Does anyone else have problems with dog owners at off-leash dog parks?

Question

I have a golden retriever x that is approx. 14 months old (technically still a puppy). He is a wonderful family dog and very friendly, always wanting to play with dogs we meet at the dog park. However, lately I came across a rude dog owner that told my dog 'If you're going to play that way you can get out of here'. I was shocked because I have never had anyone complain about him before. My dog is NOT aggressive but is vocal when he plays. I find it frustrating to deal with owners that do not know the ways dogs communicate and play with one another. Both my dog and I love the dog park and I would appreciate any advice on how to deal with these type of owners. Thanks!

Answer 1

What both of you were failing to recognize is that dog parks are a training/socialization opportunity for both of your dogs. You should be working at not letting your dog get into another's face, and she should be working with her dog so that it will let other dogs get into it's face. So sorry to say it, but you both missed out on a golden (pun intended) training opportunity.

Remember that you and your dog go to a park to have fun, and so does the other person with their dog. Why not make friends with another dog lover instead of having a silly confrontation. It takes two to tango.

Answer 2

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Since it is obvious that you do not have a clue about obedience training, your services should be for free. You cannot train even an adult dog for 8 hours a day. About the most that can be done at any one time is 10 - 20 minutes and that is with an adult dog and not a puppy. The attention span on this baby is extremely short and training session should be no more than 10 minutes and twice a day. Additionally, there isn't going to be much learned if you will only be training for 5 days. Obedience training is cumulative and is done over a much longer period of at least several weeks to several months.
What you can charge is determined by your experience, reputation, and accomplishments and in a case like this, should also include guaranteed expectations. Just working with dogs over several years, is not the experience that is necessary to be a dog trainer. There are too many people who are putting that title to their name and fleecing the public. Don't be one of them.

Answer 3

I think people don't like vocal dogs. I mean, obviously some barking's going to go on at a dog park, but I don't think it's really a good idea to let your dog keep barking and barking, especially if it's directed towards another dog. It's a sign of aggression, and it gets annoying.

I don't know if that justifies what the other dog owner said, though. He or she was probably someone who had a tough day or who has a difficult time expressing their feelings in a productive way.

Answer 4

Having a trained dog isn’t the same as having a balanced dog, but if your dog knows a few basic commands, it can be helpful when tackling problem behaviors — existing ones or those that may develop in the future. Learn here https://tr.im/zkYaQ

So where do you start with dog obedience training? You could take a class, but it’s not necessary; you can do it yourself. In fact, with the right attitude, it can be fun for both you and your dog!
Step 1 : Sit
This is one of the easiest dog obedience commands to teach, so it’s a good one to start with.
• Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
• Move your hand up, allowing his head to follow the treat and causing his bottom to lower.
• Once he’s in sitting position, say “Sit,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog has it mastered. Then ask your dog to sit before mealtime, when leaving for walks, and during other situations where you’d like him calm and seated.
Step 2 : Come
This command can help keep a dog out of trouble, bringing him back to you if you lose grip on the leash or accidentally leave the front door open.
• Put a leash and collar on your dog.
• Go down to his level and say, “Come,” while gently pulling on the leash.
• When he gets to you, reward him with affection and a treat.
Once he’s mastered it with the leash, remove it — and practice the command in a safe, enclosed area.
Step 3 : Down
This can be one of the more difficult commands in dog obedience training. Why? Because the position is a submissive posture. You can help by keeping training positive and relaxed, particularly with fearful or anxious dogs.
• Find a particularly good smelling treat, and hold it in your closed fist.
• Hold your hand up to your dog’s snout. When he sniffs it, move your hand to the floor, so he follows.
• Then slide your hand along the ground in front of him to encourage his body to follow his head.
• Once he’s in the down position, say “Down,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat it every day. If your dog tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand, say “No” and take your hand away. Don’t push him into a down position, and encourage every step your dog takes toward the right position. After all, he’s working hard to figure it out!

Answer 5

Ohh I've had experiences like that. Its best to ignore it.

There was a park I used to take one of my Chis too, and this lady had a boxer x pitbull. It would LUNGE at my Chi like it would attack it, so I would quickly pick her up and back away from the dog. So the lady yelled at /me/ and told me she found it insanely offensive that I reacted that way to her dog! How did she expect me to react to a dog that is part of a breed I hear attack people all the time, and that lunges at my dog a tenth of its size? I just ignored her, though. Didn't say anything back, didn't react, didn't say anything to her dog.

I think you should do the same. Ignore her.

Answer 6

haha... i've had the same problem... i have a husky she's 11 months old now but i would when she was younger and i took her to the park she would howl at them and wanna play...i had a couple owners that thought my dog was tryin to attack there dog!! and some of them still do to this day... of course they thought she was mean looking... like wolf like.. but they are iggnorant ppl and don't know any better... just have to tell them that your dog isn't aggressive and that is the way they play... don't stop going becuz of that one person... lol i would go even more just becuz of that and let my dog play even longer... good luck

Answer 7

Just tell them he's talking.As long as the tails up and curled they have no fear of him being any threat.
You have to be aware that alot of people are not that experienced with dogs in general.And evan if they are everyone is entitled to have a bad day.Maybe this person had a headache and did'nt want to listen to your dog bark.
Be polite and respectful and lead your dog away.That's all you can do.

Answer 8

Personally I think it was because you sound young and this other person was just trying to intimidate you. Just remind him or her that it is an open park and anyone is allowed to be there but if she feel that it is not the right kind of park for her or her dogs then she can feel free to explore other options, because your not.

Don't let other people push you around sweetie!

Answer 9

Learning how to train your dog will improve your life and hers, enhance the bond between you, and ensure her safety and it can be a lot of fun. Dogs are usually eager to learn, and the key to success is good communication. Your dog needs to understand how you’d like her to behave and why it’s in her best interest to comply with your wishes. Check here to learn how to train your dog properly https://tr.im/62892

Answer 10

Don' expect all people to like your dog.
Learn to respect their ground..
Perhaps they don't want their dog playing with another dog.