|
MOTH
Wild Woman


Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 23,431
Loc: In the jungle
|
Scary and aggravating experience at dog park.
#5403868 - 03/15/06 02:47 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Okay, there is a park where I routinely go to let my dog off leash. It's an off-leash park, designed over acres of forest and trails for owners and their dogs to walk and cycle on. It's huge.
Every single time, every owner and their dog has been friendly and courteous. I've heard the "horror stories" of dog parks, where irresponsible owners let their dog-aggressive dogs off-leash, but I've seen none of that at this particular park. And I've gone there probably over a hundred times by now.
Anyway. Bambi and I were about to exit, and I was about to put her leash on, when all of a sudden a dog rushes up to her out of nowhere and starts snapping madly and barking. He rushes up to her and bites her on the chest, and then she stands her ground, growling and snarling too at his unprovoked aggression.
My dog Bambi is a lab mix, 12, friendly to every single dog. She has good trail etiquette...will sniff, wag and move on with me.
I dashed forward into the middle of the fray and hauled her entire body away from this dog with my bare hands, just trying to protect her. Then I see a cyclist bike by, and the dog leaves Bambi and goes with him. I give him the dirtiest look known to man and as he goes by he says, "Your dog okay? Sorry bout that."
Sorry bout that. His dog attacked my dog unprovoked and all he has to say is "sorry bout that?"
I was a thought away from exploding into one of the most scathing rants I could possible conjure about owner responsiblity and etiquette at dog parks, but by then, he had disappeared into the trails. Part of me wanted to chase him down and knock him off his bike. 
It's fucking STUPID and most of all, INCONSIDERATE to take a dog-aggressive dog OFF LEASH to a dog park where other dogs are known to congregate in a park atmosphere. I work with dogs daily and know that dogs cannot help the way that they are, they simply ARE. It is a dog owner's responsibility to teach their animal how to behave, ESPECIALLY in public, ESPECIALLY in a dog park where excitement levels are heightened. I blame the owner entirely, and I am pissed. I felt Bambi's chest where she was bit and her fur is wet. A few more seconds and who knows what could've happened.
I am so pissed. I deal with irresponsible and STUPID owners all day at my job and I just didn't expect to have this experience today.
So for all the owners reading this with dog-aggressive animals...PLEASE use your brain before you bring him/her off-leash to a dog park!!
|
Liz
Owl Lady



Registered: 11/16/04
Posts: 6,962
Loc: Massachusetts
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: MOTH]
#5403923 - 03/15/06 02:57 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
That sucks Elle - that's really scary 
My puppy isn't allowed off leash except if she's fenced in. I'm not sure I would let her off the leash at dog parks, because she is aggresive, but not in a mean sense. She doesn't bite, she's just a typical puppy and wants to be all over all the other dogs 
Would that be frowned upon by other dog owners? Or would they take it as being friendly? LIke I said, she doesn't bite, and isn't mean....she's just completely overly excited.
-------------------- Remember, remember the fifth of November The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
|
MiddleFinger
Is cooler thanyou

Registered: 02/12/06
Posts: 1,402
Last seen: 14 years, 7 months
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: Liz]
#5403985 - 03/15/06 03:07 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
That's rough. I think there was a Law and Order like this once...
Anyway, that must've been quite a situation. At times, pets can become almost as thoughtless as their owners...
-------------------- History says, Don't hope On this side of the grave. But then, once in a lifetime The longed-for tidal wave Of justice can rise up And hope and history rhyme.
|
blink
eye of horus



Registered: 03/31/02
Posts: 11,349
Loc: Geographic Location (Stat...
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. *DELETED* [Re: MiddleFinger]
#5404007 - 03/15/06 03:10 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Post deleted by blinkidiotReason for deletion: Im sorry
--------------------
|
MOTH
Wild Woman


Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 23,431
Loc: In the jungle
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: Liz]
#5404011 - 03/15/06 03:11 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Liz, puppy exuberance is OFTEN seen at the dog park I go to! That's not aggression, she is trying to play to learn and socialize, not show her dominance by snapping and biting harmfully. There is a big difference, in my opinion. Lots of owners of young dogs at this park let them romp and play with one another as they walk the trails. Bambi is an older girl and doesn't like overly energetic dogs too much (although the most she's done is grumble and growl at them) so I have to be careful she doesn't get irritated. If I note even a hint of disturbance in her behavior, or if I see a dog coming that seems...off...I grab her by the collar, leash her, and we find a different path.
Dog park etiquette is all about keeping an eye on your dog's behavior and taking appropriate action...and the behavior of other dogs since their owners might not be paying attention. Today just caught me totaly off guard.
I LOVE the dog park...I really do. I just wish every owner could be more aware of their dog's behavior and be considerate of other pet owners.
|
MOTH
Wild Woman


Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 23,431
Loc: In the jungle
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: blink]
#5404028 - 03/15/06 03:15 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
blinkidiot said: I worked at as a lifeguard at a lake about 4 years ago this summer.
A dog jumped on a child (out of excitement maybe?) and from what I could see, bit him. Iran out of my guard chair, too the dog by the throat and started to punch it in the face, and the owner came over screaming and ranting about animal abuse.
The cops agreed with me and the dog was taken from him. You should have punched the dog in the snout. Protect your family elle.
Yeah, no kidding. I didn't even think about risk to myself when I tried to put myself between them to haul her out of there.
I'm annoyed that I didn't bitch the biker out.
|
Liz
Owl Lady



Registered: 11/16/04
Posts: 6,962
Loc: Massachusetts
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: MOTH]
#5404226 - 03/15/06 03:55 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Thanks for the info Elle. We should really look in to where there's dog park around here and take her. A lot of the time we have friends over here and have them bring their dogs, and we take them to our tennis court which is fenced in, so we can let them off the leashes. But I'd love her to be able to interact with other dogs that she doesn't know.
-------------------- Remember, remember the fifth of November The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
|
MOTH
Wild Woman


Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 23,431
Loc: In the jungle
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: Liz]
#5404302 - 03/15/06 04:10 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
It's exciting, that's for sure, just have to be aware.
Bambi LOVES the dog park. She acts old and stiff most the time, but when I get out her leash, she knows where she's going and she'll jump up into the air and bounce around like a puppy again. 
If I had a baby like yours though...I'd do play dates with dogs and people I know like you are doing. Much safer until she is old enough to understand basic commands and isn't as vulnerable physically and mentally.
When I finally get my dane puppy (one day...far away...) that'll my plan for awhile. Babies are so sensitive and need to be socialized carefully. Lucy (is that her name?) has an excellent mommy!
|
AliceDee
-L S D-

Registered: 08/10/03
Posts: 3,957
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: MOTH]
#5404308 - 03/15/06 04:11 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
ive seen dogs get killed by other dogs off-leash so just be greatful the only thing Bambi got was a little bite on the chest...
|
MOTH
Wild Woman


Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 23,431
Loc: In the jungle
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: AliceDee]
#5404325 - 03/15/06 04:15 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I've heard those stories...I am very thankful she is okay. There were other dogs with the biker too, so maybe they were all in a 'pack' mentality.
This park isn't your typical dog park where all the dogs are in a single fenced in square area...it's a multi-recreational park maintained by the state so normally there aren't any spots where dogs are just running loose together. They normally just follow their owners through the trails, sniff and continue.
Normally.
|
ToTheSummit
peregrinus



Registered: 08/22/99
Posts: 9,126
Loc: Las Vegas
Last seen: 12 hours, 24 minutes
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: MOTH]
#5404341 - 03/15/06 04:18 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
What pisses me of is that usually the owners of agressive dogs want to act like its not thier dogs fault when a fight breaks out. A group of about 20 of us had to run one guy off from the dog park one day when his really nasty tempered pit bull started a big dog fight. He kept saying the other dogs were being aggressive (not true, we all knew each other there and all our dogs got along great). He then threatened to sick his dog on me before he left!! I told him to go ahead and watch me kill his dog before I sue the shit outta him for it (I already had my knife out and was ready to go). Luckily he just left and we never saw him again.
-------------------- You invented the wheel....You push the motherfucker!!
|
Liz
Owl Lady



Registered: 11/16/04
Posts: 6,962
Loc: Massachusetts
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: MOTH]
#5404345 - 03/15/06 04:19 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Oh, I should have been a little more specific. She's excellent with commands, but around other dogs she definite listens a little bit less 
She's almost 8 months old now, and she was so easy to train. She knows sit, stay, come, roll over, all sorts of fun stuff Given the fact that she's like a walking stomach, it was really easy to motivate her hehe
I've never been to a dog park. THis thread is definitely making me want to check one out. I love seeing her around other dogs, she's gets SO happy!
-------------------- Remember, remember the fifth of November The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
|
Liz
Owl Lady



Registered: 11/16/04
Posts: 6,962
Loc: Massachusetts
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: ToTheSummit]
#5404353 - 03/15/06 04:21 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
...jesus. A knife pulled at a dog park? Owners threatening other owners with their pit bulls?! 
That's nuts.
-------------------- Remember, remember the fifth of November The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
|
MOTH
Wild Woman


Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 23,431
Loc: In the jungle
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: ToTheSummit]
#5404366 - 03/15/06 04:23 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
See, I'm so glad I've had few experiences like that. There's lots of owners who look down on dog parks because of the actions of other inconsiderate owners and their dogs. But even Caesar Milan (the dog whisperer) says that it's up to the responsible owners to police the dog parks themselves to keep the irreponsible ones out.
OH, and I also saw a guy smoking pot with his retriever today. I passively wondered if it was a shroomerite. Then I actively wondered if I should ask him for a hit. 
Instead, I just kept walking. Back when I smoked pot, I used to get high at the dog park all the time.
|
ToTheSummit
peregrinus



Registered: 08/22/99
Posts: 9,126
Loc: Las Vegas
Last seen: 12 hours, 24 minutes
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: Liz]
#5404372 - 03/15/06 04:23 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Liz said: ...jesus. A knife pulled at a dog park? Owners threatening other owners with their pit bulls?! 
That's nuts.
 Yeah, sounds pretty bad, huh! I just pulled out the knife when he threatened to sick the dog on me. It was always such a pleasant park except for that day. That guy was a real putz!
-------------------- You invented the wheel....You push the motherfucker!!
|
MOTH
Wild Woman


Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 23,431
Loc: In the jungle
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: Liz]
#5404402 - 03/15/06 04:31 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Liz said: Oh, I should have been a little more specific. She's excellent with commands, but around other dogs she definite listens a little bit less 
She's almost 8 months old now, and she was so easy to train. She knows sit, stay, come, roll over, all sorts of fun stuff Given the fact that she's like a walking stomach, it was really easy to motivate her hehe
I've never been to a dog park. THis thread is definitely making me want to check one out. I love seeing her around other dogs, she's gets SO happy!
Ohhh, okay, she is a TEENAGER. 
Honestly, aside from today, 99% of my experiences at my dog park have been wonderful. It's totally worth any stress because Bambi gets so much pleasure out of it.
Hope you can find a good one near where you live...
|
Liz
Owl Lady



Registered: 11/16/04
Posts: 6,962
Loc: Massachusetts
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: ToTheSummit]
#5404404 - 03/15/06 04:32 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
One time when I was in high school my friend and I were walking home from soccer practice when a guy had his 2 dobermans off leash was playing with them in a field across the street from where we were walking. They spotted and and came charging, and at first I thought they just saw people and wanted to play, but they were growling, barking viciously, and being very intimidating. They circled us and then one of them darted forward and tried to bite my friends leg. She kicked it, and it backed away a few feet, but they kept circling. Meanwhile the fucking owner is sauntering over, in no real rush to come get his beasts away from us...and they weren't backing down. So me and my friend stood back to back and circled as they circled, and every time one of them would lunge forward, we would kick it as hard as we could. I bet getting kicked with soccer cleats hurts.
Finally the guy picks up the pace, gets over to us, and says something along the lines of "Why were you kicking my dogs, they wer ejust trying to play".
I screamed at him, and he had the balls to tell me that he was going to call the police and report me for kicking his dogs. I left, went home and called the cops - I hope they took the dogs from him.
-------------------- Remember, remember the fifth of November The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
|
MOTH
Wild Woman


Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 23,431
Loc: In the jungle
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: Liz]
#5404450 - 03/15/06 04:42 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I think people forget that even though dogs are domesticated...they are still animals with jaws and claws who need to be kept under control at all times for the safety of everyone.
And most of the time...it's the owners that cause problems in the dog. I see it everyday.
Fortunately, I do believe that in the right hands and with the proper support system, a dog can recover from a bad owner.
At a Great Dane forum I visit, all the members there are very strict about what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior for their dogs. This is because what is adorable behavior for a chihuahua might be downright dangerous for a dane. I try to keep that in mind. Everytime I see the neighbor's chihuahua yapping its little head off (as cute as it looks) I remember, "Would that behavior be as cute if that dog were 100 lbs+?" Doubtfully...
I can't wait until I get my puppy. But it won't be for awhile since a puppy might be too much for Bambi in her advancing age. We were thinking about going to the shelter and getting her an older companion though.
|
Jack_Flash
604


Registered: 03/17/05
Posts: 619
Loc: richmond, BC
Last seen: 9 years, 5 months
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: MOTH]
#5404535 - 03/15/06 04:58 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
theres this one reallllly stupid ugly dog in my neighborhood that runs up to me whenever i walk by, its fucking annoying. ive always wanted to boot it in the chin, but i just coulddnt, id probly kill that, and plus theyre owners usually outside while i walk by, telling the dog to come back, but it just ignores them lol. maybe i should teach him a lesson
|
MOTH
Wild Woman


Registered: 06/06/03
Posts: 23,431
Loc: In the jungle
|
Re: Scary and aggravating experience at dog park. [Re: Jack_Flash]
#5404559 - 03/15/06 05:02 PM (17 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Just tell the owners to control their dog. No need to make the dog suffer.
|
|