of her, and a few of them have such crap throws they've hit me. I thought all dogs chewed up tennis balls to be honest. We go through a pack of 3 a week. They are cheap and easily replaced.. The first thing Ziggy does with a new tennis ball is fetch it and pop it.. We will still keep playing with it but it will eventually get chewed to bits over time... I think we probably have about 10 to 15 tennis balls in various states of destruction around the house at any time... They and cardboard rolls and boxes are the only thing that Zig is allowed to destroy.. He is good with his other toys and I guess I am lucky as he actually seems to like to share play with his stuff... They all have their little quirks and I think we just need to work on them the best we can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koalathebear Posted September 29, 2012 Share Posted September 29, 2012 We take our dogs to the dog park every Sunday morning - they always have a blast. We often see the same faces. It's never too crowded at that time and the dogs and owners are always well-behaved. Once Dr Harry had an event near there so there were a lot more dogs than usual so we left when there were more than six dogs in the yard. There are always heaps of balls around the place but we've never seen any problems - we just keep an eye on any new owners/dogs we don't know and make sure we're comfortable with the behaviour. There are frequently young children as well and I'm a bit dubious about people who leave their dogs or children unattended in the yard (to answer a call/to read a book/to chat with friends) but we just keep an eye on things and we've never seen any problems. I think behaviour in a dog park is no different than anywhere else - be considerate, be vigilant, be careful, be polite, leave if the situation is not to your liking. After all, the purpose is for the doggies to have fun and enrichment not to create added stress for the owners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ljaitkenhead Posted September 29, 2012 Share Posted September 29, 2012 I think it really depends on the park and the dog. My dog park is amazing, Ollie has been playing with the same group of dogs since he was 20weeks and he loves it! Every now and then there comes a new dog who hassles hIm a bit too much for my liking (Ollie is submissive 99%of the time) but mostly we have a great balance. I find the more we went the more Ollie learnt which dogs he could play rougher with etc. We also have big bbqs for Christmas and Easter and have lots of giveaway toys and gifts from the local pet stores. It becomes very much a social outing on a Friday afternoon too! The only issue I find is when people carry their dogs into the park. It's just setting their dog up to be completely swamped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted September 29, 2012 Share Posted September 29, 2012 I don't frequent parks or ovals unless they are quiet - I start with training and end with a little off leash madness. We co-exist well with the local kids sports clubs....if we are training I ask if it's ok if I finish up whilst they are setting up. Sometimes I explain to the kids what I'm doing (and they love it - especially when it's retrieving or agility). I will often have the dogs do a drop stay whilst I chat with parents/kids/coaches to demonstrate I have good control. If dogs turn up I put mine in a drop stay or leash them or put them in the car. My entire male is a target for other males and my ESS doesn't cope with dogs that are over bearing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 (edited) Dbl post Edited October 1, 2012 by Simply Grand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 (edited) Oops triple post! Edited October 1, 2012 by Simply Grand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 *vent alert* I've just come from a lovely afternoon at the dog park (fenced, not shared use) with my guys but here's an eg of what NOT to do - A woman came in on her own with her three kids, ages 3, 5 and 7 I'd guess, and one dog. You could hear them coming a mile away as the kids ran screaming towards the entrance gate (Quinn went on lead). Kids open the gate and all 3 come running into the park yelling. Woman comes in, takes leash and slip collar of dog and lets her run off. Then kids all run off to one end of the park, the woman walks halfway along and stands there, the dog runs to the other end of the park. So their visit was spent with the woman standing still in the middle of the park, 3 kids and dog without even a collar to grab all unattended running around the park. Very luckily, there were no major problems, thanks to the attentiveness of other owners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kima Posted October 2, 2012 Author Share Posted October 2, 2012 Owning a Stafford for the first time i really want to make sure he is used to other dogs and can socialise nicely and dog parks seem like a great opportunity for that! I dont want to take the risk of him ever somehow getting out of the backyard and attacking another dog. (Dont have to worry too much about people as he thinks they are the greatest thing in the world, he even tries to climb into the vets lap when she bends over to say hi to him!) So big thanks to everyone for the advice and for sharing their experiences, all very useful info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkhe Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I hope you find a good one! My park is the best thing in the world, I LOVE it. I credit some of the dogs and owners there with helping my formerly terrified and shy little dog come out of her shell and learn to interact safely with other dogs. I've met some lovely, lovely people there who I probably share more with than anyone else in my life (bar my partner). Occasionally we get an uninterested and irresponsible owner who doesn't pay any atteniton to what their dog is doing, but they soon get hte message that that behaviour isn't cool here. It's not cliquey and new people and dogs are welcomed with open arms, but not people who don't pick up after their dog, or look after them while they're at the park. One my little dogs was attacked the there other night by a dog whose owner was sitting in the middle of an oval about 30-40m away. It was very scary and thankfully my dog is ok (I pulled the other dog off her quick smart - thanks adrenalin!) but it's not going to stop me going back there. I made my feelings well known to the dog's owner, and there were enough witnesses that I'd be VERY surprised if that person comes back. Really, going to an off-leash park is a calculated risk, but in my opinion, so is everything in life. The amount of joy that it brings me and my dogs, I'm not going to stop going for anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Rusty Bucket Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Mrs RB, I can't see how you can put the blame onto the person throwing the ball, when it's your dog stealing it? I don't blame the other person - I just wish they'd give me a chance to get my dog back on lead before they start chucking their ball again. And my dog only "steals" the ball - when the other dog gives it to her or abandons it. We're good these days until someone chucks the ball right in her face and the other dog doesn't try to fetch it. And as far as she can tell - it's her ball now. I can get it back but there is a limit. And some dogs and her - find the game of chase me for the ball - very fun. And as long as she's running with the ball in her mouth - she won't smash it. I did have a good laugh the other day at the beach. Someone had thrown my dog their ball - seriously - right in front of her and well away from their dog. So she picked it up and had a great game of chase me with a third dog who wasn't the least bit interested in the fact that its owner was trying to leave. I can call her off play, but I didn't cos I was too busy laughing. And owner of the third dog never asked me to help. I don't think she thought of it - was too busy trying to get her own dog to do what she asked. And we got the ball safely back where it belonged. It was quite a challenge though - a squeaky cuz toy. It's not easy for a dog to leave one of those alone. I can't set up training drills for this at home. And of the three dogs involved - mine was the most obedient and well trained. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandgrubber Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 The guidelines are your state dog laws . And common sense which is sadly lacking . Also tolerance, which is often sadly lacking. Save the venting and raving for people whose actions are dangerous, not for those who are merely annoying. If you have to walk away from some situations, walk away. Lots of people out there are less than perfect :D. You're not going to bring all the idiots around to your way of doing things. One person's common sense is another person's twisted and warped point of view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumof4girls Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Unfortunately the dog park near me the owners sit / stand in a group chatting while dogs run, crap, whatever and they don't do anything. I went once they welcomed me as they are all regukars but that's not my kind of dog park .. I had uncontrolled little dogs come up to us and Rogue wanted to play but he is so big and boofy :-) that i could see the little ones getting hurt, it didn't matter me keeping him on lead and far away as dogs do they followed and owners just kept chatting.. When new people came to the gate all dogs rushed over owner still sitting doing nothing... ugh ... Happy to say though I have made contact with a couple of people who have the same breed and we are organising play dates :-) :-) I so want dog friends lol.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJ88 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I've only just started walking with Ava to the dog park (a 10 minute walk and then a 20 minute or so play) and I usually get her to sit when we go in and then make her wait a little and then say ok you can go. Alot of the time she tries to get away because people don't call there dogs when people are walking into the dog park which is a little annoying trying to contain a boisterous 2 year old golden but it works. The one thing I hate that though is people that don't pick up there dog's crap, almost walking into it every 5 metres isn't nice! To be honest I'm interest to read what people think/ do at dog parks as well. Never crossed my mind that there are unruly/ dangerous dogs at the park but again why would you take your dog if it was like that? Also the recall thing, Ava isn't too bad but she responds more to the shaking of her lead as a gesture that we're leaving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 The guidelines are your state dog laws . And common sense which is sadly lacking . Also tolerance, which is often sadly lacking. Save the venting and raving for people whose actions are dangerous, not for those who are merely annoying. If you have to walk away from some situations, walk away. Lots of people out there are less than perfect :D. You're not going to bring all the idiots around to your way of doing things. One person's common sense is another person's twisted and warped point of view. Just wondering sg, do you think the situation I vented about above was a dangerous one, or an annoying one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparassidae Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 My views on dog parks has changed. I used to be against dogs running up to others etc. Now I believe if you take your dog into a dog park, your dog MUST be friendly - especially a fenced one. I think it is unreasonable to expect other dogs not to approach yours. I don't go to them often. I haven't been to one in over 18 months but I used to take my GSD to one at midnight or so, and we took our Dalmatian in the evening once but some random dog tried to herd her and bit her ear so we didn't go back. It wasn't bad, but a ton of blood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I am limiting the time that Ziggy has there.. We only go for a very short while and nowhere near as often as we used to go... I have found this limited excitement has helped with his training so much... He is an extremely excitable dog and the more excited he gets, the less he listens to me. I agree Midol, aggressive dogs have no place running free at an off lead park with other dogs... However if the owners of said dogs wanted to give their dog a run, I would be happy to wait so the dog could have some leash free time... I know some won't agree with me but I think leash free time to have a sniff around or a good run is good for dogs... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now