[nhstadt]

I got Max about 9 months ago from a rescue, vet estimates him to be about 2. Anyways, I live in an apartment and make frequent trips to the dog park just for general exercise, outdoor fun and to keep him socialized. He has always done really well, until recently. The past four dog park trips I have had to leave because he has been getting into fights. one was with a GSD mix, the other three with two different dobermans. He is just fine with 99% of the other dogs he just kind of runs around and plays, but seems like when he sees another dog as challenging him he gets into it. he usually is not the aggressor the first time, however once it gets broken up and I leash him for 10-15 mins and let him calm down, and then let him back off he makes a bee line for the other dog.... Like I said, he is super playful with all the other dogs, super friendly with people he knows, just kind of aloof with strangers (how he should be) until another dog tries to act dominant over him. I know alot of people on here dislike the dog park, and we also do alot of hiking and outdoor stuff on the weekends, but during the week the dog park is my only real option as well as being the most convenient for me most times, and I would like to keep going, but I don't want my dog to hurt another dog or get hurt, or develop any bad habits. Any help would be greatly appreciated. also, FYI, he is neutered and I use a prong collar when walking him, or out in public if that info helps. Thanks