By Fran Jewell
We are all lured to the dog park because it is incredibly beautiful and a place to socialize our dog. Unfortunately, that is not always the best idea, especially with a puppy. If I had a penny for every time I heard someone yell to me with their charging dog, “He’s friendly!” I would be retired by now! It has been my experience that most people really don’t understand what is friendly-dog behavior vs. bully or aggressive behavior.
Any dog is at risk of permanent emotional or even physical injury from a dog that is not truly social. Puppies are at HUGE risk because of what is called “fear periods.” During the first year of a puppy’s life, they go through periods where they become fearful for no reason. If a puppy is charged or injured from a bully dog during that period, he may NEVER recover from that fear and, ultimately, may become fear aggressive. Once that happens, rehabilitation is incredibly difficult. Even someone experienced in dog behavior might not know that puppy is in a fear period until something happens like walking by a trash can that never bothered him before, then one day he is afraid of it! If a bad encounter happens at the dog park (which is more likely to happen there simply because of the volume of dogs that go there), again, your pup can be permanently emotionally injured.
To add insult to injury, our first response with a dog that is scared or terrified is to soothe that behavior with petting. Unfortunately, dogs and puppies are literalists. That means that if you soothe your puppy or dog after that event while he is acting afraid, you are essentially telling that puppy you LIKE that fearful behavior! It is not soothing contrary to what we might think or do with a child.
What is important is to not put your puppy in that position in the first place by NOT going to the dog park. Secondly, what is important if an incident happens is NOT to soothe your dog or puppy but to engage him in something else like walking away happily. Try to stay calm and let the puppy know you are in control. Give him another job to do instead of replaying that incident in his mind.
If you are the owner of a bully dog, a dog that bullies other dogs, then do not permit it. Teach your dog a ROCK SOLID “come” command so you can call him off before he gets to another dog. Charging another dog IS NOT FRIENDLY!! Be compassionate with other dogs and puppies. How would you feel if someone else’s dog charged up to your dog or YOU and hovered, invading personal space and scaring you both to death?
Let’s be kind and thoughtful, especially during this explosion of visitors, many of whom nourish our Valley. So many dogs that arrive with new people are not used to or trained in how to handle the apparent freedom this area provides. Everyone must understand that with freedom comes responsibility, especially with our dogs. And, if someone tells you their leashed dog is NOT FRIENDLY, please respect that and move along. “He’s friendly!” and letting your dog run up is not an appropriate response.
We have so many places and times we can peacefully walk our dogs so we can prevent conflicts. Please search those areas out. Teach your dog a rock solid 100% “come” command or keep your dog on a leash or long lead. Be respectful and kind. Everyone will be happier.
Fran Jewell is a dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor and vice president. She owns Positive Puppy Dog Training LLC and can be reached at (208) 721-7221.
