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Having a Run of Good Luck

Denise Flaim | Animal House

May 8, 2001

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WHAT'S NOT TO love about dog parks?

The canine answer to Chuck E. Cheese's, they are places where dogs get a chance to congregate, to frolic and to run themselves ragged, so they can collapse in a contented heap at home, too tired to chew table legs or shred the contents of the laundry basket.

That's how I felt about dog runs a couple of years ago, when I first started going to them. Then, eventually, I realized: The world is full of stupid people-and a lot of them own dogs.

This isn't to say that you shouldn't take your little Fluffy to the local dog run, or that the people that go to it aren't conscientious, kind-hearted souls. But all it takes is one idiot with an out-of-control dog to instill a persistent behavioral problem in your up-to-then well-adjusted pooch. So consider this column your best offense-which is, simply, a good defense.

Denise Flaim Bio | E-mail | Recent columns

First of all, realize that there is a wide spectrum of dog savviness out there. I've seen new owners fret when their puppy is happily playing and wrestling with another dog; the humans misinterpret the good-natured growls and play bites as actual fighting. Some people don't know what a play bow is (legs stretched out in front, butt in the air-a good thing). Others can't read signs of impending aggression (ears pinned to the side of the head, teeth bared so the gums show-bad thing).

Like it or not, many suburban dogs don't get the level of socialization and stimuli that city dogs get; some never leave their backyards. Too many owners see the dog run as a place where they can socialize their dog-with your dog as the learning curve. Flashback to the guy who brought his unsocialized Akita to the dog run so she could "play": She was so uncomfortable, she growled, which prompted him to keep her leashed, which made her feel even more uncomfortable, which made her growl even more.

Conversely, if you're looking to boost your shy dog's confidence, don't plunk her in the middle of a pack at the dog park and then wonder why her tail is so far between her legs it's tickling her nose. Return during off hours, when there's only a handful of dogs. Bring treats and feed her when she's relaxed. Leave before she gets stressed out.

Know your breed. For example, I own Rhodesian ridgebacks, which are sighthounds that hunt by running alongside their prey and body- slamming it. This is also their play style, which goes over great with, say, boxers and Labs, but there are breeds whose physiques are simply too crunchy to withstand it. If I see a collie or a greyhound or a dachshund, my dogs do not play with it. If they have trouble obeying, we leave. Better luck next time.

Owners of toy breeds should think carefully about the composition of the crowd before plunging in, unless there is a separate area for small dogs.

Keep your dog's temperament in mind. I love pit bulls and American Staffordshires, but they have been selectively bred specifically not to be dog friendly. Some are affable with their own kind, and have strong owners who can and do control them; too many do not. Also take gender into account: My male ridgeback loves pit-bull girls, and defers to them sweetly, in the hopes they'll play some more. Male pit bulls are a totally different dynamic. We don't go there.

If your dog is a little shaky on the obedience front, chances are the temptations of the dog park will only exacerbate that. If your dog refuses to come when called, or persists in undesirable behavior give the dog an immediate consequence for his actions: Leave. He'll think twice next time.

Owners of unneutered animals have an added responsibility at dog runs. Most runs prohibit females in heat, which is common sense: Male dogs, neutered or not, invariably will get into a scuffle.

As for unneutered males, I own one, and I never take him into a dog run until I go in there first, and inquire whether there are other unneutered males inside. Even if everyone says there isn't, I discreetly double-check. Believe it or not, not everyone knows what "neutered" means. And some miscreants will lie to you just to see their dog in macho mode.

If I am in a dog run, and someone else comes in with another large, unneutered adult male, I leave. Period. It's not a matter of what's fair. It's not a matter of whose dog is nicer. It's simply that I can see what will eventually happen.

These days, I still go to dog runs, and my dogs have a good time. I know a lot of folks who are lobbying to have dog runs built in their communities, and that's a good thing: Just because social situations can be complex doesn't mean we should nix them.

But like a good party, a dog run is only as much fun as the owners and well-mannered dogs in it. You may not be able to control who crashes it, but it's up to you to know when to pick up your leashes and call it a night.