Are Behavior Problems and Issues in Dogs Increasing?

I think what dog owners need to focus a little more on is getting back to the basics.
WALK THE DOG!!!
Take him to the park
Pet him! Talk to him! Give him some positive acknowledgement!

It seems to me that with all this 'do it yourself' dominance dog training being so popular people are misinterpreting a lot of behaviors that are
A: Fairly normal in dog society, and
B: Easily avoided with some attention and exercise.

I’ve met a lot of owners that can’t understand why their dogs misbehave and seem to think it’s a character deficiency on the dogs part, or a lack of heavy duty training when in most cases it seems to boil down to a simple case of casual emotional neglect. Dogs require some time and commitment; they don’t have an on/off switch… I think what is missing is simple consideration… of COURSE he destroyed the house, he hasn’t had a walk since Jimmy went to college and you left him alone for an 8 hour workday, then dinner with friends, then a movie and drinks – What did you think the dog would be doing? Your laundry? lol! I know I just can’t COUNT the amount of times I’ve left my dogs alone for 14 hours and come home to a renovated kitchen and a chocolate cake…………….

Common sense seems to be missing from the new-age look at dogs... why do people need to rely on a TV show to analyze their dog’s faults for them? (Real or imagined)If he's crying at the door he probably has to pee, did I let him out today? If he's foraging the kitchen he's either bored or hungry, it's probably NOT a case of psychopathic pathological theft and consumption.... just that I forgot to feed the dog, again, because of that conference call...

Desiree, I like that! What was it for kids, "Reading, Writing and 'Rithmatic"? Well how about for dogs: Socialization, Training and Exercise or Activity. I really just think dogs are falling through the cracks, much in the way children have (in some cases), as a result of our busy American life. People are just too busy for their dogs, and being social creatures, dogs aren't getting the quality time and supervision they need. There are laws are in place that prevent or at least strongly discourage people from neglecting children, but no such laws are in place for pets. As long as you provide food, water and shelter for a dog, you're fine, according to society's laws, when dogs need so much more than that to thrive.

Director of Training and Behavior Counseling Pup 'N Iron
Host of Dog Sports and Performance Network on Pet Life Radio

I was in Petsmart the other day and this older woman had a little german shepherd puppy at the end of her leash. Of course I was gushing and cooing as I love german shepherds and she (the owner) did not even look over. In the entire time I saw her in the store, she never even talked to it. I'm not sure what the deal was but I also see people more and more not paying attention to their dogs.
Lydia McCarthy Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training 513-939-dogs

I wonder if problems are really increasing or if it is just that people are increasingly likely to seek help instead of just dropping the dog off at the shelter or tying it on a chain in the back yard. I do suspect that a lot of family dogs are getting less exercise and attention as more and more of them are home alone all day. Otherwise, I suspect that most of the miunderstandings have always been there and that people are just more likely to seek help.

I agree with Jeff and would add that in some cases I think people are expecting more and more of their dogs. It wasn't that long ago that we expected dogs to NOT like each other and we expected some dogs to bite people. I'm not that terribly old, and when I was kid, before petting a dog, we would ask people, "Does your dog bite?" Of course, back then, we didn't meet a lot of dogs out in public. They were all in back yards.

With the newer expectations of well-socialized, well-behaved dogs who can participate in family and community activities, some issues that would have been completely unnoticed or ignored have become issues that must be addressed.

It reminds me of a recent article that named Portland, OR (the area where I live) as the most depressed city in the country. They came to this conclusion due to the fact that there are more people in Portland using prescription anti-depressants than in any other city. BUT...wouldn't that possibly make us the LEAST depressed city? What it really says is that we are doing a good job of identifying and treating our issues. There may be more depressed folks in other cities who are going untreated and unidentified.

So, like Jeff said, more awareness means more people seeking help...which is a very good thing!!

I believe there are a number of factors leading towards this scenario.
Firstly, even as early as 25 years ago, the laws regarding dogs where fairly light, with dogs generally being allowed to roam free, socialising themselves in more ways than one (sights, sounds, meeting & greeting)perhaps having fun with the neighbourhood children or other dogs. Over the years for the safety of both humans and the dogs themselves, laws have been tighned to ensure they are no longer roaming free. When I started my career as a Veterinary Nurse (known as a Vet Tech in the USA - I'm from Australia)it was a fairly regular (and sad) thing to have a dog (or cat) come into the clinic with serious injuries, or worse, due to being hit by cars - now the incidence is massivly reduced, at the clinic I work at the most common HBC now is with the animals owners car.
So this would mean the dog is no longer socialising itself and "stuck behind the sides of a fence". I attended a behavioural seminar once (I think it might have even be with Ian Dunbar)and the speaker said in some european countries, dogs are still allowed to roam free to an extent and there was no real behavioural issues with these dogs.

The next issue is how media has changed our perspective of everything. One of my favorite sayings is: "The internet is a wonderful thing because it makes our clients much more informed. On the other hand the internet is a terrible thing because it makes our clients much more informed"
The minefield of contradictory information available on any type of media, be it the internet, tv, radio, or anything else can be a hazard to negotiate, to the point that people may even just give up out of pure frustration. Although there has always been differing opinions on any given subject, it is now far easier for anybody to access the information. It is my opinion that people will gravitate towards an opinion which suits them, their particular personality and what would make sense or appeal to them as a result of those factors. And then on top of that, people will have well meaning advice coming from family and friends as well, correct or otherwise.

The next factor is we now appear to be a society of control freaks and perfectionist without recognising that some things in life cannot be controlled or be perfect. We want it and we want it now - I am sure many trainers have been asked by a client why is the 12 week old puppy isn't house trained yet - some even going on to say their last pup was house trained at 6 weeks old (I am always doubtful on that one) - people often do not accept the fact the every dog, just as every human, is different, learn in different ways and have different personalities.

Another observation with "Generation Y" in particular is they are used to being able to have everything without having to necessarily having to work hard for it - which in the case of owning a pet, means being consistent with training and observing environmental enrichment. When they get a pet, the hard reality of life sets in, they want the easy way out - but they are not alone in that aspect. I have published a book on environmental enrichment trying to suggest owners try a new way of thinking as far as feeding their pet goes, using food dispensing toys etc - we are emotional people and feel making a dog "work" for their food in this manner is either cruel or they think it will make their pet food obsessed.

It will be interesting to see how or if Gen Y change attitudes with the global finacial crisis and they realise that life can be tough and your have to work hard for what you want in more ways than one.

Finally with urban sprawl and the not unexpected population growth, can only bring an increase in numbers of pets and the urban sprawl sees a higher population in a smaller space.

Many people in my area won't take some behavioral cases. Probably about less than 10% of the dogs that come to see me have any behavioral issue. I have been seeing more owners starting right away with training their dogs, thereby preventing most behavioral problems.

Also it's hard to define a dog with a behavioral problem. Basically, I just want a dog to be in control and trusting me in as many situations possible. So a dog may not be behaviorally challenged if they don't like to play anymore or don't enjoy dogs jumping on them. But as long as I am taking charge of the environment, I want my and my clients dogs to trust in me and them.

Some people define a behaviorally challenged dog because their personality does not match the dog of their imagination. I think that I have seen a decrease in these type of dogs, but it's hard to say as the people that need to find you don't always find you:)

They may find another trainer, they may have their dog put to sleep, or they may manage it way beyond what any reasonable person would do. I just heard from a prospective client of a neighbor dog that has knocked down this elderly couple twice!!! I does not appear that the neighbor thinks his dog may have a problem. In a way, he may be right, as the dog has not been trained to greet in any other way. This same dog with a different owner could be completely different. It's hard to say, and what I find most challenging about the job sometimes.

So is a behaviorally challenged dog one that won't thrive with just anyone? I don't think so. A behaviorally challenged dog is one that needs modifying beyond your average dog. For instance if you need to have the dog accept that a flat collar comes on and off, one that will climb under funiture around their family but won't come out, and many more examples. Not necessarily the boisterous overly enthusiastic dog. I fear that many of them who just need a little training, come under the header of behaviorally challenged.

Maurice Peaches
All Good Doggies

I certainly do not want to say anything against anybody - I am not a trainer - but a dog mommy. I adopted my rescue.. Before getting my dog - a well known dog person (i will call him) - told me he wouldn't help me with a new puppy - he told me to find someone who worked exclusively with puppies... so I bought 2 books and started reading and then went to the stores to buy what was listed - I could never find a certain leash called a bungee leash.... but I did try? But, I got everything else. Then, I picked my rescue up and he would just cower in his crate - I couldn't get him out of it for anything..... the next day - I went to a Puppy Class without my puppy who wouldn't leave his crate and walked into a class - when the trainer hit a large puppy on the rear end for not sitting - I stood up - Yelled at the Trainer and then told every person that was sitting - that was not good teaching. (I am a teacher and I teach teachers how to teach - human beings though) - I and 2 other people left the class. Then I had to find another puppy expert. There are many who profess to that calling - but not - many that are truly called. I met many who I wouldn't trust with a worm much less my puppy.
In the mean time - i had to figure out how to get my puppy out of his crate - I finally took the door off the crate - and started putting his food there - I think he must have been hungry because on the 3rd day he came to the door and finally crawled into my arms.
I thought I was prepared for my puppy - what I wasn't prepared for was the inconsistency of the "experts" i was trying to get help from and from some training books. I wish Dr. Dunbars books were in my local bookstores at the time. I wasn't prepared for a puppy who was/is afraid of basically everything. I wanted a puppy (I had adopted older dogs before) to do things with and have lots of fun with and I have adopted a puppy who looks at fun as if it were the scariest thing in the world.
I have spoken to many dog parents this past year in classes, at stores, at university..... many of them are trying their best. I know, I have spared no expense and time to find the best canine education I could get for my dog and myself. So, when some of you trainers are belittling us - know we are sometimes frustrated, exasperated at you too. The worst thing for you is that many of us feel like we wasted our money on taking classes and lessons - only to be back at the beginning.
I am so glad I finally found a trainer that sent me to the library to find out about Dr. Dunbar and Dr. Dodman and then so many of you wonderful dog experts. When doggie parents go to classes - they want to get some results - it doesn't have to be quick - but sitting in class week to week and having to keep your dog in a quiet sit-stay for an hour while the trainer is talking and then your dog gets 1 try and whatever skill they are asking - is not my idea of a great class. If a trainer gives a book to read or a manuel out to the doggie parents - PLEASE figure they read it - you don't have to take up class - reading it out loud - what we need is feedback about our timing, our vocalization, our body posture, and please leave us with some motivation to go home and actually do more homework. When I speak to the other doggie parents - they leave some classes thinking their dog was so bad and sometimes - they go home and figure it's not worth the effort and sometimes they don't come back to class. When I see that the next week - I am at their door - with my dog on leash asking them to practice with me. Even though I am not a dog expert - doggie parents who want better dogs can help each other out to a certain extent.
Than You Dr. Dunbar for teaching us the skills we need to be better doggie parents.... I really appreciate the wonderful trainers out there who help out the dog parents...
I won't comment anymore - I just love reading all the information on this website. I just don't want doggie parents to be belittled - we are trying our best.

I really appreciate this honest look into the dog owner's side of things. I wish more dog owners would speak up like you did in that class and like you have here.

I used to envy those trainers who have lived with dogs since birth. You know, the ones who started their dog training career before they starting walking? That wasn't me. We weren't allowed pets as children, and most dogs I knew in the neighborhood were not the kind you would hang out with, let alone pet!

I spent LOTS of years not thinking about dogs at all...ever. I did my time as an ignorant dog owner. I did things that seem absolutely horrendous to me today, but seemed to make perfect sense then. Thinking about those things can still make me cry sometimes, but I've found my experience as an uninformed dog owner to be very valuable in my work as a dog trainer.

I am truly sorry when dog owners like you, the ones who are sincerely looking for answers and prepared to make the effort to raise a great dog are left feeling confused, ashamed and frustrated. I honestly believe that how a trainer treats his/her human clients tells you everything you need to know about their ability to help the dog.

Really, thanks for sharing your experiences...and I'm SO GLAD you found the information you needed!

to senseiinspired - well done you for recognising something you were not comfortable with and having the courage of your convictions.
there would have probably been a few other people in that class who also felt uncomfortable with what was happening but did not have the courage to leave or may have even thought to themselves, "what do I know, this person is supposed to be the expert".
I must admit I was most likely guilty in my youth of castigating people whom did not follow what I thought was ideal. Now with the benefit of experience I always try to see all sides of any given topic, recognise the value of other peoples opinion, try to understand where they might be coming from(even with MR CM himself and his practices), try not to judge if they cannot see mine.
I too (as Cindy) would have done things when I first started training that I shudder at now, thankfully I am constantly evolving.
One of the reason I so enjoyed the book My Dog Marley was of the insight into my clients lives with their problem pooches. I could see the mistakes (and so many of my clienst), but also could see they tried their best, with the story being very much the same as "senseiinspired's".
There truely is so much conflicting information available, not only through media but from people close to us as well.

Thanks so much for sharing your observations and insights. With more people having "inside" dogs, and less time to train them, there are bound to be more problems.

Balancing that situation is the fact that there are great trainers (like Dr. Dunbar) who guide dog owners in gentle, positive ways of working with their dogs. Sometimes finding the books and DVDs by those positive trainers (or even finding out about the trainers in the first place) is difficult for new owners.

While I've not yet had the privilege of taking any of my dogs to obedience/training classes (do-it-yourself fits into my budget better), I can certainly see the importance of watching a class first, to see how an instructor interacts with the dogs and owners. Maybe if more people stood up to the harsh trainers, they'd think about changing their methods. Well, that's if we lived in a perfect world, I guess. I can still dream....

Nancy
www.lovable-golden-retriever.com

I think gillians nailed it dead on with her earlier post on the increase in behavior problems. I'd like to see dog parks employ trainers... I mean, swimming pools have lifeguards, right? a trainer on duty would make a huge difference in park socialization and people might feel a lot more comfortable. :)

Desiree, that is a great idea.

I had to stop taking my Rotty to dog parks because he was often picked on. My concern of course was if my dog chose to defend himself, given the publicity of the breed, most people these days would be and are intollerant of a Rotty defending himself - I am not only trying to protect their dogs, but my own from being unfairly accussed of being vicious. If I had a Lab or a retreiever or something like that any reaction would most likley be dismissed.

If I asked them to stop their dogs, well meaning people would tell me to let the dogs sort it out for them selves. I would try to tell them I had brought my dog to play, not to be worried about having to sort things out for himself - they just thought I was crazy. As a keen studier of K9 body language and behaviour I was aware when things where past the stage of sorting it out for themselves
My goal is to try start up a privately run dog park in which people can feel comfortable to take their dog to because they know someone is there to help mediate.
I am somewaht disappointed with most of the dedicated dog parks that have been made avaiable here in Australia. There are some good ones but they are few and far between. Most I find to be too small and not very well looked after - it's as if the local council areas have tried to find the worse piece of land that no one will miss or worry about. Dog owners are 2nd class citizens in many council areas I think - at least where I live anyway.

I as well have had issues at dog parks, not with my pitbull, but others people with their shepards and mixed breeds jumping on my pup and me being frightened of the outcome. So far Gracie has only once retaliated, but owning a known bully breed, it is a very huge possability that if she DOES defend herself.....i will be the one to blame! People, if you are going to take your dog to the dog park for play and socialization (or your too lazy to walk the animal), MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS NOT AGGRESSIVE!!!!!! It really is starting to drive me crazy the number of owners that I run into, who have absolutly NO control of their animals. The other problem are the owners that say (after the dog has jumped on numerous other dogs and shown obvious signs of aggression), "MY dog has three "certificates" that say he/she is well behaved"....really? REALLY???!!! Then why the HELL doesnt it come to you when you call it!!?? I by no means am a perfect dog owner....but every chance I get, I am working SOME type of training into my dogs routine. I as well understand that the breed I own CAN have a tendency toward dog aggression, therefore I am very carefull in the way that she is socialized and understand that there may come a day that we may no longer be able to go to the dog park. The main gripe I think that I am trying to get too is this. Unfortunate but true, MY dog would be blamed for the aggression and being a responsible pitbull owner....this is unfair. Will there come a day in the future where all dogs get along and listen to their owners 100% compliantly? probably not. But I dont think that I am far off in expecting to take my dog to the park with no fear of her being hurt!!

Loreebelz - Fantastic rant. Loved it.

Dog parks are usually not the best place for puppies.  Puppies and adolescents are often targeted by older dogs who normally aren't "aggressive" so just please be aware of that.  I would suggest trying to find a play group with dogs her own age as well as supervised play groups with older dogs under the guidance of a prof. trainer.  Most great training facilities should have such a program where dogs and owners learn what is and isn't appropriate play.  If your pup is sensitive then by all means find other ways to socialize her that she will enjoy.  The reason most dogs don't listen to their owners in those situations is that they are too over stimulated.  Next time something like that happens you can try a "body block" between your pup and the other dog.  This technique often works well when you're assertive.  Then you can turn around and go the other way, luring your dog with you in your happy voice.  It's always best not to get too worked up over such incidents. 

I understand what your saying, I think. BUT......my main gripe is that AGGRESIVE DOGS DONT BELONG IN SOCIAL SITUATIONS WHERE THEY ARE OVER STIMULATED. PERIOD.  Grace is wonderfull at the dog park, she shares toys and is great with all other dogs and is happy and excited when we get there...its the OTHER dogs (mainly at one specific park I no longer go to) that are the problem. I dont believe that its a problem to get "worked up" over people that cant control their dog that is running, attacking and biting every other dog in the park (including mine)!

LOOSE DOGS THAT DON'T LISTEN DON'T BELONG IN SOCIAL SITUATIONS WHERE THEY ARE OVER STIMULATED.

Regardless of aggression I really don't think any dog that doesn't listen should be allowed loose in a dog park. My dog is aggressive... so she stays on her leash and we walk along the sidewalk that circles the park, fine... but nothing bothers me quite so much as another dog CHARGING UP TO HER when I walk by the park on the sidewalk and an owner chasing the dog frantically yelling "ROVER!! COME HERE! ROVER COME!! IT'S OK, HES VERY FRIENDLY!! ROVER COME! HE'S FRIENDLY!!!!!!" I don't give a crap if your dog speaks Latin, if he charges over and shoves his nose in my dogs face he's going to get hurt. My dogs aggression is not (In this circumstance) the problem... the dog not responding to his owner is the problem and if he shoves his frolicky happiness down my dogs throat she is going to bite him. If you are going to take your dog to the park for play and socializing YES, make sure he's not aggressive, also though? Make sure you can control him, I think that is equally important. A 'body block' is a good idea but you really shouldn't need you use one (in a perfect dog park of course) Why are other dogs approaching your dog without their owners asking your permission anyway? It doesn't matter if the dog is aggressive or not, they shouldn't be running rampant in a public place, if he's not under voice control please don't let him loose at all!

Maybe I'm just a control freak, I don't know... but when I take my other dog to the dog park (the really friendly dog) I don't appreciate being accosted by random dogs ignoring their owners... this is the conversation that makes me feel comfortable about my dog playing with a strange dog:

“Is he friendly?”
“Yep!”

“Great! Mine too! Has he had all his shots?”

“Yep!”

“Great! Mine too! Would you like to let them sniff to make sure they get along, then let them loose to play?”

“That's perfect!”

“Ok! Let's do that!”

*Apparently this dog park is on The Waltons and everyone is chipper all the time*

(OK, I guess that's MY rant. Hope I didn't offend anyone, I'm just agreeing with you both in my own slightly 'worked up' way. lol!!)

I took Ranger to the dog park from the time he had his first shots and he was fine. (He's my very friendly dog)

Loreebelz, is Grace a puppy? I'm not sure where the 'dog parks are usually not the best place for puppies" comment came from and now I'm not sure whose puppy we are talking about or whether Grace is now an adolescent dog? ... anyway, if she is still a puppy.... what made me feel really comfortable was putting a body harness on Ranger (no leash clipped to the harness or they learn to pull of course) The harness is like a puppy handle, if things get ugly you can scoop him up off the ground so fast that the other dog won't even know where he went. I used to hold ranger while I spoke with the other owners first and be very selective about the dogs he played with - some dogs are naturally really good with puppies and adult dogs are often much better at teaching puppies manners than other puppies are. Ranger did great at the dog park and he was never injured or frightened by another dog.

Loreebela referred to her pit as a pup so THAT'S where my comment was coming from.  It is not uncommon for rules to be set up at an off leash area that restrict puppies.  Her first post stated her dog was often picked on by other dogs and so that may a reason some dogs are being buttheads and with THAT comes OVER STIMULATION.  Her rebuttal clarifies things by saying the offenders are like that to all other dogs.  Classic dog park bully.  Sure he doesn't belong in a dog park until he has better manners but no matter what the dog park is not perfect and there will always disagreements.  Such as life.  It is unrealitic to think otherwise.

Scooping a dog up off the ground and holding him in your arms above the other dogs in the park can have it's consequences too.  I wouldn't recommend that especially around dogs you're already having trouble with.   Unless of course you fear for your pup's life.  I don't let my dogs even meet a dog that's being held as it usually causes a problem.

Quote: "Why are other dogs approaching your dog without their owners asking your permission anyway? It doesn't matter if the dog is aggressive or not, they shouldn't be running rampant in a public place, if he's not under voice control please don't let him loose at all!"

We are talking about an off leash dog park here.  The dog park is for socializing without leashes.  To think that I'm going to ask every person there if their dog is friendly and if it's okay for them to meet is ridiculous.  It should be a given.  I don't quite understand your rant Desiree.  I know you have a reactive dog so maybe that is where a lot of your emotions are coming from.  I've seen a lot of people with on leash reactive or aggressive dogs walk RIGHT through the off leash dog park or walk several feet outside of the invisible boundary line.  Why these people set themselves up for trouble is beyond me but it is silly when they get so angry that a dog came up to smell their dog's butt.   And I too feel very frustrated that public spaces that aren't designated off leash areas are being used as such and by people with no control over their dogs.

It goes without saying that dogs need to be under voice control of their dogs at all times while at the dog park.  I guess I'm an easy going person because I know training is always a work in progress.

I know dogs need to constantly work on their socialization with other dogs - that is not something you work on just as a puppy.... but, I have a question? If your dog always loved playing with other dogs as a puppy to around 18 months old - can they stop enjoying it? Can you substitute just walking in groups with other dogs or doing some kind of different training in a class with other dogs? My dog always  loved attending a play group that was supervised for  the first year I had him - then I got lyme disease, stop going for 2 months and when we returned - he humped 2 dogs (1 dog he tried to twice) and we were told not to come back? So, I asked for a private lesson where I was told - "some dogs don't like playing with other dogs" and "some dogs don't like playing in large groups" - So, now I invite other dogs to my house to play off leash with my dog and he goes for walks all day long.... He enjoys playing with other dogs? (I think?)

senseiinspired  - If all he did was try to hump the other dogs it sounds to me like he was having a great time! lol. It doesn't sound like anything has changed for your dog except his age (he's an adolescent  now is the only difference) and if he seems to be having a good time with other dogs I would suggest you just go join another class (if you want to) or keep doing what your doing at home. It's true that some dogs don't enjoy playing in large groups, generally it's because the dog is timid and feels overwelmed. Some dogs don't enjoy playing with other dogs because they just plain don't like other dogs, it doesn't sound like your dog fits the bill on either of those things, humping is natural at his age and he does it because he enjoys it, if it's bothering the other dogs they'll let him know quite clearly that it's time to stop. ;)

Leodoglover

Finally found the 'pup' bit, "jumping on my pup" I read that as 'pit' I guess even though I re-read it a few times, oops. I stand by the harness idea because it made me feel safe about having the pup with me. What I mean by being able to scoop him up off the ground is that if you see a dog coming that you know has caused past problems (such as the aggressive one mentioned in Grace's rant) it's an easy thing to pick up the pup and turn around so the other dog can't even see him. A body block is fine if the dogs have already seen each other but by picking up a pup or small dog it's easy to get them completely out of sight so the other dog goes right on past. If I did feel his life was in danger I certainly wouldn't think twice about sticking my hand in the middle of it to snatch him to safety – that however is a personal choice which may involve getting your arm badly mauled – such is life.

I am also talking about an off leash park, perhaps they are run a little differently where you are from as I have no idea what area of the world you live in. Where I live the 'dog park' is an off leash park where people are free to come and play with their dogs or allow their dogs to play loose with other dogs provided they come when called and don't ignore their owners.

I don't think it's at all ridiculous to meet the owner before the dogs meet, I think it's fairly responsible BECAUSE there are so many 'classic dog park bullies' out there as well as unvaccinated or known reactive dogs. I'm not saying that every single day you should meet every single person - you get to know a core group of people and dogs and your dogs play, on that note though, when a giant St. Bernard I've never seen before comes charging over to the group WITHOUT an owner in tow it would be nice to hear "He's very friendly and he's had his shots" before he engulfs my dog in a tidal wave of St. Bernard slobber.  I've never been to a dog park with an 'invisible boundary line.' The dog parks I am referring to are fenced and the people I am referring to are clearly not watching their dog if it's on the wrong side of the fence... which by the way is the ROAD side. lol.

I agree that people who walk dogs directly though the park are asking to be approached by loose dogs, apparently these people expect the loose dogs to part for them like Moses parted the sea, they certainly are asking for trouble - if you don't want your dog near other dogs don't walk him through a dog park. I think that DOES go both ways however and what bothers me is people that allow their dogs to LEAVE the dog park even though it is fenced to accost leashed dogs on the sidewalk which does in fact run parallel to the main road, these people then have the nerve to tell me that I should have my dog put down because she snarls at their dog when it shoves it's nose up her butt.

It seems like there is quite a little discussion going around here. I have since quit going for the most part to the dog park that I had the main rant about and am going to one that I have only had one problem at (it was a small overly excited poodle mix pup that decided that "play" was turning into a snarl, gnarl fest all over gracies face). I find it interesting that there is such a difference between the two parks and the dynamics of the two. One of the main reasons I posted the rant is the fact that I find it very uncomfortable when I go into a off leash fenced park and need to deal with watching MY girl, and all the other dogs that people either dont seem to be keeping track of, or just dont give a *&%$.  In response to senseiinspired, I wrote that with some breeds,. it seems that around 1-2 years of age, they can become a tad animal aggressive and dog parks are not a very good idea due to the fact that the dynamics are constantly changing, and some dogs have trouble with this. It seems that this mostly comes out in terriers, and a few other breeds (but can happen or NOT happen at all...just depends on the dog really). I know that the breed I happen to be the most fond of (pit bulls) have that tendency, and I am very mindfull of it and watch and monitor my dog all of the time. As a side note....I have been extremely proud of owners on two seperate occasions (at both parks I go too). The first time was at the park that I dont really go to very much anymore and it was a woman who had a young male pit bull. She had him on leash and said that she has had a problem with him starting to be a bit of a "bully". While he was on leash the other dogs (including mine) were running around him and he was wagging tail and excited and appeared that he wanted to play nice. She let him off leash and he was fine for about 5 minutes and then he put mine down on her back in a fairly tough manner, and showed that he was a bit overwhelmed and was wanting to control the situation in a fairly "bullying" fashion. The lady IMMEDIATLEY put him back on his leash and said "ok, we are done". Would this have happened if it had just been her and him and maybe one other  dog?? maybe. (it seems that dogs that are a bit more "controling" can and will do ok in a smaller play pack where the number and variety of dogs doesnt change as at a off leash park).  The same scenario happened just last night at the other park I have mainly gone to now. A couple with a min pin saw that he was getting WAY too excited with all of the dogs running amok and the dynamics of the group, and therefore had singled out gracie and was snarling and snapping at her and was NOT backing off (even though gracie was obviously NOT returning the favor). They right away ran over and stopped their dog, put him on a leash, apologized to me for any trouble and said "ok, we are done here", and went on their way. I think THIS should be the norm. If your dog is a bit of a bully, by NO means pull them away from society......socialization is great. Just be mindfull that they ARE bullys and need to be treated with a bit more knowledge and respect than most other dogs.....its all about being respectfull of other people and their animals. Unfortunatley I realize that this ISNT going to happen all of the time, and you always have to be one step ahead of the ##@^&(*! that thinks its humorous and "cool" that his dog is "tough as frozen tits", while the other kids are playing nice and having good old pack fun at the park! :)

Desiree, where I'm from we have designated off leash areas in parks where there are only maps that outline the area as well as some fenced in areas.  They can have anywhere from 10 to as many as 40(in one of the larger areas on the weekends) dogs.  Could you imagine asking every owner if their dogs are friendly?  You'd have no voice left to call your dog back to you! Ha!   I've only ever had a few bad experiences at dog parks.  Maybe I'm lucky or maybe the people here are just nice.  And let me tell you, the parks here are far from perfect.  People bring small children or strollers into the park.  Don't get mad if a dog pees on your stroller or knocks your 5 yr old down!  I've seen someone bring a parrot and leave it on the roof rack of their truck around the off leash dogs.  Riding horses THROUGH the dog park.  Don't get mad if a dog starts chasing you, barking!  Dogs come in who resource guard their owners, dogs that are anti-social and don't want to be around other dogs, owners who bring their resource guarding dog's favorite toy to the park.  Dogs that guard the "watering hole" or a special spot.  People have picnics and BBQs with dogs running around them. I could go on if I thought about it a bit longer.  Sounds a bit crazy and for 7 years of unusual happenings I think my dogs have behaved pretty darn good.  But I wouldn't fault ANY dog who stole someone's hot dog off the BBQ. :)   I guess I wish dog owners were a bit more tolerant, sympathetic, understanding and easy going instead of confrontational, judgemental and angry.  I think I have pretty easy going dogs because I think I'm an easy going person.  It doesn't mean I let my dogs get away with misbehaving.  I'm just realistic about dog behavior and don't expect all dogs to be socially perfect all the time.  Your dog snaps at mine because your dog doesn't like it's butt sniffed.  Okay, fine.  I'm not going to get all bent out of shape.  And I would hope no one would start a verbal tirade because my young dog was being a butthead. Of course, WE all understand this but the problem is how do we get the info to those who are clueless?  I suppose we can only lead by example and HOPE others are paying attention.

Sensiinspired:  I think it's fairly common for some dogs to no longer enjoy the company of many unfamiliar dogs in a park like setting when they mature.  Seems you know what your dog needs.  Besides, I think dog parks are way over-rated.  There are plenty of other things you can do so don't get hungup on not being able to go to the dog park.