Predicting Your Dog's Behavior

Given so many variables, no one can predict with 100% accuracy that a dog in any given situation will not bite or fight. If you have doubts about your dog, err on the side of caution and forget the dog park. Dogs are dogs; it doesn’t mean they will get on with all dogs—that’s as silly as saying, “I’m human so I should get along with all humans.”

Dogs running loose even within the safety of a fenced park are at some risk. ‘Pack’ mentality may kick in when dogs are running free without owner intervention. The astute dog owner will use their training skills to scan the park and interrupt inappropriate behavior with the ‘first’ sign of any problem. This means keep your eye on your dog. There are times when letting dogs work things out for themselves is possible; at the dog park this is not always the best choice.

Getting Your Dog to "Check-In"

Prerequisite for dogs attending off leash areas should be a string of commands that your dog can follow to balance his playtime with training. Don’t let your dog forget you’re there; be creative and implement fun training sessions during playtime; remind him that you’re fun too. Make a habit of calling your dog and teach him to leave his buddies to ‘check-in’ with you periodically. This technique will boost your recall potential and improve the relationship you have with your dog at the park; it may also help educate other dog owners and prompt them to question why you keep calling your dog. The recall is so important it should be used during your dog’s playtime to ensure safety for your dog and others.

Suppose a few canines get into a rumble; if you have a good recall you increase your chances of getting your dog out of a sticky situation. It’s not a guarantee that your dog will not get into a fight or hurt a dog or person; it’s a safety net, and ‘good park manners’.

Good Owner Behavior = Good Dog Behavior

Recently at one of the parks a few dogs became involved in some rough play with one canine that was clearly uncomfortable with the interaction. Only ONE owner intervened by calling his dog OUT of the situation; the owner’s timing was impeccable—the dog immediately turned her attention away from the rumble and joyfully ran to her owner and sat. During the course of my 2 ½ hour observation this owner called his dog many times and was the ONLY person I saw attending to his dog via the recall system.

When it was time to go he called his dog and attached the leash to her buckle collar and they left. In contrast I watched one woman call her young dog several times to no avail; finally the dog slinked forward after circling around, and she managed to corner her puppy and attach the prong collar and leash. This dog was never called during playtime; it’s apparent the owner has taught her puppy that coming when called means playtime ends, so this owner had no safety net.