To Park or NOT to Park - That IS the Question
The subject of dog parks is a touchy one. Many feel that dog parks are a wonderful venue for showing off their well behaved goofy slutty pitties. While others feel it is a disaster waiting to materialize.
I am in the camp of the latter.
It is ARLPs policy that no ARLP program dog is to be taken to an off-leash dog park which applies to our dogs in and out of foster care.
Pit Bulls and Rottweillers are breeds that simply cannot afford negative attention. Dog parks, from my personal experience, are hot beds of dogs gone wild. In theory they are a wonderful idea. And matter of fact I was a frequent visitor of one of the first parks - Battle Creek.
When I lived in a duplex with Ike we went almost everyday. He loved to run! Part Greyhound - oh ya. I soon realized, however, that many who came to the park simply did not have control over their dogs. Or once they entered the park didn’t really pay attention to what their dogs were doing.
After a few incidents with a huge double dew clawed fancy breed of dog (the owner bragged habitually that the dog cost like $2 grand), with balls a danglin’ mind you, I stopped going to that dog park. I preferred instead to bring Ike to municipal golf courses. Or we would walk down by the river where there wasn’t a lot of traffic.
By the time Debbie came a long the thought of a dog park was entirely out of the question. I remember after we finished our dog aggression classes it was suggested I try taking Debbie to a dog park, leashed and muzzled, until she grew accustomed to it. I had to have looked at that lady like she was crazy. I even said - verbatim - “This dog will NEVER go to a dog park”.
Why would I do that? Also, what would it look like if I entered an off-leash dog park with a leashed and muzzled pit bull? Even now - considering all of the progress Debbie has made - she will never enter a dog park.
I really like what Bad Rap has to say about pit bulls and dog parks
The Pit Bull Forum also has a comprehensive posting regarding pit bulls and dog parks including links to other resources and webpages.
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers has an interesting newsletter addressing the same topic.
I really like the idea of play groups. ARLP has a number of members who frequently organize play dates. In more intimate circles such as this you have a group of people tuned into their dogs in a group of other people who are tuned into their dogs. Thus a safer environment is provided for the play!
Dogs need to feel that we have their backs. When they do, they usually have no desire to walk around on edge making sure nobody f’s with them. When we are paying attention and noticing those subtle signals dogs send to one another we are further reinforcing to our dogs that we are in control of this situation. No matter how chaotic it may seem. And when we control how we allow our dogs to interact with other dogs that also tells them - “ya I be watchin’ yo ass”.
I don’t see enough of this at dog parks.
Let’s face it our bullies and rotties play rough. BUT that isn’t an excuse to allow them to be a bully. There is a limit to what is rough play and what is in fact dominant bullying. Dogs do need to be taught their boundaries. And they need to be taught how to play appropriately especially with smaller and older dogs. I have heard people say, when their dogs are being overly rough in my opinion, “they’re a pit bull”.
That’s not a good enough reason.
Dogs cannot be given free license to play like that. Especially at a dog park. We all know that dogs push their limits. If we ignore those subtle colors outside the lines before we know it we are going to have a problem on our hands. Trust me - this I know.
I don’t want anyone to think I am dissin’ the dog parks. And I can’t tell you what is right or wrong for your dog. But I can urge you to do your research. I can urge you to have a firm relationship with your dog. And I can urge you to think twice and consider other methods of exercise that are less riskier to the reputations of the breeds we love.
If you are interested in meeting other pittie and rottie owners to organize play dates I strongly urge you to join our forum!
Filed under: Random Thoughts
Thank you thank you thank you Lara for this “thought.” Since I came across ARLP about a month ago I have dove in head first to tons of research and educationg myself about the bully breeds. (proud owner of a Am Staff, Tiki) I absolutely agree with you on this subject and everything you have stated in this blog. I’ve learned a lot in my research including that our dogs need firm leadership to be their best….. duh. Other people (and dog owners) don’t always understand that. In addition to leadership, our dogs, no matter how “independent” they are, want and NEED to feel protected. That is what all bully breed owners need to strive for to rebuild the reputations of these breeds and show people that they can be and ARE great dogs! Responsible ownership is the key, that means leadership and protection. Letting a dog, who is trying to build up a positive image and reputation for its kind, run free with other dogs, who may not be so “mature” and “respectful” will make our dogs look bad when our dogs are forced into uncomfortable situation or just trying to tell an imature, rude dog to grow up. That is not responsible ownership. Maybe someday it will be that way, but that day is far off in the times we live in (unfortunately), and until then we need to do everything we can to be the best dog owners (and dogs) we can be in EVERY situation.
Very well said Lara! In my short time as a foster, I have already had to address the dog park issue, telling potential adopters that they are a bad idea and that one-on-one or even small group playdates with dogs your dog knows and gets along with are the better bet.
It is amazing so many seem to think dog parks are great idea, without considering the potential fall-out if their dog gets pushed too far beyond their comfort zone. The potential for dog aggression is part and parcel of the breed–any responsible lover of the breed knows this and hopefully practices great care in dog-dog management.
Oh and Jessica (above)–awesome to “see” you on here! Join us on the forum!
Love the blog Lara, keep it up! And great links too. =)
~Amanda
Thanks for the thoughtful post on dog parks Lara! In addition to what has been discussed above one of the biggest reasons why I don’t think dog parks are a good idea is because our breed just can’t handle ANY more negative incidences. Most pittie owners know too well how difficult it is to continually convince others that these dogs are not the ‘monsters’ that the media portrays them as. While so many of us are working hard to dispell myths and educate others on all of the wonderful aspects of these breeds we are constantly being side-swiped by irresponsible owners. If you are at a dog park and another dog acts aggressivley towards your pit bull and your pit bull defends itself, trust me, everyone there will blame the pit bull. Please don’t take that risk, for your dog’s sake, and for the breeds.
Laura,
I have to say I am a little taken back with all of your negativity around dog parks and breed specification around it. I have a one year old Rottie, and my husband and I have been taking her to the dog park since she was a puppy. Now I will agree with you on the owners and the work that goes into owning a dominant breed like a Rot and a Pitt. We have put a lot of work into her, she has gone to puppy class, obedience, agility, and had one on one classes with the wonderful trainers at K9 Coach. We take her to downtown dog once a week to make sure she is getting the socialization with other dogs and people that she needs and take her on frequent walks to busy places to expose her to different people and places. She is a very well behaved dog at the dog park, she knows her distance from myself and my husband and she stays within that. We have never had any issues with other dogs and if I sense that she is uncomfortable with another dog I step between them so she knows I am there to protect her. She loves going to the dog park, more to hang out and be with us than to be with other dogs. It is the owners responsibility to make sure that their dog is safe, but just because you have a Rott or a Pitt that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t go to the dog park.
I am sorry if I have offended you. See you and your husband are obviously people who have worked hard to make dog parks a successful part of your dog’s routine. And by being constantly aware you can avoid potential problems.
My main concern is that, as an owner of one of these breeds, I am held (as other owners of the breed) to a higher level of accountability. If an incident occurs - even if it isn’t my dog’s fault - I am the a-hole who brought the dangerous pit to the dog park.
Additionally - because of the breed - if someone wanted to make it news it would be easy to do so. Pits & Rotts get attention.
For me and many others we just prefer to avoid the “potential” of a problem. After facing the monster of BSL this year we just are not willing to take the risk.
Does that mean you shouldn’t go to a dog park? No it doesn’t. Does it mean it should always be in your thoughts the possibility of your dog becoming the victim of dog prejudice? Yes it does.
Nothing makes me happier than to hear about people like you - who make your Rottie an ambassador of the breed - being present at a dog park. You educate and sensitize people to the breed. Unfortunately, owners like you are in the minority. And it only takes a few bad apples.