MEMOIRS OF A DOG-PARKER

In last weeks post, I asked you guys to send in questions regarding Dog Park Etiquette.

Reading them made me realize that at one time or another, we have all had the same questions or have experienced the same situations.

So, I've chosen the most common questions to further explore. (I also chose them also based on conversations/arguments I've personally had at the dog park, for comedic relief)

MEMOIR #1:

Some years ago at a fairly busy dog park, every dog in the park started acting obnoxious . As if some invisible switch went on and suddenly they were hypnotized.

My Spidey-Senses were tingling. I started analyzing the park, the vibe, the owners, the dogs to find the source. There was (definitely) an inaudible siren sending subliminal messages to all canines; and it was emanating from one dog in particular.

When I realized what is going on, I was in utter disbelief. I look over at the unphazed and unaware proprietor of the dog (that I’ve now dubbed ‘Armageddon’) and approach cautiously.​ Introductions ensue, basic dog park exchanges are swapped, (name, age, breed.) I observe the now apocalyptic state of the dog park. Dogs fighting, owners yelling, some cowering and fleeing (both dogs and owners).

Although I already know the answer to my question, I ask anyway. "Is ‘Armageddon’ in heat"? Bobby* nonchalantly says "oh ya.! She's single and ready to mingle (wink-wink)".

Q#1:WHY CAN'T I BRING MY DOG IN 'HEAT' DOG TO THE PARK?

Here are 3 pretty good reasons why 'Bobby*'.

*a gender neutral, male & female name - don't get it twisted

a) Pheromones

When your girl is in heat, she goes through 4 phases (the entire shpeel can last 115 days)! Phase 1 and 3 will make her stunningly attractive to males; and she ain’t having any of it! She will NOT be receptive to their advances and she can be exceptionally aggressive and combative. Male dogs will posture and compete to quell their desires, even if they are fixed. It can turn into a gladiator death-match within minutes! (exaggerated but accurate) The pheromones let off during her cycle are so powerful that they linger for days! So even if you bring her when there are no other dogs, her love potion can still cause problems when long after your gone.

b) Estrogen & Progesterone

During a ‘heat’ cycle, her reproductive organs will have an influx of hormones. The first 2 phases produce a tremendous amount of estrogen and the last 2 produce progesterone. In higher than normal levels they can cause your female dog to become quite agitated, anxious, volatile and truculent. Her heightened emotions and uneasiness make her less friendly, less patient and a target for unwanted behaviour (also causing other dogs discombobulation).

This spike in hormones let other females (even spayed ones) know its mating time! Females will compete for male attention or start ‘guarding’ a particular male. Even if other females usually get on just fine, wanting to lay the smackdown on the bitch (pun sooo intended) in heat for all the male attention grabbing should be expected.

b) Unwanted Pregnancy.

During the 2nd phase of her heat cycle, she will be receptive to male advances. (and bona-fide ready to get it on)! Anywhere from 4 and 24 days, your female can (and likely will be) impregnated. Shelters and rescues are burdened with finding homes for dogs (i.e- unwanted puppies turned into non-puppies). These dogs are legitimately dying because owners had a "whoops" and their female got knocked up. Unless you are a competent, ethical breeder, you should NEVER breed your dog.

Get your dog fixed (because you are NOT a qualified breeder). Please.

MEMOIR #2: Every dog park has one. A Sir Humps-A-Lot. There is a particular dog park I avoid in the evening due to the presence of Sir Humps-A-Alot (H.A.L for short). He humps males, female, old dogs, puppy dogs, new dogs, regular dogs. It seems as though there is no rhyme or reason to his hip action and my dogs are not subtle about telling him where to go. I’ve had multiple conversations with patrons of the park and H.A.L’s owner. Owners are pretty pissed that their dogs can’t play without having to attend to H.A.L’s incessant thrusting. H.A.L’s owner thinks their boy is quite the sexual conquistador. (puzzling and projective much?) All in all, it’s a sticky situation. Q#2: WHAT DO I DO IF ALL MY DOG DOES AT THE DOG PARK IS HUMP? Humping is intrinsic and evolves at an early age. It is a perfectly normal and natural dog behaviour. (its nothing to be embarrassed about unless you are the one doing it!)

There is a variance of reasons for (male and female alike) for humping. Outside the scope of young males under 1 year old that are not neutered (or a female in heat is in the midst), it is unlikely due to sexual arousal.

The usual culprit; over-stimulation. The surge of hormones when a playmate is around can generate the behaviour as an enticing gesture to play (even if they have seen them a gazillion times). Testing social bonds, especially in a dog park, it can be a way to assess the boundaries of the other dog. (will they let me or not) In unsure or anxious dogs, the behaviour can be a way to overcome the jitters and alleviate their stress.

The only way to know for sure is to be aware of the canine calming signals and get to know your dog!

In H.A.L’s case, the behaviour was compulsive. If your dog just wants to hump his way through the dog park, it could be as well. So here’s my advice. Be Observant: Try and document the when and the what is happening when your dog humps excessively. It can be one or multiple reasons and change situationally. Once you pinpoint the “why” you will be able to be PROACTIVE in you approach.

Offer an Alternative: Now know when and why he humps, so be vigilant. Prevent the behaviour before it starts. Allow him to sniff and greet a dog and call him back BEFOREHAND. Eventually, he will learn greet a dog and then come back to you! When playing (obvs before the mounting), call him back and get him to do a sit stay for a few seconds. This way, when you see his excitement levels are heading through the roof, you can re-direct his/her attention. Make sure to practice your alternative behaviour(callback, sit-stay) in short sessions and often. You may need to get some other owners on board as well. Ask them to help. That way everyone is on the same page and you are setting up your own H.A.L for success. (or contact your favourite behaviour consultant here) MEMOIR #3: A few weeks ago, I had a very angering and dangerous encounter with Miss-Thang. Into the dog park walks a unusually ‘calm’ and subdued Doberman puppy. I spotted them coming from a mile away. Dobbie was wearing a prong collar. I am 100% appalled by this method (prong, choke, electric collars) and fully denounce any trainer that encourages, incorporates or endorses using these outdated and ineffective methods.

With that being said, I am only going to address the dangers of these collars at the dog park in this particular post. Trust me, there will also be a post concerning these torturous instruments. But I digressed. So, before Dobbie can even think about having fun, I beeline it to Miss-Thang and ask that they remove the prong collar for the safety of all the dogs.

“Ugh...” * insert eyeroll* she responded.

AND TURNED THE COLLAR INSIDE OUT!!! (and yes, I’m pulling a DJ Khalid and yelling!) Long story short, we exchanged words (well, I did) and she took the collar completely off for her safety. Q#3: WHY CAN’T MY DOG WEAR THEIR PRONG/ELECTRIC/CHOKE COLLAR WHILE IN THE PARK? 1) Your Dog

These ‘collars’ cause pain to your dog. At the dog park it will only exasperate this pain. Anything they “see” while being 'punished' will become negatively associated. Conclusively, the dog park, certain dogs or all dogs become monsters that your dog must avoid to evade the pain. (while you prick, choke, electrocute it for not obeying your command to enter the dog park)

2) MyDog

Dogs play with their teeth and paws mostly. (a butt bump or body-slam are also observed). If your dog is wearing a prong collar, my dog can get caught and rip out out a tooth, have their jaw dislocated or a impale their cheeks or paws on the collar. I've seen dogs completely rip open their webs/paws after getting caught and trying to break free. The dog wearing a choke collar will desperately try to free themselves if caught up.

This leads to asphyxiation and can be fatal.

3) Me and You

So we (now)know these types of collars cause injury and pain to dogs. But what about the effects on humans at the park? As I mentioned, your dog will begin to negatively associate (whatever it sees (hears, feels, senses, smells) when it experiences ‘the correction’. Your dog jumps up on someone.

You electrocute it.

That someone was the last thing they remember before the shock.

It will (not so eventually) associate that person (or people) as a 'monster'. To avoid the pain you are causing it, they will begin to show more and more aggression towards the monster (trying to make it flee). Your dog could become a bite-risk to humans.

MEMOIR #4:

This isn't one particular memoir because it happens ALL THE TIME. People tend to use the dog park as a social mechanism. We make new friends and acquaintances. Sharing something in common right from the get-go; our lovable dogs. At every dog park, there tend to be clusters of people standing around. Their dogs remain in close proximity trying to play.

(while I am trying to run around and move so that all of the dogs benefit!) I’m not hating on the cluster-ers. I get it. I really do. But…

Q#4: Why doesn’t my dog play at the dog park?

Maybe your dog doesn’t actually like being at the dog park! Not all dogs are socially active.

They may choose a handful of dogs they enjoy interacting with but are not inclined to play or be assured among others. Maybe they have had an hump-in with H.A.L. Maybe Armageddon has released all hell. Maybe Dobbie is too agitated so your doggo pretends like he’s not even in a park. (A survival mechanism is the freeze or ignorance response. Although less common, it can make your dog just not move or completely ignore the fact that other dogs in the vicinity). It comes down to knowing your dog and checking for signs of stress or unease. If your dog is not playing, look around and find out why. It could be that dog parks are just not for them. OR… you aren't 'playing'. Remember why you brought your dog to the park to begin with.

If you are standing still in a cluster, your dog will likely remain close to you.

It could be that they are worried about leaving you 'alone' with the other dogs.

Your dog may ‘guard’ you, which can readily facilitate aggression and make your Nervous Nelly all the more nervous.

If you move, they will move.

Now you don’t have to run laps. (Come on now, it’s time for their exercise not yours!)

But being on the move will create a non-stagnant atmosphere and allow your pet to sniff, walk, dig, poop and pee more freely.

If you are are moving your dog will be less focused on his/her presumptions of the park, more focused on moving with you and will eventually wander off on their own. (it will also give you a chance to practice them coming back to you!).

Ouff! That is all for this post fellow readers.

I will tackle THE most common & complex question I’ve received, in next week's (final) instalment of the DOG PARK ETIQUETTE series; Dog Fights. How to avoid 'em and what to do when they happen.