The Dog Blog of a Sharp Eagle (Shar Pei / Beagle) Mix

Monday, February 9, 2009

A Dilemma


Seems like coming home bloody from the dog park has become a regular occurrence. This time, mom said it was my fault, getting in the face of a small dog who wanted me to leave her alone. Mom says we both have “short man’s syndrome,” where we both think we’re the boss of all the dogs at the park. And while the other dog is somewhat scared of me, I kind of pushed her over the edge, and it got heated. And I got bit, little scratches all over my face.

While we both love going to the park, and having that fun community, Mom is wondering if she should keep taking me to the park when I get hurt so much. I have definitely become more aggressive towards strange dogs when we’re at PetSmart. And Mom is worried about that too.

Is socialization at a park necessary? Or is causing more harm than good?
Mom says she’s going to talk to my Vet.

(PixUp)

17 comments:

Martha said...

Oh dear Lois that is a dilemma! Bailey has exactly the same problem - she is very small, even for a basset. She is sometimes nasty with bigger dogs although generally worse with her lead on!
We have, at the moment, stopped her 'talking' to other dogs although she is allowed to say 'hello' quickly! Martha is happy to have a good sniff but that is all. She is not bossy like Bailey. See what the vet says but we think you should still get to meet other dogs but mum will be in charge not you!

Anonymous said...

Our dogs the shar pei and golden only socialize together. But there are no dog parks anywhere. Our neighbors' dogs are all fenced by electric fence. They may have another family dog member like we do. Our shar pei ignores other dogs on walks but the golden gets angry (unsual because she is so sweet) to protect the shar pei. Sometimes unleashed dogs bother the shar pei. So the golden stands up for her brother.

Anonymous said...

I don't think dog parks are necessary. She gets long with dogs she knows and can have playdates.

Nibbles Treats said...

Oh, what a dilemma. Let us know what the vet says. Our Tinkerbell is very protective of the boys when she is on a leash but at the dog park, everyone is her friend. Socialization is very important.

Tinkerbell, Oscar and Tucker

Ruby and Penny said...

Hi Laney
I think socialization is very important, but it should be safe socialization. Let us know what the vet says.
Love Ruby

Anonymous said...

After watching Dog Whisperer I would say that Laney is insecure. And the more scraps she gets into the more aggressive she may get because she is inscure.

Lois Lane/Laney said...

She is definitely insecure. She never lets me out of her sight at the park now. And sticks to my heels if she sees a dog she doesn't know.

Anonymous said...

Yeah I'm no dog expert but Laney seems like a very mellow docile dog and maybe even traumatized by shelter life?? She should socialize but with dogs she knows in a setting that you can supervise easilt and dogs who don't bully her. I guess it's like if your kid goes to school and gets bullied all the time. But here the kid doesn't have to go to school and so she can have playdates. Plus animals can smell insecurity be they dogs or humans.

Anonymous said...

Oh and shar peis don't get along with other dogs. Shar peis don't like human strangers either. Very loyal to their owners.

ThePainterPack said...

Poor Laney. I do not like people, except my hooman family. But I do fine with other dogs. I think woo should talk to the vet. We don't want woo to get hurt worse!

Mya Boo Boo

Eduardo said...

I see you got a lot of good advice. I know socialization is good, is good for you & the dogs & in time it will make a dog more confident. But it seems like Laney feels insecure around these dogs to the point that she feels the need to 'prove' herself & it gets her in trouble. I would suggest socializeing her in an enviorment she feels safe in with 1 or 2 dogs she knows well & she is very confident around. Hope this helps!
Hugs & Snugs
Eduardo the Snuggle Puggle

Molly the Airedale said...

Oh no, not again, Laney! We know how important the dog park is to you! We fear for your safety! We'll be anxious to hear what your vet has to say!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Lorenza said...

Hi, Laney!
Sure it is a dilemma!
I think your Vet can give your mom a good advice!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Amber and Nala said...

Poor Laney, wish I could give your little face puppy kisses. :) I have only ever been to a couple of dog parks when we were on vacation.(we don't have one in my small town) My Mom mostly takes me for play dates with dogs I know. Good luck!

Nala

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Poor Laney! You got some great advice there too and we'd tend to agree, socialisation is so important especially for an insecure dog. Rosie is very bossy on walks, feels she has to prove herself and protect her pack, she usually spends alot of the time on her lead when other dogs are around, she turns the volume up when she's on her lead but at least she's safe then.
Good luck :o)
Slobbers xx

i said...

Gee...not going to the park would be a bummer! Hope the vet has a good solution for you.

Gizmo said...

Laney,

I would miss you if you didn't come to the bark park. I hope you find a way that you can come to the park, and not end up scratched.

-Gizmo