[Bailey08]

I think I'm done with our local dog park. I feel bad about it, since Bailey adores it, but I guess I finally wised up. Sigh.

We hadn't gone in a while, but I went over with him this evening. There were a couple of dogs there which I believe are malamutes. Bailey and a dog about his size (she's still a puppy too) who he gets along really well with were playing, and he was on his back. One of the malamutes comes over to the two pups (I was right there), and grabbed Bailey by the neck and held on. I screamed bloody murder and the dog immediately let go.

I'm not accusing the dog of anything other than scaring the holy hell out of me. Its owner said she was just playing and "didn't know how to play with smaller dogs" -- she leashed her 2 dogs and they left. Maybe she was playing. But she was big, and a breed known to have a strong prey drive (and Bailey was in a pretty vulnerable position on his back -- she hadn't been interested in him earlier). At any rate, it did teach me a lesson -- something bad could happen in a second, even if I'm right there supervising. I thought about getting an air horn or something, but if it had really been a dog attacking, that might not change anything.

Sigh. I'm kind of scared, and just disappointed, I guess. Anyway, we'll stick to his obedience classes and weekly doggie daycare. Maybe I'll rethink when he's grown, but I guess we'll see.

[Dakota Spirit]

Yeah, I personally don't like dog parks for that reason. There are too many unknowns and too many owners that simply are not responsible. That's not to say there aren't better parks out there and I know there are plenty of members here that enjoy them...but it's just not for me. That and I know Dakota would not put up with being pushed around/grabbed like that. So she's not exactly an ideal dog park candidate anyway.

Best of luck finding another alternative you and your dogs are happy with.

[Filnyyena]

Originally Posted by Bailey08

I thought about getting an air horn or something, but if it had really been a dog attacking, that might not change anything.

Actually, an air horn is a great idea. I doubt the dog will listen to yelling and waving of arms, but an air horn will startle them..It is a new sound to them, Sudden, Abrupt, and most likely will interrupt what he is doing..especially since you are generally 10feet away anyway at the dog park..

Also, we carry sticks with us on the beach (Oregon's version of a dog parK) and heavy-duty-military/police issued pepper spray.

It is also for YOUR protection too.

I am sorry you and your pup had to experience this..it IS scary because you don't know what could have happened. But the fact that the dog backed off when you yelled tells me that the dog meant no harm to your pup..Maybe instinctual? Maybe the other dog was picking your pup up to "protect" or "mother" it..Who knows? I am glad you stopped it though..anything could happen.

[Bailey08]

^^ Thanks. I think my screech may have sounded much like an air horn, lol. I was only about a foot or two away (I'm the neurotic dog-mom who's with her pup all of the time), so that may have helped, too. But if a dog is really attacking, would a sudden noise make a difference?

Bailey acted fine afterwards. No wounds. I still don't know for sure what was going on, but I wasn't about to wait to find out.

It was weird, too, because no one else responded and I was kind of made to feel like I was overreacting.

Anyway, thanks for responding, guys. I'm still kind of shaken up but fortunately he's not. He's kinda oblivious. So fortunately only one of us had to learn that lesson.

[Filnyyena]

My grandpa's high western terrier starts fights with my shepherd mix..and my lab x joins in to help the terrier beat up on Trek..The loud noises do not help stop the terrier because he is an idiot dog..I would use better, more exuberant words, but I may get banned..but it stops the lab X and Trek..but now Trek just continues to defend himself since the Terrier won't stop, so we end up having to get physical..

At a dog park though? I would say it could help..but it is all situational and it all depends on the dog/methods of training the owners do..Obviously if they use the horn all the time, the effect would be null to them..

Edit:
It is ALWAYS better to be safe-than sorry..Overprotectiveness saves heartache and money in the long run..but even then, sometimes it will slip or there are factors out of your control..

I wouldn't have this incident stop you from being at the park..maybe wait a few more months for when your pup is a bit more grown so when this happens again, and it is not innocent, he will be a bit more protected.

[Bailey08]

Thanks, Filnyyena. I needed that.