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Author Topic:   My dog, the dog park, and aggressive behavior
richdean
New Member

Posts: 5
From:Los Angeles, CA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-03-2003 07:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for richdean     Edit/Delete Message
Hello,

I am new to this forum.

We recently rescued 2 wonderful dogs from the LA County Shelter (both chow/lab/other mixes)... brothers we think (or father/son)... Bosco (3 or 5) and Buddy (3)

They're very friendly to people and to most other dogs when they're off-leash. Here's my problem:

Our local dog park is a great place for these 2 boys to socialize with others and they seem to enjoy it. But Bosco has a problem with this one German Shepard -- he'll go up and nip the dogs back legs hard and not in a playful way. They'll start growling at each other, and then Buddy will come over and they'll try and take on this Shepard together.

Buddy and Bosco also seem to have a hard time understanding how to play with other dogs. Most of the time, they either sit by our side or chase the other dogs, barking at them. Only once or twice have I seen the "head down/tail up" playful stance from them.

I want to socialize them, but am hesitant because of their sometimes agressive behavior. I'm also a bit embarrassed when they get aggressive and the other owners get mad. (I know that's silly, but...)

Anyway, any advice?

Thanks,

Rich

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puck823
Member

Posts: 34
From:Sacramento, CA, USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 08-03-2003 10:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for puck823     Edit/Delete Message
Dogs that are new to the park often stay with their owners for the first few times. They seem to need the reassurance. The behavior is very common.

As for the aggression, I've seen the same type of problem with a gal that has a couple of rotties. Try breaking up the team effort and only take one at time. That way they have to socialize with other dogs on their own. A one on one with the German Shepard may find Bosco deciding that it's not a good idea. Also, you'll only have one dog to deal with if things get dicey. Once they've made their own way in the park, you should be able to bring them together again.

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Lucky
Member

Posts: 77
From:
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 08-04-2003 01:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Lucky     Edit/Delete Message
I was once told (by an animal trainer) that the dog park is not a good place for aggressive dogs because it reinforces their status as top dog. Seems a shame to me not to let your dogs have the fun, though! I agree that you should try taking them one at a time.

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richdean
New Member

Posts: 5
From:Los Angeles, CA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-04-2003 11:13 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for richdean     Edit/Delete Message
Thanks for the advice. Taking them separately makes a lot of sense.

We've felt like we had to take them both everywhere, but maybe that's just exacerbating the problem.

Rich

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Jas

Moderator

Posts: 536
From:
Registered: May 2003

posted 08-04-2003 11:16 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jas     Edit/Delete Message
Hi and welcome to the boards!!!!

I think it is right to bring them out separately if you do choose to continue with the dog parks. This will avoid the "pack" mentality that can happen with pairs. On their own there isn't another dog backing the situation and you may find their behavior alone is completely different. Dog parks can be overwhelming for some dogs especially during a busier time of day - maybe start by going only when it is a quieter time.

I like dog parks for the socialization aspect as well as the regulars that go there. My guys have their buddies they enjoy playing with. On the same note I do dislike the park at times because you have no control of who is there and sometimes certain owners bring problem dogs there (dogs who have a problem with more than once dog) or the owners do not pay attention to the signals their dog is giving.

If you can arrange to meet the dogs yours get along with, and if a dog shows up that yours doesn't like put yours on leash for a bit or come back another time. Like with people, there are certain dogs who just do not get along, and this is understandable.

[This message has been edited by Jas (edited 08-04-2003).]

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elizabethp
Member

Posts: 12
From:Conrad, MT USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 08-05-2003 01:57 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for elizabethp     Edit/Delete Message
Hi...I think one at a time is the way to go too. My friend has two Scottie's, also males, and they would gang up against my Boston. Alone they were sweet and two could always get along but rarely three. Keep us posted.

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puttin510
Member

Posts: 1179
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 08-05-2003 12:33 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for puttin510     Edit/Delete Message
I concur, take one at a time. What dog park do you go to. I am from L.A. also

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richdean
New Member

Posts: 5
From:Los Angeles, CA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-05-2003 01:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for richdean     Edit/Delete Message
I think what we're gonna do is take one dog to the Silverlake Dog Park here in LA and the other to the Griffith Park Dog park a few miles away. That way my girlfriend and I can both get some time with them off-leash... Thanks to everyone for the advice... and Puttin510, we're at one or the other -- our dogs look like this:
http://homepage.mac.com/rdean/PhotoAlbum48.html

Again, thanks folks!

Rich

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puttin510
Member

Posts: 1179
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 08-05-2003 02:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for puttin510     Edit/Delete Message
I know of those dog parks, but the ones I usually go to are Redondo dog park, and Knoll hill. I have also gone to the one in Long Beach. My poodle does not like walking on the rough surface. It hurts her feet. She has arthritis. But my terrier usually has a good time. Though one time was terrible. My terrier was attacked by a huge alaskan malamute. I had to rush him to the emergencie vet. They said he was lucky he did not have his ribcage crushed. He still loves to play with other dogs though. I saw a dog that looked exactly like your fluffy one at the vets yesterday. The owner did not know what breed it was. It was talking just like the huskies or malamutes do. I told her there are the red huskeys also. Though he could have also been mixed with chow. I think that dogs like to have their alone time with the owners too. They sometimes act completely different without their housemate.

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