Dog park etiquette: once bitten, twice shy

Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at 12:00am

Shelby Dog Park is finally open, and while every playground has a bully giving noogies and poking eyes with sticks, good manners and awareness are the keys to keeping things fun.

A friend recently visited the dog park, and witnessed one pet harassing each dog in the group and ruining everyone's good time, but their response was to remain silent. Here are some things to remember - and say - if you find yourself in the same situation:

We don't like every stranger we meet, and we shouldn't expect our dogs to, either. And some dogs just don't enjoy the attentions of a canine crowd, however well-meaning they may be. Let your dog set the pace.

Before taking your dog off-leash, observe the "culture" of the current group. Is it mostly large dogs? Rough play? Do the owners seem attentive to their dogs? If your pet is shy/fearful or not comfortable with the style of play, consider a walk instead.

Dogs use body language to "speak" to each other, but many dogs aren't good at reading the signs because they never learned (poor socialization) or they're simply rude. Access where your dog is on the fluency scale before inflicting him on a group, and watch closely for any signs of trouble.

What you and your dog think is "cute" and "friendly" might be obnoxious to other dogs and their people, especially in a group setting. Humping, mouthing, grabbing, chasing and pinning are games to some dogs, and annoying or even threatening to others.

While you can't control other dogs, you can control your own. If you don't like a situation or style of play, act immediately and remove your pet. Don't be afraid of seeming "overprotective." Thoughtful dog owners err on the side of caution and eliminate any chance for conflict.

Not sure if your dog is fighting or just playing rough? Be willing to assume your dog is an instigator (can you really say for sure that he's not?) and gently lead him away from a questionable situation before it has a chance to escalate. Your dog - and everybody else - will thank you.

A dog park is not the place to "socialize" aggressive or fearful animals, train, or let unfriendly animals "work it out."

Sometimes, it's difficult to tell a "parent" his fur child is misbehaving, and owners are often distracted. Try these diplomatic phrases to defuse sticky situations: "I don't think my dog likes that - let's separate them." "Is my dog bothering yours?" "My girl doesn't tolerate humping and I don't think he's getting the message. I don't want your dog to get hurt when she tells him off."

If upset and lost for words, a simple "I'm uncomfortable with that" or "Could you please come get your dog?" usually does the trick.

Those who miss the hint or don't respect your feelings don't get the last word, however. If it's safe, go over to the dogs and give the one causing trouble a stern Uh-Uh! or No! to make the point, then remove your dog. Remember that you're at the dog park to keep your pet, and every one of his playmates, safe and happy.

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Dog park etiquette: once bitten, twice shy

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