How to handle reputation

[big blue]

As some may know now i have 3 "bully" breeds.. Monty and apollo my pit and doberman have gone through extensive training and we are going to put our mastiff through it in a month or two.. They do still enjoy the park and obey there commands while there.. such as leave it, give them space, and go play with your brother.. my problem is other dogs arent trained as well and i see several dog fights break out.. My dogs have yet to be the victim as i pay extremely close attention to all of my dogs signs and as well as to others.. but what if my dogs got into a fight there fault or not.. what do i do? im quite positive if i was to command release they would listen but how would i get the other dog off properly since owners dont stay near there dogs at all time? I do not think its proper to strike another persons dog.. what are your ideas? I have heard of people with aggressive breeds that take beating sticks with them to the park.. i have actually seen a couple people with them.. but i dont agree with that...

 

[Cody]

My solution is I don't go to off leash parks with my dogs
I do take them to empty fields to play and run, we have organized play dates with dogs we know, but I do not trust other people with their dogs.
I don't want to risk my dogs having a bad experience, so I am very careful about who they interact with.

 

[big blue]

I really dont have any open fields that arent by cars and it is a HUGE fine for having your dog (AGGRESSIVE BREED) off leash.. They can even take your dog from you if it happens enough times.. I would hate to risk it..As for now I keep a close eye on them and not afraid to voice my disapproval about lazy pet owners.. lol.. but do you know of anything to do if they ever were to get attacked?

 

[moonglow]

My solution is I don't go to off leash parks with my dogs
I do take them to empty fields to play and run, we have organized play dates with dogs we know, but I do not trust other people with their dogs.
I don't want to risk my dogs having a bad experience, so I am very careful about who they interact with.

This is the reason I don't take Rolex to dog parks. So far he has not shown aggression towards any other dogs so I'm not worried about his reaction, I'm worried about other dogs. I don't even let him socialize with other dogs on leash because I have had other dogs that got attacked when I let them greet new dogs. Another issue that you want to keep in mind is even if your dog doesn't start the fight they will usually get blamed for it because of their breeds. You have to weigh the risks and benifits of taking your dogs to a dog park, is it really that important for your dogs to play with others, especially when they have playmates at home? I know some people won't agree with this and there are exceptions but if you want dogs that you can take to dog parks and such, Pit Bulls and CCs are generally not very good candidates (I'm not very familiar with Dobes). As far as ways to exercise them I have read about some people on the forum who take their dogs to parks or forest preserves and keep their dogs on Flexis/long lines. I hope you are able to get the information you are looking for and that your dogs stay safe.

 

[ruby55]

http://www.mastiff-forum.com/showthread.php/7941-This-is-why-I-hate-people
This incident happened, I'm pretty sure, because someone had the wrong idea about big brindle dogs. We take our bullmastiffs out almost every weekend to public events, not just doggy events, so we can educate anyone who wants to learn about big brindle dogs. But things just happen, & you just can't fix stupid.
Having said that, the local chapter of bullmastiff rescue will be posting our story about Ally, with a word of caution about the brindles in particular. All I can tell you is be careful, because if your big dog gets into trouble with a little dog, it will be YOUR dog that is blamed, no matter how the incident occurred. Be on watch every minute you're out, & be open to questions no matter how stupid they seem. Every question is an opportunity to educate, and advocate.

 

[YouKnowMeNot]

I don't know about beating stick, but you need a breakstick if you have a pitbull. Google it. Water does the job too. Just don't panic and avoid using your hands until the perfect moment to do so. Stay calm, shout your commands and try to scare the dogs in any way possible. Fake hits. If you have a belt that will work too.

At the local dog park I regularly see corsos, rotts, pitbulls, bullterriers and once I even saw a socialized female CAO galloping there. It's more risky for small dogs because they can be perceived as prey, while the big dogs have much less trouble holding their ground. Plus a single bite from a big dog to a small dog can be deadly in most cases, while most big dogs can't end up with a fatal injury so fast. But your dogs are still pups, plus they are 3! That complicates things lol. Generally there should be 2 dog parks. One for small dogs and one for big ones. If there isn't and you have nowhere to go and no one to ask who can bring their dogs to you, then you just need to be alerted at all times. Usually dogs recognize pups and don't act aggressive towards them, but you never know.

 

[musicdeb]

Agree with Ruby55, dog fight happens your dog may get hauled off to shelter while they decide what actually happened.

I, too, do not take Titan to dog parks. Too many accidents waiting to happen. Unless an owner has 100% recall, dog park is not the place to be.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

Is there are reason that you think your dogs need to go to dog parks? I know that for some people it is the only interaction their dogs get with other dogs but you have 2 others at home. I will tell you that takigng 3 dogs to the park that are considered a pack at home you are probably going to run into an issue, as they run together at home so they will likely run together in a dog park.

To me I don't see the point. I have several dogs at home, some are alright with other dogs, some will look at me and require me to do something or they will. They do not start it but have no doubt your corso for sure will finish it with any dog that gets in his space. It isn't with the intent to make you nervous to take your breed out but I think sometimes we try to force too much on them when it comes to what we want them to do. I don't like everyone (lol... if you ask the boyfriend I don't like a lot of people ) and I don't require that my dogs do and I don't force them into situations with potentially dangerous results.

If you want to do something off leash with your dog look into some of the big sports like agility or obedience that I think both have off leash (agility more so then obedience) components and build the bond through learning and being active with him. We hope to be hitting the obedience and conformation rings this spring and if all goes well and we like the agility club close by we might be thinking of hitting there too with a couple of the girls.

 

[musicdeb]

Is there are reason that you think your dogs need to go to dog parks? I know that for some people it is the only interaction their dogs get with other dogs but you have 2 others at home. I will tell you that takigng 3 dogs to the park that are considered a pack at home you are probably going to run into an issue, as they run together at home so they will likely run together in a dog park.

To me I don't see the point. I have several dogs at home, some are alright with other dogs, some will look at me and require me to do something or they will. They do not start it but have no doubt your corso for sure will finish it with any dog that gets in his space. It isn't with the intent to make you nervous to take your breed out but I think sometimes we try to force too much on them when it comes to what we want them to do. I don't like everyone (lol... if you ask the boyfriend I don't like a lot of people ) and I don't require that my dogs do and I don't force them into situations with potentially dangerous results.

If you want to do something off leash with your dog look into some of the big sports like agility or obedience that I think both have off leash (agility more so then obedience) components and build the bond through learning and being active with him. We hope to be hitting the obedience and conformation rings this spring and if all goes well and we like the agility club close by we might be thinking of hitting there too with a couple of the girls.

Bravo! Well said!

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

I agree with the previous posters do a google search on dog parks and see why they are a bad idea. You 're already pinged for having "dangerous" breeds why even take the gamble with your dogs?

 

[Smart_Family]

As much as I trust my dogs, I don't trust other people and their dogs. If a fight happens, my shepherds and/or mastiff will probably be pinned as the instigators even though they are the biggest babies ever.

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

Hmm Im mixed on this. We dont have dog parks as such in the UK but we do have plently of green space that are used by people and their dogs, its open, no confined areas and 99% of dogs are off lead, Mooshi included but not my Akia Bear as he is not dog friendly. I love the fact that Mooshi can run and play with other dogs and trust owners that their dogs would not be there or in the least not have their dogs off lead if they were dog aggressive.

I have always been told that the best thing to do in a dog on dog fight situation is to grab the attacking dog by the hind legs and PULL! The dog will turn around to see what is dragging it and at the same time letting go of the dog it has attacked. I have never had to do it and never seen it done so I can not say whether it works or not.

I would also be very wary of taking 3 dogs from the same pack to an off lead park at the same time, to me it sounds like a little bit of a recipe for disaster. If one of your dogs gets in to a fight will the others join in to defend it? I would think probably so. Could you seperate all the dogs yourself, including the one or two or however many that dont belong to you that is caught up in the fight?

I love socializing off lead, but I wouldnt do it with more than one dog at a time. I would much rather put all my attention on my one dog, ensuring her/his safety.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

I just don't see the purpose in dog parks, to me they are more for people than they are for dogs.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Pretty much what the others said. I don't take my two to dog parks. I'll admit that part of that is because of less than steller off-leash come skills, but I have NO wish to deal with the irate little dog owner who's chi Apollo just stepped on.....I've seen to many OTHER dogs, dogs that I KNOW to be reasonably tolerant and friendly dogs, react badly to Apollo and Arty (yes, the little 32lb one, he triggers something in alot of dogs). And since my dog is the larger one, that comes from an "aggressive breed" (and even the little one gets classified as a "wild dog" or "coyote cross" if I'm not carefull), the chances of the authorities taking my side drop considerably. Plus two or more IS a pack, and a "pack" will do things that an individual dog would NEVER consider. There are even, verifiable, incidents where the family dog turned on a family member when it got caught up in a pack of loose dogs.

WHen we just had Apollo (and still now with both) we picked out a group of friends and family who have dogs and fenced yards, carefully socialized Apollo with their dogs as early and often as possible, and arranged regular playdates in their large fenced yards with their dogs, so that he can have free time to play with known dogs. At whatever point we get the rest of our fence in then we'll host playdates too.

There's some things that you can do about reputation, and to improve it in some folks eyes, but having to seperate your dogs from others at the dog park is NOT going to help in that matter, whether your dog was at fault for the incident or not.

 

[bw68]

The dog park I take blue to is neutered/spayed only. Of course Blue is not because of his age but he is bigger than most dogs there. He never gets into any fights and mostly drinks water, but he will sometimes play with other dogs and he is great. He is just a big softie. The last 2 times I have gone certain people notice he is not fixed and felt they needed to inform me of that. I told them I talked to the guys that work there and he is fine, I watch him closely and mind their own business.

Well this group of ladies brought their Great Danes in and were obviously snootie, sat in their corner, and did not let their dogs play. Blue goes over to play because his brother is a dane, and the ladies want no part of him so I call him back over. Mind you he was only sniffing, nothing else. Well one of the ladies brings me Blue by the collar and tells me about the rules of the park to which I respond I know, its been handled. After this scene she made, the lady next to me stars going off about people like her and we were just chatting it up from then on. Another guy walks over and tells me whenever someone comes up to you and says that just tell them he has implants.

I thought what a great idea, when we were leaving I thanked him for the suggestion, put Blue in the truck, and then proceeded to tell that lady that my dog has implants and she should mind her own business. She was not very happy with me and thus started yelling at me, I just laughed in her face and walked off.

 

[big blue]

Ha all these answers were really funny i loved the last one.. I completely understand everyones thoughts.. The reason i like the dog park is its a mile of straight fenced grass. for them to run. The bab (my CC) y stays by my side meeting new people and dogs.. Monty the pit just runs from the front to the back lol.. she never gets tired of running and im to lazy to run beside her long enough to wear her out LOL!
And apollo loves to either chase monty or find dogs to play with..
At both parks we go to there is a small dog park side and a large.. but people always bring there small dogs to the large side.. would it be our fault if something happened to one??

I heard about pulling a dogs hind legs and sticking the finger up the rear! ha gross but i bet they would release...

I always have the leashes right in my hand ready to leash one of my crazy puppies when they decide to misbehave..
But I enjoy going to the dog park to see everyone elses dogs also!

I will continue to keep a close eye on everyone... as well as the older they get i will start taking them later at night so there is less people dogs and essentially problems..

Thanks for all these great ideas! i will google now some great outdoor places for them..

 

[ruthcatrin]

would it be our fault if something happened to one??

technically no, is that going be the real result? I'd be surprised if the large dog DIDN'T get blamed.

 

[big blue]

Should i say something to the owners who bring there dog to the large side... somehow giving some sort of warning therefore protecting all the "danger" breeds that go there just for fun?

---------- Post added at 06:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:43 PM ----------

mooshi's mummy.. not to worry! I never go to the dog park alone I could not physically pull off all three dogs at the same time if something was to happen.. I will go with my husband or neighbors.. And Chaos only gets to go if he was good that day I try to make the park a reward and a chance for excercise

 

[big blue]

mooshi's mummy.. not to worry! I never go to the dog park alone I could not physically pull off all three dogs at the same time if something was to happen.. I will go with my husband or neighbors.. And Chaos only gets to go if he was good that day I try to make the park a reward and a chance for excercise

 

[ruthcatrin]

Should i say something to the owners who bring there dog to the large side... somehow giving some sort of warning therefore protecting all the "danger" breeds that go there just for fun?

If you feel you know them well enough to know that the warning would be well recieved, sure, otherwise, up to you. Honestly I'd not untill I had a feel for them, there ARE folks out there who LIKE knowing their dogs are dangerous, and yes, they take them to dog parks....