Did you say dog park?

Look I know everyone on the board is probobly going to flip out on me,but I take my dog to the dog beach all the time and I will not stop doing so. I however keep my dog on a 4 foot leash and always have him muzzeld. He is freeking famous at that beach it is rediculus how many fan's this dog has (Dog & Human)I have been going to this same dog beach about 2 days a week for 3 summers now. I have had the chance to educate and change so many peoples minds about our breed,that I can't possably see how this could be bad for our breed if you are truely responsable while visiting these type of places. As for the people that belive bringing our dogs out in public with a muzzle on portrays a bad immage. That imo is just rediculus.If people ask why I muzzle my dog That provides a perfict opritunity to educate them on our breed. To explain the diffrence between human aggression VS. Dog aggression. To destroy everything the meadia has brainwased them to belive. Most people that hate the breed do so because thay have never met one or Thay don't understand them. I offer them a chance to do both.

 

Just went back and read the rest of the poast. PHEBS......Come on now.....Seriously...lol....Youre kidding right...Just tell us it was all a big joke. I had to look at the calinder. Thought I went to sleep last night and woke up on april 1st. Never a scratch....3hour holds....sheepdogs OMG Youre killing me.somebody make this guy stop....ahhhh thats ritch

 

Case and point. I had a female that just loved to play with other dogs. We'd take her to the river on a sand bar where everyone hung out and I'd let her just romp and have a good ole time, then the day came that a mutt took the play serious and got on top of her. She slapped the dog off of her, got up, shook her head, and commenced to tear that dog a new one!! From that day forward, no more play time with other dogies, it was all business!!

I might could see a person taking a bulldog to a dog park, whatever that is, but NEVER would I have a bulldog off leash at one, that would be a very bad thing, not just for your dog, but another mark on the breed.

 

I adopted a puppy from a rescue who I know is half Cane Corso (because I knew the Mother) Well I have been told she looks like she has pit in her. She is now 8 months old and full of energy - good with people and other dogs - so far - she is a very dominant dog though

Anyway - she is nippy and needs a lot of exercise - I have been taking her to the dog park and she runs around like crazy and comes home so tired she acts like a normal dog for a change.

How do I know if she has pit in her and how much pit would be too much to take to a dog park? She needs tons of exercise and taking her for walks and playing ball in the yard is not doing the trick.

I am a newbie to both breeds but the Cane Corso people tell me she has a lot of energy becuase she probably has pit in her.

Thanks for any advice.

Her pic is below.

 

There's no way of knowing without papers, so just love her for what she is and keep an eye out just in case she turns DA

 

Unfortunately there is no possible way of knowing. And it is pretty hard to tell b/c Cane Corsos can look like oversized "pit bulls" anyway as they share some similar physical characteristics. As for Corso people telling you she has "pit bull" in her because she's energetic, well, I wouldn't take that to heart. Many Corsos are very energetic dogs with high drive--be it prey drive, hunting drive, toy drive, etc.

Also, she needs more than just trips to a dog park. She needs to be enrolled in a strict obedience class asap. Cane Corsos are a working breed & guardian breed (or should be bred as such anyways) & are very dominant dogs. If not shown that humans are alpha, they will quickly take over as leader of the pack by putting themself in the alpha position. Combine that dog with it's instinctive guardian/protective traits & the fact these dogs think for themselves, well, you can be in trouble on down the road.

I've got a Shar Pei/Cane Corso mix & he's NOT an easy dog to deal with. He's almost 5 now & despite strict training every single day, he might be taking his eternal nap sooner rather than later. And I started obedience with this dog at 7 weeks of age.

 

I do not think that pit bull owners (or any dog owners for that fact) should allow their dogs to be around strange dogs. I have a fenced in yard were my dogs play off leash. And when they are around familiar dogs in their own yard, they are closely montiored with a breaking stick near by. I understand that some people don't understand pits and those people should not have them. You need to understand that pits need more attention and monitoring than most other breeds. To be a responsible pit owner you need to know the facts and use them. Otherwise our beloved breed with never climb out of the hole irresponsible owers have dug.

 

I don't care what breed of dog I owned I wouldn't go to the dog park...because yes, I know I can control my dog, and yes, I would know whether or not it was a good idea, but you aren't dealing with yourself. You are dealing with other people, which there is usually one or two who have mean dogs that they just are blind to, their dog would attack, and knowing the kind of people they tend to be. They would blame it on the other person and other dog...It's just a big mess waiting to happen.

 

Whats funny is that this weekend I took Mike to Piedmont Park by downtown Atlanta. They have a huge lake and a trail to walk around it. Mike and I both needed the exercise. Well here myself and a co worker of mine were walking minding our own business. Mike is on a leash. And here comes a Boston Terrier full speed to Mike. Well he jumps in Mike's face and tries to attack him. I grab Mike by the collar and hold him up. ( I wanted to kick the shit out of this dog). I scream I got my dog get yours. Well here comes the owner. Then as soon as the owner put the dog down (mind you he still does not put the leash on his dog) the dog comes back at Mike. At this point I wanted to let Mike down and go at him. Mike is looking up at me like damn mom let me down please. But I hold Mike up by the collar again. And Tell this guy to get his effing dog. Because even though my dog did not start this he will finish it and then who would be to blame. And then yell at him why in the hell are you letting your dog off leash in a public park. He said that his dog doesn't bother any dog and stays by him. I tell him that he is lucky that I have control of my dog otherwise this could have been worse.

I think that when you are at a public place KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH. We were at a wide open public park.

 

I have never thought of dog parks as good places to bring bulldogs..Just last week someone had there pitbull at a dog park when a doberman attacked the dog twice..Guess what happen??The owner of the doberman took out a knife and stapped the pitbull to death..And it was all over the news portraying it as the pitbulls fault, because dobermans are such gentle creatures.lol..So long story short dont take your pitbulls to dog parks and when you do take them out keep them on a leash..No matter what happens the pitbull will always be to blame as far as the public goes..

 

Whether you can take your dog to the dog park depends on the individual dog. I had a male who by four month of age wouldn't back down from any dog no matter how big and by 10 months would seek out the biggest dominant dog around and scratch into it. Needless to say I stopped taking him to the dog park.

Now I have a female bred by one of the old timers. She is two and is a model K9 citizen at the local dog parks. She almost never interacts with other dogs and just likes to fetch. Never starts anything, doesnt go bezerk when another dog starts pestering her (she will give them at least one dressing down before going for it), never jumps on people or kids (except the old guy with doggy treats in his pockets). She is extremely tolerant with pups.

I always keep my eye on her and never let her out of my sight. I also always quickly pick out that one cur that likes to pester and nip other dogs and work hard to prevent contact between her and that dogs (She is very good at recall so it makes it much easier).

Finally, I take her to the dog parks during off hours when there are few dogs. That way I end up getting to know the 'regulars'. This makes the dog park experience much more pleasant.

She has been in a few self defense scraps. But those would have happened even if I brought a beagle to the dog park. Anyhow, my dog is either cold as ice or just hasnt matured yet. I am not naive. I wouldnt bring her brother within a mile of a dog park. I've been around the breed long enough to know better.

But if you happen to have a pit that is well behaved around other dogs and people you will surprised how much good PR your dog will do for the breed.

As far as picking up disease etc. at the dog park, well I picked up lots of colds, flu, chicken pox, measles, mumps, etc at school, summer camp and kingergarten. I suppose if my parents kept me from interacting with other kids I would have gotten sick much less. I think if you keep up with the regular vet care and use some common sense it should be alright.

 

Hmm, where to start ? "But those would have happened" Should change that to
"would NOT have happened if I avoided the dog park" Thats one of the big reasons why its a no no, doesn't matter how cold your dog is you should never be putting your dog in that situation period.

This line needs a bit tweaking too "I am not naive " I think you might be if you believe that its ok to hang at doggie parks. God forbid something terribly wrong had happened do you really think that your dog would come out of it as the hero ? Unfortunately your dog is most likely going to be branded the villian in that situation.

And then you leave us with this comment "I've been around the breed long enough to know better. " Obviuosly not! If you have been around this breed then you should understand that in the public eye your dog is the enemy and in your little PR campain you could end up costing other responsible owners the rights to own thier dogs.

You really do need to reevaluate your situation, no matter how friendly and cold you think your dog is its only going to take one bad situation with the wrong dog and your the next cover child for the local newspaper as to why the APBT needs to be abolished. Your playing with fire not just for yourself but for other owners of this breed but I guess anyone who has been around this breed like you claim would no better.

JMHO

 

Anyone who lets their dog be in a situation that can endanger another dog, person, your own dog and ultimately the breed is a huge dissapointment to me. I have learned through my own ignorance how much damage can be done in a single "instance", and then you can never go back.

Don't put your dog, yourself and another innocent person or pet at risk....your dog may not start but a PB will finish when pushed into drive. And I guarentee those that advocate this risky behavior do not own a break stick and have not educated themselves on how to seperate their dog from another.

Double standard or not, it is what it is, the only way to change it is to improve the public record of these dogs and their owners, taking your dog to a dog park does not increase the odds of improving our image, and a single incident does 10x as much damage. Take your responsibility seriously and do what is best for all, even if it means a personal sacrifice, please

 

You ovisously did not read the post..The pitbull was attacked by the doberman according to people who were there..The pit got stabbed to death and was blamed in the media..If you want to risk that kind of thing you go right ahead..Some people never listen..When something like this happens to you, you will say to yourself"damn I should of listened"..

 

All I can say is some will never listen..I had a freind that I told numerous times how to take care of his dog, confine his dog ect., and he never listened..Needless to say all three of his dogs were shot by police and he is facing charges, and they were great dogs, and were very obedient..It was not there fault it was his for thinking he could do what he wanted..

 

No matter what breed I owned. I wouldn't bring my dog to a dog park. Too many dumb people thinking their dogs are angels and not doing a thing to keep it from starting fights.

 

I don't know where you live, but where I am at there is no stigma attached to owning a pit. In fact, you see little ol' ladies walking them. And, if you'd read the post carefully you'd see that I said whether you take your dog to the park depends on the dog. I've been around dogs for a long long time so I don't really need your lectures.

I've also had the priviledge to know a few folks that've been breeding these dogs for 30 to 40 years. And I checked with them and listened to what they had to say before deciding whether to try this or not. I'll take their advice over anything you have to offer unless you happen to be Mr. Colby himself.

I know my dog, you don't. Things dont just happen out of the blue with dogs unless you are oblivious. A dog will start showing signs. A responsible owner knows their dog and acts accordingly. I agree, 99% of these dogs should stay clear of dog parks. But once in a while you get one that works out.

 

How stupid can this people be . If he would have tried that on me and my dog (altough i don't take my dogs in dog parks LOL we don't have them here , not even on the streets), that dude would be the one who needed stiches ! This things just make me blow off ! I had a problem like this once with 2 mutts, who attacked my dog and my brother while i took my dog swimming. Sure enough when Toby got a hold of them they bouth cured out and ran , and that dumbass who had the dogs off the leash unchained and unfenced kept yelling at me and wanted to call the police because i didn't have a muzzle on my dog,(at about 50 degrees Celsius) altough my bro had him on the leash. When he got at about 1 m of me I told that pos that if he even yells another time at me I'll put him in the dog house ! Stupid and idiot peoples..........X(

 

I live in the real world not fantasy land nor do I hail from the Bat Cave. Please tell us all where it is that APBT's do not have a bad rap.

I think you are the one that needs to re-read a post, I read what you said about your dog being cold / friendly and even replied to that statment. Did you read what I wrote about it doesn't matter being at the wrong place at the wrong time if a serious fight breaks out that it will be your dog that gets the blame regardless of who started it ?

And it really doesn't matter who you know and how long they been breeding them. This breed has too much bad press and you putting your dog in the center of one of the worst places to bring your dog is just plain naive and very irisponsible. I honestly hope that nothing ever happens to you or your dog, every bad incident puts us further back and gets the BSL one step closer to passing. You might want to think about that.

 

Great post. I don't care the breed or mix of breeds, dog parks are a horrible idea for dogs and humans alike!

1. they are disease ridden--including anything from intestinal worms to viruses such as parvovirus and distemper. And who knows what else other dogs could be and are carrying such as scabies (sarcoptic mange) and ringworm.

2. there is often a much higher number of dogs to the number of humans. Many people bring more than one dog at a time and this presents a huge problem......no one is watching 1/4 of the dogs.

3. many humans go there to socialize and don't give a damn what there dog is doing.

4. very few people know how to read and understand canine body language thus "playing" is actually a threat to back off.

My advice is to set up play dates at the homes of people you know where the land is parasite and disease free, where you know all the dogs are properly vaccinated, where you know all the dogs are obedient & socialized enough to participate, and where the ratio of humans to dogs is 1:1.