A Common Sense Approach to Dog Parks

What do Dog Parks Teach Our Dogs?

One of the most common places where dogs find conflict with other dogs is at the dog park, where adrenalin runs high and excitement is the name of the game. The concentrated chaos of an ever changing pack can tempt even the most passive dogs past their limits. Scuffles and fights happen with ALL types of dogs at parks, and if one occurs, your maturing pit bull might just find himself smak dab in the middle of it. However it goes, you can bet that you and your dog will be labeled the bad guy. Protecting our dogs involves avoiding situations - like dog parks - where dogs are so often set up to fail.

Terrier People, You Aren't Alone - Even though many greyhounds enjoy dog parks, their advocates are quick to point out the risks.

These two play buddies are actually having a great time together. The young male on the right is submitting nicely to the pushy play style of the female on the left, but as he continues to mature, this kind of challenge and excitement may be enough to trigger an argument. This is especially true if a dog he's not familiar with pushes him past his limits. Remember, our dogs are essentially large terriers and terriers as a group are known for not backing down from a challenge.

But LOTS of people bring pit bulls to dog parks with no problems whatsoever. What's up with that ?

Easy answer: The pit bulls that do well in rowdy play sessions with larger groups of unknown dogs are typically youngsters. Parks can be great places for easy going youngsters to blow off steam and socialize, but as dogs begin to feel their adult bravado, it's normal for them to lose patience with other dogs' rude behavior.

No matter how much good socializing and training you've done, your dog's dog-tolerance can still disappear if he's triggered into conflict by another dog's challenge, a tussle over a toy, a tug-o-war game or even a friendly wrestling match that gets a little "too exciting."

Because we dog people love to be optimists, many of us let ourselves get lulled into a false sense of confidence after months or even years of success in the parks. Common misperceptions: "Dog parks are the best place for socializing" or "I can call him out of trouble if it shows up; He listens to me," or (our least favorite excuse) "The place I got him from told me he's great with dogs." The first day your dog gets into a scrap with another dog can be a big shocker. Sadly, we hear it again and again: "But, he's never done anything like this before!"

Is this a 'Pit Bull Thing?'
Absolutely not! Canine dog-dog aggression is as common in dogs as four legs and a tail. This normal behavior is generally easy to manage in small play groups with known dog-friends, although all bets are off in situations like dog parks where so many personalities are in a heightened state of arousal. Read how dog aggression was creating problems for dogs and their people in this Chicago Dog Park.

Here's why you REALLY don't want your dog to fight at the Dog Park:

Because dogs of all sizes visit dog parks, larger dogs have the potential to hurt smaller dogs, causing you huge vet bills, problems with your local animal control, liability concerns, and, in the some instances, you could lose your dog for good. In addition, setting your dog up to fail can negatively affect his future interactions with other dogs. Want to increase his odds of staying dog tolerant? Never let him get into his first fight. For real. Whether or not your dog starts it, many a dog is forever changed by his first fight and is never the same around other dogs again. And finally, during this time of breed prejudice, even the smallest display of bravado involving pit bull type dogs will set off alarm bells in onlookers and ding the reputation of the breed yet again. It's not fair, but it's the reality we're facing right now.

Please Remember: Dog-on-dog Aggression and Human Aggression are two VERY different behaviors. Any pit bull that shows aggression to a human is a troubled dog and his owner should seek professional help immediately. Dog-on-dog aggression is not uncommon with the terrier breeds ... and it demands your smart management. We thank all the responsible dog owners out there for showing the rest how it's done right!

Should pit bulls be banned from dog parks?

Well, no! As we know, all breeds will fight, so banning certain breeds will only serve to stereotype dogs, but won't prevent altercations at the park. Unfortunately, no one can control what mix of dog personalities show up at the parks, and whether or not those personalities will clash. It's not uncommon for dog owners to overestimate their dog's tolerance level with dogs as well as their own ability to prevent trouble. Many are distracted by conversations on the sidelines and some never see trouble coming until its too late. Murphy's Law Says: Your maturing dog WILL get entangled with a sour tempered bad boy on the one day you're feeling fuzzy, distracted and unprepared. Responsible, educated owners know their dogs' limits and know how to keep them out of trouble. These same owners know that keeping their pit bulls out of dog parks can be one of the very best decisions you make for your pet.

Honestly? Some of most well socialized dogs in BADRAP are able to stay that way simply because we've chosen to avoid setting them up to fail in situations like dog parks. Our dogs benefit from play groups with known dogs, so we're able to work on building up a large list of 'dog friendships,' much in the same way parents seek out good playmates for their small children.

How do I keep my dog socialized if I don't go to dog park?

Left: These four dogs have grown to know each other very well and are playing nicely in a contained area, without the possibility of another dog entering the scene to challenge them or stir up excitement. Organized, supervised play groups can be a great way to keep your dog-tolerant dog well socialized. Dog clubs and dog obedience classes can be a great place to meet appropriate, well socialized dog friends of every breed.

If your dog isn't fond of other dogs - No sweat. He gets the fun of enjoying play time with you all to himself. Dogs don't have to have other dog friends in order to be happy.

More Info:

Understanding Dog-Tolerance Levels: Dog/Dog

Living well with: Multi Dogs

Socializing your pit bull: Socializing

Your role: Keeping the Peace

If you see people in the dog park who seem especially novice and/or overwhelmed by their dog's play style, please kindly point them towards breed education resources so they can make safe, wise decisions for their dog.

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