I Really Need Some Help

[The 3 Musketeers]

Hi Everyone,

Its been along time since I was last on,so here goes my call for help.

I have some really nice parks around where I live,and also have a OFF The Leash Park about 2minutes from my home.

I have also just started taking my girls down in the early mornings (as I need to loss weight)and plus they really love it.

My BIG problem is, that I am so scared that the other dogs down their will come and attack my girls.

It makes me shake when I see other dogs running over to them,and I start to frett and pick my girls up,so the other dogs cant get to them.

I know this is my problem,but I think my girls can feel that Im stressing.

My fear is that the big dogs will hurt my girls(not on purpose),and that I wouldnt have the money to get them fixed at the vets, plus I hate the thought of my girls being stepped on or even jumped on by the other dogs,even though they may be only playing.

How can I over come this protectiveness of my girls???

I know they love the walk each mornings and so do I ,until someone else joins us in the park.

I have a 12yr Silky x Chu and a 2yr Toy Italian Greyhound x Chu.

My 12yr old can walk off the lead,and loves being around other dogs, however my 2yr old,starts howling everytime a dog comes near her.Have a cause this problem with the younger one????

She can NOT be trusted off her lead at this stage, she will bolt, and I could never catch her,plus the park is on a busy road,and scared she will run under fence,and then get run over.

I really want to change the way I have become,but so scared of losing my girls so how.

This morning a lady had her 3 dogs at the park,she had 2 big and one small, my older girl just wanted a sniff, and the younger one just howled the whole time,so I picked her up,once again.

The lady was really nice,and I would love to chat with other dog owners when Im down walking,just to talk about anything and everything, but I just cant stay around,so I head off home in the end.Any help would be great,but please dont call me a sook(even though I am LOL)

[cassie]

The only way to make sure your dogs aren't attacked at off leash parks is to not enter them at all. The vast majority of them seem to be frequented by mainly irresponsible owners who have no control over their dogs. You're not being over-protective at all, I'd say just don't go there.

[poodlefan]

Doesn't sound to me like your younger girl enjoys going there and given their size, they ARE at risk if a larger dog squashes or attacks them.

Why not just walk them on lead?

[Vickie]

I don't do offleash parks. I have fears about them as well. I feel my fears are totally rational, as yours are.

Have you considered joining the local training club? It might still fulfill your needs, and should be a safer controlled environment.

[SkySoaringMagpie]

Two issues I think, one is dog parks the other is freaking out.

I agree with the others that there are some things that should worry us as dog owners and your average dog park certainly falls into that category. I'd not take any of mine to a dog park and mine are much bigger than yours.

On the other hand, even if you're responsible and walk your dogs on lead all of us at some time experience a heart stopping moment when out with our dogs in public. It is a useful skill not to panic and to have some skills that give you confidence so you don't panic. There isn't an easy answer to it but training your dog and training yourself to train your dog goes a long way.

[Adnil444]

Hi, I agree with what the others have posted. You can give your dogs plenty of exercise and stimulation by other means. Dog parks are not the be all and end all. I've seen many incidents at them which give me concern. I now only go to controlled parks and lots and lots on leash walks. Good luck.

[Whippetsmum]

If you are mainly wanting exercise, I find that walking my dog(s) on lead is way better exercise for us all compared to me watching them run around an off leash park. I would be stressing about other dogs in a park, so on lead is a lot more calming for me and them. I also think there's less chance of injury when I walk me the dogs on paths compared to taking them to an off leash park. Many off leash parks have poor surfaces which can cause injury when a dog is at a run, eg: pot holes and sharp stones. You will often encounter random off leash dogs when you walk around a neighbourhood, but less dogs will bowl up to you than in an off leash area.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I spoke to a lady at the dog offleash park last week, I've got a young foster dog that needs a bit more of a run than my other dogs. I don't normally go as I find them a real worry.

I'd been lucky the week before, my foster had a good run round with a French Bulldog and it was good fun for her so last weekend, same park, I thought we'd do it again.

She's a terrier cross that runs like the wind, unfortunately a beagle female and a large dog started chasing her and the beagle was nipping her - she started to scream as she got more and more frightened. This was dangerous because it can lead to all the dogs in the park taking up the chase and she becomes "prey". The beagle's owner was hopeless and I managed to stop it myself but I'm not a normal dog owner, many wouldn't have realised there was an issue and they wouldn't have known what to do.

I myself had been distracted and hadn't noticed my own dog in trouble, the park was full of large dogs, not many small and a lady came in with a chihuahua and two small terrier dogs. She was moving all over the park - this was not a great idea becuase the large dogs were running round and nearly knocked me over - I was concerned for her chihuahua who was petrified. The poor little thing kept laying down every few feet and waiting for the large dogs to sniff her and hopefully move on.

I spoke to the lady for a while and told her that it was very unsafe for her to take such a tiny dog into this park at that time. I told her that there have been many deaths in dog parks but you don't hear about it very much. Our shire has one of the worst dog attack statistics in Sydney which was in the paper last week.

She seemed to think that all the dogs were "nice" and that her dog was fine because "she just plays dead" - I said no that isn't the case and it isn't fine, your little dog is petrified and don't bring her again - this wasn't the first time. Even a Jack Russell can kill your dog but she could break her back or have other serious injuries being in amongst such large and active dogs.

I won't be taking m y foster back.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I spoke to a lady at the dog offleash park last week, I've got a young foster dog that needs a bit more of a run than my other dogs. I don't normally go as I find them a real worry.

I'd been lucky the week before, my foster had a good run round with a French Bulldog and it was good fun for her so last weekend, same park, I thought we'd do it again.

She's a terrier cross that runs like the wind, unfortunately a beagle female and a large dog started chasing her and the beagle was nipping her - she started to scream as she got more and more frightened. This was dangerous because it can lead to all the dogs in the park taking up the chase and she becomes "prey". The beagle's owner was hopeless and I managed to stop it myself but I'm not a normal dog owner, many wouldn't have realised there was an issue and they wouldn't have known what to do.

I myself had been distracted and hadn't noticed my own dog in trouble, the park was full of large dogs, not many small and a lady came in with a chihuahua and two small terrier dogs. She was moving all over the park - this was not a great idea becuase the large dogs were running round and nearly knocked me over - I was concerned for her chihuahua who was petrified. The poor little thing kept laying down every few feet and waiting for the large dogs to sniff her and hopefully move on.

I spoke to the lady for a while and told her that it was very unsafe for her to take such a tiny dog into this park at that time. I told her that there have been many deaths in dog parks but you don't hear about it very much. Our shire has one of the worst dog attack statistics in Sydney which was in the paper last week.

She seemed to think that all the dogs were "nice" and that her dog was fine because "she just plays dead" - I said no that isn't the case and it isn't fine, your little dog is petrified and don't bring her again - this wasn't the first time. Even a Jack Russell can kill your dog but she could break her back or have other serious injuries being in amongst such large and active dogs.

I won't be taking m y foster back.

[Kavik]

I agree with the others - I tend to avoid off lead parks. I find quieter parks if I want to let the dogs have a run. I certainly would never take a tiny little dog to a dog park, too much could potentially go wrong. The only one of mine who occasionally goes in if it is quiet is a German Shepherd as he is OK with dogs getting in his face and non-confrontational. Even then I am careful.

[dee lee]

My GR is like Kavik's GSD, very non confrontational, infact she is pretty antisocial and actively avoids other dogs.

My regular park is large and there are usually only the same dogs at the early time we go, so I feel pretty comfortable taking Honey there to play fetch.

However, every now and then there is a strange dog there and no matter what you do, you cant control what others do with their dogs... ;)

Yesterday a BIG amstaff came into the park as I was about to leave, not knowing the dog I moved in the opposite direction, but it still came bolting full pelt to Honey! Luckily, it was a beautiful dog- a bit unruly, and the owner had little control but it was nice tempered.

I wasnt happy with it bolting over but there was no harm done as Honey was bigger than it, however if it had run at an iggy x like that I have no doubt it could have hurt it unintentionally.

For that reason, I dont think you are needlessly worrying.

Ithink you need to either find a place to take your dogs where there are only small dogs, or just walk them onlead. Its not mean or cruel, I had a high energy DA dog that I had to do that with and she was perfectly healthy.

[honeychild]

I don't take my girls to off lead parks. They are just too small and vulnerable. Its not being over protective, it's just looking after them, they could easily be injured by an over excited dog. They get plenty of exercise at other places, and I NEVER let them off lead. It's not worth the risk.

Edited October 2, 2010 by honeychild

[PRADA68]

I never take my dogs to off leash dog parks either. Way too dangerous I would not risk my dogs for the sake of a free run. My smallest dog weighs 4kg I would never put her in that kind of danger.

[lanabanana]

I agree with what everyone says, and also with the person who said by picking the dog up you are just reinforcing the behaviour.

[aussielover]

I don't know what area you're in, some seem to be better than others, in my area, there are hardly any serious incidents.

I would not take your dogs to a dog park if you are anxious, all the dogs will sense it, including your own and it can't be very enjoyable for you being stressed the whole time.

I think it is dangerous to take a small "squealer" to the park as it can excite the others dogs into attacking.

Perhaps organise some socialisation for your dog with other friendly, well socialised dogs so she becomes less stressed.

Not all dogs need to socialse and play with other dogs.

I do worry about some of the smaller dogs, just getting bowled over or stepped on could really hurt them.

I think separate areas for big and small dogs are a great idea too, i wish we had some in our area.

[percyk]

forget dog parks

we walk past one all the time

it is no place for little dogs ...too risky

some big dogs get hurt too...a boxer had its ear torn

and i have witnessed a fatal mauling years ago no

never do we go to dog parks unless it is very very late and there is noone around...winter is the time for us if we really want a change from routine

[megan_]

I am going to go against the grain. I think most dogs NEED time to run off leash in a different environment (ie not your yard). My girl doesn't like dogs that get in her face and can grumble and cause a fight. My solution? Take her at the crack of dawn, when no one else is around. She gets to run around and frollick, with very minimal risk of being attacked.

There are some breeds that I am terrified of (seeing my sister attacked as a child, and my adult experiences. Not good, I know.). If I am scare3d I don't want to influence my dogs behaviour. So, if for some reason we run into one, I trun my back and take deap breathes, rather than watching them and fretting.

[mac'ella]

Hi Everyone,

Its been along time since I was last on,so here goes my call for help.

I have some really nice parks around where I live,and also have a OFF The Leash Park about 2minutes from my home.

I have also just started taking my girls down in the early mornings (as I need to loss weight)and plus they really love it.

My BIG problem is, that I am so scared that the other dogs down their will come and attack my girls.

It makes me shake when I see other dogs running over to them,and I start to frett and pick my girls up,so the other dogs cant get to them.

I know this is my problem,but I think my girls can feel that Im stressing.

My fear is that the big dogs will hurt my girls(not on purpose),and that I wouldnt have the money to get them fixed at the vets, plus I hate the thought of my girls being stepped on or even jumped on by the other dogs,even though they may be only playing.

How can I over come this protectiveness of my girls???

I know they love the walk each mornings and so do I ,until someone else joins us in the park.

I have a 12yr Silky x Chu and a 2yr Toy Italian Greyhound x Chu.

My 12yr old can walk off the lead,and loves being around other dogs, however my 2yr old,starts howling everytime a dog comes near her.Have a cause this problem with the younger one????

She can NOT be trusted off her lead at this stage, she will bolt, and I could never catch her,plus the park is on a busy road,and scared she will run under fence,and then get run over.

I really want to change the way I have become,but so scared of losing my girls so how.

This morning a lady had her 3 dogs at the park,she had 2 big and one small, my older girl just wanted a sniff, and the younger one just howled the whole time,so I picked her up,once again.

The lady was really nice,and I would love to chat with other dog owners when Im down walking,just to talk about anything and everything, but I just cant stay around,so I head off home in the end.Any help would be great,but please dont call me a sook(even though I am LOL)

I agree your anxiety may be picked up by your dogs, its a shame councils don't section off leash free areas so that small dogs can have a safe retreat and get aquainted with other dogs.(maybe you can write to council)

Have you thought about approaching other owners with smaller dogs and trying to arrange to meet them when other dogs aren't there.Then if this works out stay close to the gate and if larger dogs are entering ask the owners to wait while you exit,you will also find some larger dogs which are quite gentle with small dogs.

[Adza]

We take pup to a park a block away, several people meet there every morning and they have a good run together, fenced up and is controlled. I prefer to meet with people I know and dogs I know and let them have a good time rather than risk a dog park. Feel so much more relaxed.

[ILoveBoundaries]

I don't think you are over protective, just responsible. I too have the same fears at our local dog park. Our Cavalier King Charles loves to have a run and a play with other dogs but there is another dog which is quite often down there who has taken a dislike to Kosmo and the owners have no control over him. It's a shame that not all dog owners are responsible and let their dogs off lead when they shouldn't. The way I get around this is I go up to the park but stop before the dogs have noticed us and if there are too many dogs or the play looks out of control then we don't enter and just go on a different walk. It's good to be cautious, I am over protective but I would rather be that than my dog get hurt. On the positive side I have had great times at the park also and met some lovely dog owners.

If you are getting anxious over it then it maybe better for you all just to take them for a nice relaxing walk. I must admit I do find this much more enjoyable than worrying if my dog is going to get bitten.

Edited October 6, 2010 by ILoveBoundaries