Pit Bulls & Dog Parks - NOT perfect together!

[pnwpbr]

The PNWPBR take on DogParks, a nice and simple blurb included as part of our Responsible Owner handouts.

NO dog parks!


While many people frequent dog parks as they become more and more popular, this breed is not one that should attend. Dog Parks are a accident waiting to happen and while people say “Well my dog is a good dog and nothing bad will happen…” the fact is, it can and often does.

Unvaccinated dogs, untrained and ill-behaved dogs, and uneducated owners…. All of these things are encountered at your local dog park. There is no proof of vaccinations required to attend and we would all hate to see your dog or someone else’s come down with Parvo or Distemper. Unaltered dogs are also allowed and with that there can be issues with territory, even guarding a potential “mate” and a fight can arise because of this.

Some owners use a dog park as a form of exercise instead of interacting with their pet and taking it for a walk. Many of these dogs are not trained and when off-leash in a park can be unpredictable and not respond when it’s owner gives a command. This can be a problem when say another dog is pestering your dog, the owner can call,but the dog does not respond. This situation can lead to a fight, which almost always will be YOUR dog’s fault because of his or her breed.

Other people use a dog park as a way to let their dog socialize and be with other dogs. We encourage socialization of dogs from a young age, but realize that once maturity set’s in our dogs do what they were bred to do. Knowing that every Pit Bull has the ability hard-wired to fight other dogs makes you an aware and educated owner. Expecting the worse because it is very possible with your dog is a tough reality to grasp at times, we know.

Some think that if their Pit Bull displays these fighting tendencies with other dogs that it makes them a bad owner and that they did something wrong in raising their dog. Knowing and accepting the potential that your dog could be like most adult Pit Bulls and have dog aggression issues and avoiding a dog park is part of being a responsible owner.

Organized play dates in a controlled back yard with more than one adult supervising is always recommended for this breed. Having the more than one adult on hand is crucial, especially for dogs just getting to know each other. The chance of tempers flaring and a fight happening is not unheard of so it’s much better to expect it than to not.

[thepitboss]

I do NOT take my dogs to the dog park, especially now with a game pup on my yard. They already allowed BSL to creep into Payette county here in Idaho, while they don't say you -can't- own an APBT they make is near impossible to with insurance demands and $500 license fees. Its ridiculous


Here is another article on dog parks I found really interesting

The Article

"More often than they should, pit bull owners wonder about the dog park issue, finding themselves explaining to others that their dog is not a "killing machine," it is not "one of those pit bulls" and there is no reason that their dog can’t enjoy off leash time with unknown dogs. Some will even insist that "you only add to the misconception toward this breed when you don't allow your friendly pit bull to go to the dog park.” After all, these people argue that it is all about "how we raise them" and providing socialization is the key to no problem dogs. Unfortunately, that’s not true.

Dog aggression in our own dogs should not be a problem. Good management and knowledge prevent trouble. Responsible and caring pit bull owners have done their homework and know what to expect from the breed. This breed's genetic traits involve dog aggression, to varying degrees. Even the most well socialized pit bull can one day decide that other dogs are not play buddies. It happens most often when the dog reaches maturity between two and three years of age, and it can happen without apparent reason.

Here are some good articles for basic breed information:

www.pbrc.net/breedinfo.html
www.realpitbull.com/fight.html

Because of the breed's background, it is unfair to expect dogs to behave the way we want them to when it comes to dog aggression and dog to dog relationships. We set our dogs up for failure when we decide to let them off leash in a public place and allow them to romp with other dogs. Dog parks are a place where people like to chit chat with each other, paying very little attention to what happens around their dogs. Posturing, body language, subtle looks and even vocalization are often misunderstood or overlooked by dog owners. Even when dogs let us know what is about to happen we might not see what is happening until it is too late. Most dog owners have no idea of what body language means, and don’t know how to intervene if things go wrong. They panic, scream, yell, and hit the attacking dog; all of which often just makes things worse. A fight between two dogs can be hard enough to stop; now imagine a fight among 4 or 5 of them. In fights like these, pets and even people can be seriously injured.

Dog parks are also a place where unknown dogs are present. We don't know if they’re fully vaccinated or in good health. They can be sick and our dogs can get ill as well.

We don't know if they are truly friendly dogs or if they may be aggressive. Everybody's dog is friendly, according to their owners. When the "friendly" dog decides to snap at ours, a fight starts.

Who is going to be blamed for that fight? Will it be the pit bull or the cute little fluffy dog? The answer is obvious.

Here is the story of one accident at a dog park, involving a pit bull.:

www.badrap.org/rescue/dogpark.cfm

Below is an article about a pit bull named Nettie that attacked a police horse, in San Francisco, in 2003. Nettie was let off leash at a public park by her irresponsible owner. The dog did nothing wrong, but she was set up for failure by the person who should have protected her. Nettie belonged to an SPCA volunteer and she was often taken to senior centers to comfort the elderly. Nettie was a good dog. This pretty pit bull female paid the price for her owner’s ignorance and irresponsibility with her life. Many dogs have lost their lives the same way, due to the same kind of irresponsibility. It took her life for her owner to "get it.” Like most situations of this sort, the events that ultimately resulted in Nettie’s unfair death were totally preventable.

www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...23/horse23.DTL


Each time a pit bull is allowed to harm another pet all pit bull owners and their dogs suffer. One common defensive reaction of dog park lovers is "the dog is mine and it is nobody's business where I take it.” This is not true. It is every pit bull owner's business as well. We are surrounded by BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) all over the Country. The news media report dog to dog attacks or dog to cat/cow/horse/sheep attacks almost every day, and with the same attention as if Osama Bin Laden had been captured. Reporters often compare human aggression to animal aggression. How many times do we hear "it was a dog but it could have been a child"?

It is ridiculous but it happens every day. “There goes another vicious pit bull attacking an innocent dog or cat!” What happens after a pit bull attacks another dog in the neighborhood or at the local dog park? It is like we suddenly own wild animals that have no right to exist. Our friendly neighbor suddenly stops talking to us and no longer lets her children come around our dog. The person we used to walk our dog with is no longer available because she fears for her pet. The two men down the street no longer come and pet our dog when we walk by their homes or rush into the house if they have their dogs with them. People ask for a ban. We did not change and our dog is the same as always but this is the result of one mistake, caused by someone who obviously did not care about the rest of us. It is a sad situation to be in.

This breed doesn't need any more accidents, we can't afford them. We are in this situation thank to those who failed their own dogs. When a whole breed suffers because of someone's action it is our business as well. No doubt on that.

Vet bills aren't cheap, emotions can be overwhelming, the guilt stays, so why to risk it? It isn't fair that only one breed is targeted when dogs of other breeds have killed or attacked other dogs. Today, a dog behaving like a dog has become a sin. Fair or not that is how the situation is and every pit bull owner needs to understand it.

The point of socialization is for a dog to have positive experiences with other dogs. When people take their dogs, perhaps puppies, to a park and something happens, they are responsible for the consequences. A young dog that is attacked for no reason won't be so willing to be friendly the next time it meets an unknown dog. An experience like that is a bad start and can often lead to problems in the future. There are no guarantees on what can happen at a dog park because dog parks are often full of different dogs with different personalities and tolerance levels. Even an easy going adult dog can change its approach after an attack. It is hard enough for a dog of this breed to tolerate other dogs and it is a big mistake to contribute to bad experiences. Dogs should always rely on us to defend them--the trust factor is important. We are responsible for protecting our dogs from harm. A dog that has no choice but to defend itself loses its trust in the owner and knows that in the future it needs to take care of itself. It then becomes fearful of other dogs and not so willing to behave like a well-balanced dog that was socialized in the appropriate way.

How can we socialize around other dogs then? Good question. Socialization is a must but it has to be done with common sense and in a controlled environment. Perhaps a friend has a mellow dog of the opposite sex and he/she is willing to let the dogs play together. Both owners should know that there is the possibility of a scrap and will intervene immediately and with the appropriate tools/techniques. Both owners will watch their dogs closely and never leave them unsupervised.

Every pit bull owner should have a breaking stick available, even when on a walk, hidden somewhere. It is a quick and effective way to break a hold.

What is a breaking stick and why it is an important tool to have:
www.pbrc.net/breaksticks.html

Some information on how to break up a fight:
www.pbrc.net/breakfight.html

Obedience classes are an option too. In obedience classes, the dogs are leashed and can learn to control themselves in the presence of other dogs. It is not necessary for a pit bull to be dog friendly, but it is necessary for us to help them learn to control natural behaviors. Dogs that are exposed to this kind of environment can learn to behave with some time and work.

The local feedstore/petstore is another way to socialize our dogs, because they are another place where dogs are leashed. It’s important to remember that it doesn’t mean we don't need to pay attention to the surroundings. Respect the comfort level of your dog and move away from other dogs if necessary. Face to face interactions can quickly end badly, even when both dogs are leashed.

Those who are still convinced that a pit bull belongs to a dog park would benefit from reading these links. Their dogs and all of us will benefit as well.Please, don't set your dog up for failure.

www.pbrc.net/dogpark.html
www.pitbullpress.com/ARTICLES/DOGPARK.html"

[bamapitbullmom]

Dec 11, 2008 15:36:02 GMT -5 thepitboss said:

Here is another article on dog parks I found really interesting

Would you mind posting the actual article here? I couldn't differentiate between the article you were posting and your own comments.

[andreacassel]

Our community actually has a nice large fenced in area that we have taken our dogs to - you sign up on a sheet outside for a day and time - then you take your dogs there at that time and the area is all yours - no having to worry about strange dogs, etc. This is how we have found it possible for our gang to play and run all out if they so desire. About once a week is all it takes (well, and regular on lead walks and indoor playtime every day) to keep them all happy and healthy. So, if anyone is every in my neck of the woods let me know in advance and I can put your name on the list.

[valliesong]

Jan 22, 2009 13:27:02 GMT -5 andreacassel said:

Our community actually has a nice large fenced in area that we have taken our dogs to - you sign up on a sheet outside for a day and time - then you take your dogs there at that time and the area is all yours - no having to worry about strange dogs, etc. This is how we have found it possible for our gang to play and run all out if they so desire. About once a week is all it takes (well, and regular on lead walks and indoor playtime every day) to keep them all happy and healthy. So, if anyone is every in my neck of the woods let me know in advance and I can put your name on the list.

Now that's actually an intelligent way to do a dog park!

[lola1]

We take our dogs to our local high school football field. It's completely fenced in, so we are able to let them off leash and run with them, let them play together, etc. without having to worry about a) them getting out or b) other dogs getting in. I realize not all high school football fields are easily accessible, but it may be worth looking in to.

[RealPitBull]

Jan 22, 2009 13:27:02 GMT -5 andreacassel said:

Our community actually has a nice large fenced in area that we have taken our dogs to - you sign up on a sheet outside for a day and time - then you take your dogs there at that time and the area is all yours - no having to worry about strange dogs, etc. This is how we have found it possible for our gang to play and run all out if they so desire. About once a week is all it takes (well, and regular on lead walks and indoor playtime every day) to keep them all happy and healthy. So, if anyone is every in my neck of the woods let me know in advance and I can put your name on the list.

That's fantastic, I LOVE that idea!

[SunraysPitBulls]

I also agree, that is awesome, to have a list and have to sign up.


I have dog parks very close to me. Kanga of course never went to one, but I have taken the other three. (pug, bulldog, shepherd).

We go in the small dog area most of the time, because of the pug and my shepherd is missing a leg.

The last time we went, and we have not been back since a huge fight started on the large dog side. There were mastiffs, pit mixes, labs, and other mixed breeds, there were about 8 dogs all fighting in a big group. Most of the owners stood back while two people were trying to break up all the dogs. It was horrible! Once a couple dogs start fighting it becomes a free for all pack mentality, and if your pit bull was in the middle of that, BAD NEWS!

We also have a baseball field that is all fenced in. We take our dogs there to get their run on, all by themselves! Less stress, and happy dogs!

[tank]

I just linked the rpb blog info and the bad rap link to the vegan forum I am on. A member has a pit bull and had been taking him to the dog park and he attacked a dog that was humping him. She thought that her dog was now going to attack a person etc... I posted the info because others were telling her how to slowly introduce him back to the dog park and it sort of peeved me. I really hope she reads it and takes the advice for the sake of her dog.

[tank]

blah... now I am being labled a pit bull discriminator and people are consoling her and telling her not to back down and let her dog go back to the park because "their pit bull backs down from fights" I hate trying to educate the closed minded. I was just trying to put out some info for her to look over and get attacked for it.

sorry for venting.

[michele5611]

Tank you obviously were being proactive by trying to educate... how dare you...LOL
Telling people their pit bull does not belong in a dog park is always a hot topic with those who hold steadfast to the fact that while some pibbles may not belong in dog parks they are confident that their pitbull is just fine to be unleashed in "controlled" chaos!

[RealPitBull]

What I want to know is, why did the owner stand there and let some strange dog hump her dog?! I'd want to fight some stranger who walked up to ME and did that. Dogs really got the short end of the stick with the whole domestication thing.

The other day I was watching some videos on Youtube as part of a dog behavior course I am taking. They were meant to domonstrate stress signals in dogs (meanwhile, the people in the vids - including one dog trainer - were TOTALLY oblivious). Some of the vids/pix were dogs in dog parks. The things that humans through ignorance allow to go on between dogs and between people and dogs are really astounding. Frankly, it is a wonder we don't hear about fatalities every single day.

Dogs are outstanding, tolerant creatures and it is incredibly angering to me that people not only obliviously keep setting them up to fail, but willfully ignore fact and virtually INSIST on doing so.

Dog parks are stressful, highly problematic environments and NO dog belongs in them, let alone a breed with HIGH dog-sensitivity levels.

[sugar]

The problem with some pit owners is (and its obviously not anyone of the people here because you guys all know better ) that some pit owners do have the "they are just like nay other breed and its all in how to raise them" mentality that doesn't take into account the nature of the breed. They assume that ALL dogs love going to the dog park (I sometimes like to hang around the outsides of dog parks when I'm just wasting time because I like to watch the doggies play sometimes). But I've seen people dragging in their terrified dogs into dog parks (dogs that CLEARLY want to get the hell out), I've seen people let their dogs do awful things (continuously pin down smaller dogs, hump, growl and even try and pick fights) and the only thing I hear from the owners is "Fido, baby, cut that out please....Fidooooo, honey, no no" is the most baby-cooing voice (and act surprised that their dogs aren't listening). I would love to have a space that Chubs can play with other dogs in more like a playgroup setting where you know all the other dogs, you know they get along and that they are all fixed and vetted. I can't tell you how many times I've been in the dog run at Tompkin's Square Park in NYC and seen huge, intact males being let loose in the dog park ("oh, but he so friendly!") only to let their dog terrorize the others ("well, dogs have to work it out for themselves...they will figure out who is the alpha ina few minutes and everything will be fine")

I've even seen intact females that were bleeding!! being allowed in the dog runs. Problem is if you try and gently tell people that pits (and many other dogs) don't do well in dog-runs because of all the uncertainty (to put in midly) then you are called a pit-hater and a bigot (and if your pit isn't allowed at the dog park then its because you trained him to be vicious because you know, its all in how to train them!)

There is a "dog park' not too far from my house (it less of a real park and more of just a big concrete enclosure). But not a lot of people know about it and so I'm hoping to get some people with friendly vetted dogs together (small playground style) maybe once a week for Chubs.

[RealPitBull]

Ditto all the above! ^

Small, organized playgroups are the way to go. I know we don't all have that luxury, and if not, avoiding dog parks is the less damaging "other option".

[adoptapitbull]

I got into a mini-war on facebook with the folks of the same mentality. I compared it to driving; you always watch out for the other person. Just like at the dog park, you watch out for the other dog. If any dog starts the fight, whose dog gets blamed? Certainly not the Lab! I'd just rather be safe than sorry.

[fureverywhere]

Dog parks can be wonderful if you don't know alot of dogs to have playdates with. I feel it's healthy to let your dog be in the company of other canines. Some things to keep in mind:
!. Watch your dog at all times, some people go in and ignore their doggies just like parents not supervising at a people playground. You know what your dog is like and watching closely means you can intervene if there's a problem. It also allows you to enjoy watching your graceful baby play.
2. Teach your dog a command, I use "Enough!", that means calm down you're getting too rough there. If your dog is obviously too wound up that day get him out of the dog park immediately, take him for a walk, take him home...but know when it's time to get your dog out of there.
3. If someone else is letting their dog be aggressive, someone say something, as a group say something " This isn't the place to socialize your dog, get her in control THEN bring her to play". If the person still doesn't get it you can quietly call someone in authority...the sheriffs department will come to the county dog park here if theres a problem.
4. The blame factor...yes people will accuse a pitty of starting it...even if the Beagle came in snapping. Defend your dog calmly but firmly. You know what's going on in such a situation...speak up.
5. The obvious...if you go to the park and there's any dogs with muzzles or prongs...turn around and go elsewhere immediately.

[adoptapitbull]

fureverywhere, those are good points in theory. However, after you have just one small incident with any other dog, it gets ugly FAST! No one likes hearing anything negative about their dog, even if it's blatanly obvious that they're out of control. I almost came to blows with a 50 year old man (I was 23, BTW) over his snappy cocker spaniel. It's so much easier to have a controlled play date with a close friend vs with strangers. If anything goes wrong, your dog can be seized and euth'd from a dog park date gone wrong. I doubt anything serious would happen if your dog and your close friend's dog went at it. If you want to take your dog out in public, do it on a leash with other leashed dogs at TSC or Petco. They still have fun and you have so much more control of the situation.

[RealPitBull]

Please don't take your Pit Bulls or PitX's to dog parks. It's just safer for everyone involved, especially your dog and Pit Bulls as a whole.

[loverocksalot]

Yeah other people are just raising their kids to be rude and their dogs. Only way I would step foot in a dog park is if it was early during the week and empty to do off lead work and if anyone showed up I would be outta there. I have never been to a dog park. But for 5 years I have been looking for a fenced in unfamiliar area to do recall work. I probably will never step foot in one as I understand they usually crowded with dogs and people.

[Dave]

Feb 7, 2011 14:57:00 GMT -5 loverocksalot said:

Yeah other people are just raising their kids to be rude and their dogs. Only way I would step foot in a dog park is if it was early during the week and empty to do off lead work and if anyone showed up I would be outta there. I have never been to a dog park. But for 5 years I have been looking for a fenced in unfamiliar area to do recall work. I probably will never step foot in one as I understand they usually crowded with dogs and people.

I did that one time with Rocky soon after I got him, he was about a year old at the time. Got there at daybreak and we were alone, he was having a great time. Then before I saw they were there, a woman came in with two shep mixes, they made a beeline for Rocky, and they weren't looking to play nice. The lady was running after them yelling NO NO STOP! I had to kick one off. She kept saying she was sorry, they've never done that before, blah blah blah. It took all my strength to keep my mouth shut. I didn't let Rocky get a hold of them, but he wanted to.

It was the last time I've been there.