Why I dislike dog park, or similar, gatherings
In theory, large dog gatherings and dog parks are a wonderful idea. Owners getting together and chatting whilst their dogs mill around playing, interacting joyfully and generally having a good time in a calm and measured manner. Whilst I like the concept of this ‘Nirvana’, I have truly ambivalent feelings towards such gatherings and would never take my dogs to places such as this.
My dogs are well socialised and safe but I have reservations about other people’s dogs. Yes, I know this seems self-indulgent and I do hear some people say, dogs will be dogs, just let them get on with it. My concern is that my dogs will learn inappropriate language and behaviours from other dogs who are rude and poor mannered. I also do not wish to place my dogs in a situation where they have to defend themselves from overzealous dogs or dog bullies. I haven’t met many people who go to these places who do not have stories of some incident or another that has resulted in a dog fight and/or injury. Often the owners of these type of dogs (bullies and overzealous) are often uneducated in appropriate interactions, so I am also preventing any personal potential confrontation and the stress associated with this, I don’t need the stress.
This does however raise the question of when do I socialise my dogs. I don’t expect my dogs to interact with every dog they meet, in fact I discourage it. I do understand that dogs are social creatures and some like to expand their social horizons whilst others are not interested, I am comfortable with both of these scenarios and if it is the latter, I ensure it is controlled. I am fortunate in that they go to work with me and get to mix with appropriately behaved dogs. I can also control situations so that interactions are well managed. There are many who do not have this luxury and may not have family members or friends with dogs that they can mix with. If this is the case, there are a number of things they can do to mitigate any potential problems when visiting places with large gatherings of dogs.
1. If you have an adolescent dog, it is likely that you have a dog that will push the tolerance levels of other dogs i.e. see what they can get away with. Watch you dog carefully to ensure they are not hassling another dog or frightening a pup (or similar). Similarly, ensure your older dog or pup is not put into situations where they are overwhelmed or terrified.
2. Contrary to what you may read or interpret, puppies do not need to meet every dog they come across. Yes, certain breeds will need greater exposure than others but whatever it is, the meeting has to be well managed and owners need to advocate for their puppy and not just, ‘let them get on with it’!
3. Watch for ganging up towards your dog. This can often be misconstrued as dogs chasing each other and playing but watch carefully for the signals. If your dog is clearly trying to get away and has no let up from the other dogs, interrupt the interaction.
4. When going into areas where there appears to be an established gathering of people, it is likely that their dogs would know each other and ‘pack up’, making it difficult for a new dog to enter the established territory. Sometimes the new arrival will be readily accepted (after a quick sniff and safety evaluation) but if not, it can quickly escalate into a scrap, take your time and evaluate as you go.
5. Visit these areas without your dog to ensure you like what you see and feel that it will be appropriate for you, your dog and your nerves!!
I know, I know, I sound like the fun police but I have witnessed too much mayhem and been called to many behavioural cases that are a result of hugely negative interactions in these places. Let’s also not forget that, irrespective of where you are, there is a legal obligation to have complete control of your dog at all times, dog park or not.