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!
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