Tanner's mishap

[AbigailFerris]

The big pup was at the dog park with his other human this evening, where a nasty rat terrier that bit another dog last week, now bit our darling boy Brad came in the house fuming mad, because this same thing happened several years ago, and he stopped walking Tanner there as a result.

After all the rehabilitation, and consistent therapy and commitment we've shown, this is unfortunate because Tanner loves to play there.

What is our recourse to keep this dog out of the dog park?

-Abigail

[SJackson]

Here is the dog park's website:

https://www.sebastopoldogpark.com/index.php?nav=0

You can send an email to [email protected] describing the situation.

Good luck.

The big pup was at the dog park with his other human this evening, where a nasty rat terrier that bit another dog last week, now bit our darling boy Brad came in the house fuming mad, because this same thing happened several years ago, and he stopped walking Tanner there as a result.

After all the rehabilitation, and consistent therapy and commitment we've shown, this is unfortunate because Tanner loves to play there.

What is our recourse to keep this dog out of the dog park?

-Abigail

[Shepherd]

I also take my puppy Winnie to the Sebastopol dog park and have seen dogs bitten there. This concerns me. I hope that other dog lovers will send emails to the Dog Park Board to be more vigilant about such matters.

I have set up a free dog park on my farm, which is up from Hard Core Coffee south of Sebastopol. So if you want to have your non-aggressive dog play in a safe environment, you can reach me at [email protected] to schedule a time.
Thanks,
Shepherd

The big pup was at the dog park with his other human this evening, where a nasty rat terrier that bit another dog last week, now bit our darling boy Brad came in the house fuming mad, because this same thing happened several years ago, and he stopped walking Tanner there as a result.

After all the rehabilitation, and consistent therapy and commitment we've shown, this is unfortunate because Tanner loves to play there.

What is our recourse to keep this dog out of the dog park?

-Abigail

[massage maven]

What I know is that we can't change others, we can only change ourselves by refraining from passing judgement and holding a high vision for all concerned. As a dog owner my main focus is on keeping my dog safe. That may mean finding other play opportunities for my dog even though the dog park is enticing.

Because my dog is one of those that are generally thought of as an aggressive breed, I take him to a doggie day care where he can frolic freely under constant supervision and get lots of dog on dog play time with his pack. Part of keeping him safe is to not put him in a situation where he may try to play with dogs that aren't size appropriate or who haven't learned social graces.

I can't tell you how often I have other dog owners let their dog run up to my dog, sometimes not even on a leash even though our walking trail clearly states that all dogs need to be leashed, and literally "get in his face", a clear form of rudeness that these dog owners haven't learned. If my dog reacts protectively to having another dog cross into his personal space, my dog will get blamed for the outcome even though, in dog language, he hasn't been the aggressor.

I see this quite often with small dogs who are allowed to have bad behavior because they are small and "controllable". Again, it's my responsibility to ensure my dog's safety. I encourage all dog owners to research what is normal dog behavior and to get involved with a doggie day care where their dog can learn how to be a well behaved member of the pack.

The big pup was at the dog park with his other human this evening, where a nasty rat terrier that bit another dog last week, now bit our darling boy Brad came in the house fuming mad, because this same thing happened several years ago, and he stopped walking Tanner there as a result.

After all the rehabilitation, and consistent therapy and commitment we've shown, this is unfortunate because Tanner loves to play there.

What is our recourse to keep this dog out of the dog park?

-Abigail

[Shepherd]

To say, as below, that "we can't change others" implies that others cannot change us. That has not been my personal experience. People are always changing me, which I welcome. My puppy changes me. I was not looking for a dog; she adopted me, bringing her unconditional love. We are always being changed by others and changing them, if we are willing to connect and grow.

Making judgments can also be important. Hurting others is not a good thing to do. People and dogs should be refrained from hurting others. I find the email below to be contradictory. A dog park is a social place where different points of view by humans and different kinds of dogs can interact, and yes, even change each other. My dog learns from older dogs, for example, about how to be submissive. That is partly why I take her there.

I also do not agree with the term "normal dog behavior." It depends partly on factors such as the breed, the age, and the training. My dog is a catahoula leopard hound. She is bred to hunt, especially boar, and herd. She is naturally fierce, though not aggressive. Among her best play mates are pit bulls, especially when well managed by their human companions. Winnie is a work dog on my farm. That is different from a dog that is primarily a pet. What is "normal" for one person or dog is not necessarily normal for another. My dog likes to rough house; I prefer to cuddle, so we find ways to do both. I rub her stomach each evening, which she likes, which helps her be willing to submit.

I do agree with some things below, such as the importance of doing research. I have had my dog in obedience training, but I do not feel that I need to send her to doggie day care. She howls when we are apart.

I want to keep my dog "safe," as does the person below. But she seems to want more than safety, which can get boring and repetitive. Catahoulas are part red wolf, which is something I appreciate. I support her wildness and do not try to break her spirit, while still reigning her in when necessary.

What we are conversing about here is more than the dog-human relationship. It has to do with human-animal relationships. Last night I saw the old film "The Eye of the Dolphin," which I highly recommend. A teen-age girl finds her father after the death of her mother. She changes him and his work with dolphins. Another great film is "The Whale Rider," about the Maori people and how a girl changes the whole tribe and their attitude toward leadership.

So I am back to the original email in this thread, which encouraged us to think about dog parks and how we can have the limits we need to allow for a variety of dogs and humans to be there, and even change each other, which is what community can be about, if we do not get stuck in our own individualistic ways, as I too often do. :)

What I know is that we can't change others, we can only change ourselves by refraining from passing judgement and holding a high vision for all concerned. As a dog owner my main focus is on keeping my dog safe. That may mean finding other play opportunities for my dog even though the dog park is enticing. Because my dog is one of those that are generally thought of as an aggressive breed, I take him to a doggie day care where he can frolic freely under constant supervision and get lots of dog on dog play time with his pack. Part of keeping him safe is to not put him in a situation where he may try to play with dogs that aren't size appropriate or who haven't learned social graces. I can't tell you how often I have other dog owners let their dog run up to my dog, sometimes not even on a leash even though our walking trail clearly states that all dogs need to be leashed, and literally "get in his face", a clear form of rudeness that these dog owners haven't learned. If my dog reacts protectively to having another dog cross into his personal space, my dog will get blamed for the outcome even though, in dog language, he hasn't been the aggressor. I see this quite often with small dogs who are allowed to have bad behavior because they are small and "controllable". Again, it's my responsibility to ensure my dog's safety. I encourage all dog owners to research what is normal dog behavior and to get involved with a doggie day care where their dog can learn how to be a well behaved member of the pack.

[Nancy M Prebilich]

Thank you Maggie! Couldn't agree with you more (and Shepard, couldn't DISAGREE with you more; please change to think more like Maggie, since you are so open to it). I am so tired of this hypocritical Sebastopol attitude (that has only developed since the invasion of a certain generation's drug induced "enlightenment")... that insists we should and can all get along, just so long as you live according to THEIR doctrine, designed for THEIR comfort.

It's just plain common sense... if your dog (or you) can't handle the free-for-ALL at the dog park, then don't take him there!!!! It really is that simple.

I too am tired of little yappy dogs who get away with bad behavior because they're little, and THEN get sympathy when a big dog defends himself!

Either you can handle an animal or you can't. Either you can handle animal dynamics and behavior (both aggressive and submissive) or you can't. Dogs play, dogs play agressively sometimes, sometimes nips happen, sometimes nips happen because territory is being challenged, sometimes lessons have to be taught and learned, not by humans but by the dogs themselves, some dogs are agressive without warning, some dogs (like Bruno) are full of deep vocalization and big strong gestures, but not being remotely agressive- and sometimes, sh&t happens and you got to be able to deal!! If that means you don't take him to the park.... DON'T GO TO THE PARK.

Enough with this hippy-dippy coddling.

What I know is that we can't change others, we can only change ourselves by refraining from passing judgement and holding a high vision for all concerned. As a dog owner my main focus is on keeping my dog safe. That may mean finding other play opportunities for my dog even though the dog park is enticing. ....

[podfish]

Enough with this hippy-dippy coddling.

Damn straight. Survival of the fittest, like Darwin said. I think I'll take our bear to the dog park and show those damn hippies with their yappy dogs...

[rossmen]

my dog and i have been going to the park regularly for a year, it is his favorite place in the whole world and if we don't get there for more than a week he gets "sick".

when a dog there is repeatedly aggressive there are several things to do. know that all the other dogs and people are noticing too and also wondering what to do. first talk openly with the dog's human and be direct, something like "your dog just bit my dog and i have seen it bite other dogs, whats going on?" be prepared to leave if they are just as aggressively defensive as their dog, there is a good chance others will follow you and those who remain will also try to talk to the human animal.

they might be reassuring or apologetic about their dog, like "it was just a nip, my dog would never hurt another dog, they were challenged nervous ect." this all might be true. the really scary dogs at the park are the ones willing to start fights with dogs who are willing to fight. fortunately these dogs are really rare and don't last long there. much more common are dogs who are not fully socialized struggling with an overwhelming dog scene. usually they get more comfortable and sometimes more social with time, if their owners can hang with it.

not all dogs and humans are appropriate for the dog park. it is an intense setting for dogs, for mine, intensely fun. it is important to speak up, and listen, when there is a perceived problem. its ok to yell no, and stop, at a dog that is loosing its cool. safty there is everyones responsibility.

The big pup was at the dog park with his other human this evening, where a nasty rat terrier that bit another dog last week, now bit our darling boy Brad came in the house fuming mad, because this same thing happened several years ago, and he stopped walking Tanner there as a result.

After all the rehabilitation, and consistent therapy and commitment we've shown, this is unfortunate because Tanner loves to play there.

What is our recourse to keep this dog out of the dog park?

-Abigail

[oliviathunderkitty]

I am fairly new at caring for dogs but in the three and a half years that I've had Joey, I've explored several dog parks and trails. Now I have a second dog, a puppy. They are the same docile breed, miniature longhaired dachshunds, which are known for their sweet temperaments, and we have tried the Ragle dog park a few times. They don't seem to care for it; after the first few minutes of being sniffed and smelled by the other dogs, they follow me to whatever shade I have found and curl up nearby. They don't seem to like the wood chips, gravel and dirt and they are rarely interested in any way in other dogs. They do like walking along the Joe Rodota Trail and they LOVE wide expanses of grass where they can run free and roll on their backs.

There is a lovely dog park next to the DeTurk Round Barn, with a small patch of grass, in west Santa Rosa.

I think the Ragle dog park is great for dogs that like to chase balls, frisbees and other dogs but it doesn't seem to be the place for dogs who prefer a more sensual experience.

[Nancy M Prebilich]

Michele, as a relatively new dog owner, here is a link which I think might prove useful and informative for you:https://www.dogtemperament.com/dachshund-temperament/. I find particularly interesting the part about "hysterical barking" and how the miniature Dachshund topped a list of 33 breeds in a 2008 study of canine aggression, done by the University of Pennsyvania; more aggressive than the Pit Bull and Rotweiller.

Ladies and Gentlmen, THIS is what I'm talking about, this dangerous sentiment that "neither I nor my precious pooch have faults because I know how wonderful we both are." For us large breed owners, there's no getting around that our dogs are big, muscular, deep voiced, and scarey looking to many, but little dogs are cute and little, you can scoop them up in your arms; how could that EVER be more aggressive than an 85# brute with such big jowels?

I'm calling for a little bit more realism from Sebastopolians. I LOVE the idea of, instead of seeking community support to have someone else's dog BANNED... how about talking to the owner?! How about asking if you can have a purposeful introduction between the two dogs so they can become acquainted? In short, do YOUR part of the necessary work, and at the end of the day; live and let live- don't rally to BAN.

I am fairly new at caring for dogs but in the three and a half years that I've had Joey, I've explored several dog parks and trails. Now I have a second dog, a puppy. They are the same docile breed, miniature longhaired dachshunds, which are known for their sweet temperaments, and we have tried the Ragle dog park a few times. They don't seem to care for it; after the first few minutes of being sniffed and smelled by the other dogs, they follow me to whatever shade I have found and curl up nearby. They don't seem to like the wood chips, gravel and dirt and they are rarely interested in any way in other dogs. They do like walking along the Joe Rodota Trail and they LOVE wide expanses of grass where they can run free and roll on their backs.

There is a lovely dog park next to the DeTurk Round Barn, with a small patch of grass, in west Santa Rosa.

I think the Ragle dog park is great for dogs that like to chase balls, frisbees and other dogs but it doesn't seem to be the place for dogs who prefer a more sensual experience.

[oliviathunderkitty]

This description does not apply to longhaired dachshunds, which have a different temperament than shorthaired and wirehaired dachshunds. I've studied this breed and sub-breeds since I was about 12 years old so the dachshund is quite familiar to me. It is simply full-time guardianship--and thus dog parks--that is not.

And as far as my dogs go, anyone who has met them knows that Joey is the opposite of aggressive. For better or worse, he is shy and docile, unless he senses at intruder at his home. Lark is an eagerly friendly puppy.

I have nothing against any particular breed of dog. As a long-time cat lover, I chose longhaired dachshunds for their many cat-like qualities (which are shared by sight hounds in general), their sweetness and their small size, as smaller dogs are longer lived than larger dogs. I find many large breeds beautiful and appealing but their short life expectancy is a personal barrier.

Michele, as a relatively new dog owner, here is a link which I think might prove useful and informative for you:https://www.dogtemperament.com/dachshund-temperament/.

[Nancy M Prebilich]

My grandfather use to have a saying," Just because you've been doing something for 30 years doesn't mean you've been doing it right!"

Here's another link for you Michele, SPECIFICALLY about "long-haired" Dachshund. https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/minia...hund-3795.html

You don't have to read far before it tells you that the length of the coat has nothing to do with variance in temperment. I particularly like this quote," The dachshund is an intelligent, alert little dog with a brave nature -- sometimes to its own detriment. The breed is devoted to its masters but can develop behavioral problems with weak or inexperienced owners."

I'm using the situation as an example of the hypocritical bias among small dog owners vs large dog owners, of the "Kum-by-ya; let's all hold hands and dance naked in the fountain" community that has invaded Sebastopol, and Wacco's in particular.

This description does not apply to longhaired dachshunds, ...

[Nancy M Prebilich]

Damn straight. Survival of the fittest, like Darwin said. I think I'll take our bear to the dog park and show those damn hippies with their yappy dogs...

You own a bear?! How cool is that! Maybe it's the one "seen around Sebastopol!" Mystery solved. I'm interested in owning a bear. What's the permit process for that? Does it fall within Sebastopol ordinances? Maybe if I get a bear then our bears can play together at the park! Surely more compatible than playing with dogs. (And Wacco's like to say I'm the snarky one ;-)

[podfish]

Bears can't be owned. 'Course, cat-owners often say the same about cats.
"Our" bear is somewhere in a creek behind Graton, but I'm open to escorting him if he wants to check out the dog park.

You own a bear?! How cool is that! Maybe it's the one "seen around Sebastopol!" Mystery solved. I'm interested in owning a bear. What's the permit process for that? Does it fall within Sebastopol ordinances? Maybe if I get a bear then our bears can play together at the park! Surely more compatible than playing with dogs. (And Wacco's like to say I'm the snarky one ;-)

not "the" snarky one. That's too select an honor. Just "a" snarky one.

[AbigailFerris]

Thank you. For the record, it didn't happen at the Sebastopol Dog Park. It was in Santa Rosa.

Here is the dog park's website:

https://www.sebastopoldogpark.com/index.php?nav=0

You can send an email to [email protected] describing the situation.

Good luck.

[AbigailFerris]

Clearly, some readers have not heard our mothers' adage, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I'm disappointed by the aggressive and bellicose nature of these replies that advocate hurtful and even dangerous behavior.
Enough is enough.
Thank you to the readers who have been kind and compassionate.
I'm removing this post.

Damn straight. Survival of the fittest, like Darwin said. I think I'll take our bear to the dog park and show those damn hippies with their yappy dogs...