Dog Park Etiquette

Dog Park Etiquette

We took the dogs to the dog park today.  It was the first time Rusty had ever been.  She is our 9 year old Queensland Cross.  Buster and I have been many times.  This park was no stranger to us. Buster can be aggressive.  He can also have fun.  There are things that influence his behavior.  I am not claiming to be a dog behavior specialist, but I see actions by others at the dog park and I wonder if there isn't a better way.  

At the entrance to the dog park there is a space provided with two gates - one to the outside world and one to the dog park.  I've always thought of this place as the "Changing Room".  Take the leash off here and get ready to play.  Most dogs are aggressive to others dogs if there is a fence between them.  Once we enter we do not hang around the entrance.  Buster and I don't want to start the adventure by facing off a dog on the other side of the fence.  Today there were several dog owners who, once they entered the park, just hung around the gate.  Sure, I suppose my dog should be social enough to tolerate this, but he is not.

Buster and I got in the park and moved away from the gate quickly.  We kept moving as is our practice and Buster carried on with the fun.  The fence around the dog park is chain link.  It is bordered on one side by a people park.  Standing on the other side of the fence was a man with his unleashed puppy.  The puppy was bouncing around playfully.  He would have loved to come in and play, but the man and dog stayed outside.  Buster saw the dog bouncing around on the other side of the fence and got excited.  The energy escalated and, as much as I tried to get Buster moving, he was captivated by the puppy through the fence.  Their energy brought an inquisitive German Shepard who thought he was in charge and he and Buster got into it.  

Buster has an overdrive gear and when he is in it, it takes awhile for him to calm down.  I grabbed him from fighting with the Shepard and we went to the corner of the park.  It was quiet and Buster got his mind back.  After about 10 minutes my wife suggested I put on Buster's Gentle leader and walk him around.  I'm not a big fan of having a dog on a lead inside a leash-free zone, but I thought it would keep Buster in check.  The leader has somewhat of a muzzle effect.  

We left the park for the truck where I kept the Leader but when we tried to return one man had parked his ass and Rhodesian Ridgeback at one gate and two gals were busy with Golden Retrievers chatting away at the other.   Needless to say, it was just easier to leave.  Rusty wasn't having much fun in the park by herself.  Unaccustomed to other dogs her focus was on us outside the park.  We had a nice walk in the neighborhood and then headed home.

Improving Our Social Skills

That's not the royal "Our". That actually means both of our social skills.  Both Buster's and mine.  When you travel with a puppy, people stop and engage.  And they should.  Puppies are happiness.  They are not puppies for very long.  I say spread the happiness while you can.

Most people want to ask about my puppy so they can tell me about their dog.  I love that too.  Hearing about their dog.  The stories they tell.  Just the fact that they have a story right there, ready to go, usually tells you they are good people.  And, when they tell you about their dog, you can see the smile and joy on their faces.  Then the best part happens.  They take that smile and joy and pet my dog.  Cha. Ching.  The big payoff.

The look on Buster's face is priceless.  He is wondering what he did to deserve the affection cascading around him.  He still is a bit on the weary side of most people at first.  But, it's fun to see him warm up to people, learn to trust, and get patted on the head.

As for me, I just need to make sure to add some time to everything I do.  When people stop us, I want to be able for both of us to take it allllll in.

Canine Philosophy

Our K-9 Philosophy

Editor's Note:  My philosophy notes may sound a bit technical or regimental form time-to-time, but that's only because it is written down.  Believe me, we're raising Buster with a very fluid philosophy.  Ranae and I discuss and come to a consensus on many of the ways we interact with him.  Please feel free to comment about them at the end of the post.

We've owned dogs most of our adult lives.  They have all had, of course, their own unique personalities.  A dog is a bigger commitment than most folks consider.  If you are lucky, you'll have the dog for a decade or longer.  The habits and tendencies they develop will be something YOU have to live with for a long time.

The partners I've had over the years have taught me much - both in what to do and what NOT to do.  Firstly, they've demonstrated the ability to learn at a very young age.  That doesn't mean you can't let them be a puppy and do their crazy puppy shit, but you can also teach them far more than where to pee and poop at nine weeks of age.

I think Buster is going to be quite a headstrong dog.  He has a tenacity to him.  That's one of the characteristics of his breed.  My challenge is how to channel that tenacity.  Catahoulas will try and exert their dominance in the pack.  I'm hoping to develop a confident dog that does not always have to exert his influence.

Our first week has been really just been working on our bond.  Buster has had a lot to learn about the household: how to interact with our other dog, Rusty, and the five other cats; about the crate and his sleeping arrangements; about feeding protocols; and, of course, elimination schedules.  That's quite a curriculum for an 8 week old in a new environment.  He's done fairly well with everything.  He's shown a lot of love and affection.  He has a great sense of humor and is also a bit of a clown.