Aggressive or Not

[ayoitzrimz]

I would get in between my dog and yours in a heartbeat if he was to charge into mine. My dog hates when other dogs just run up to him without proper signals (loose body, lowered head, sideways approach) and can get very reactive. Since he has big teeth as well, I would have to get in between them and then confront you about the situation. I'm not saying your dog is a bad dog, but I am saying that unfortunately not all dogs are suited for the park.

Again, I'm not trying to purposely be mean about or anything like that but you should be prepared for some very angry owners if you choose to keep bringing her to the dog park at busy hours.

Some alternatives:
1. Does she fetch? If not, teach her to fetch - it's very simple and there are lots of guides online
2. Does she tug? If not, teach her to properly play a game of tug - again, see other threads here or online material, or ask us
3. Can you get a long leash (30-50 feet) and play with her like that?

I promise you that a GSD can learn to enjoy time with you just as much if not more so than time playing with strange dogs. Plus, it brings you to the center of her universe. Once you are at the center and are the source of all things fun (play, food, etc) a lot of things will fall into place - she'll listen better, be focused on you, and look to you for guidance...

[Cassidy's Mom]

Originally Posted by koda girl

But I don't think I am ready to give up on the dog park yet. She is still young and I believe she can change.

How are you planning on stopping the behavior when she's off leash and too far away for you to control her? She's getting over-stimulated at the park and that's not just going to stop without a concerted effort on your part. In fact, because she's been allowed to continue practicing this behavior it's even further ingrained than if you'd seen it as a problem early on and taken steps to stop it.

[FG167]

My dog plays like this - I don't allow it. I have taught him to carry a ball in his mouth when we are out with dogs he knows and we very, very, VERY RARELY go to the dog park. Always in off-hours and I really only take him if our regular spots are too busy to play fetch. And then I play fetch.

I personally would not be happy at all if my dog's happiest moments were while playing with other dogs. I want his happiest to be when he's working/playing with me - which, luckily, is exactly what I have.

[Lucy Dog]

Originally Posted by FG167

My dog plays like this - I don't allow it. I have taught him to carry a ball in his mouth when we are out with dogs he knows and we very, very, VERY RARELY go to the dog park. Always in off-hours and I really only take him if our regular spots are too busy to play fetch. And then I play fetch.

Lol.... I do the exact same thing with Lucy. She loves the chase me game. She never lets go of that ball.

[Runswithdogs]

My rescue shows the same behavior at the dog park and we stopped going, because it's not fun for other dogs to be subjected to her rude behavior. If you had a kid who really loved punching and tripping other kids because he thought it was super fun, would you find that acceptable? (if yes, then that's equally troubling).
There are many ways to have fun with your dog. Why don't you work on obedience in a group class setting before trying again, or just keep play dates to 1-2 dogs she already knows and likes.
The WORST thing you can do with a dog reactive dog is let her think it's okay for her to go around threatening other dogs whenever she feels like it, she won't 'outgrow' this behavior if it keeps being reinforced.

[ayoitzrimz]

Originally Posted by FG167

My dog plays like this - I don't allow it. I have taught him to carry a ball in his mouth when we are out with dogs he knows and we very, very, VERY RARELY go to the dog park. Always in off-hours and I really only take him if our regular spots are too busy to play fetch. And then I play fetch.

I personally would not be happy at all if my dog's happiest moments were while playing with other dogs. I want his happiest to be when he's working/playing with me - which, luckily, is exactly what I have.

Hahaha that's been my newest "band aid" solution to the dog park. I always let him have a ball in his mouth and while he's not resource guarding or being aggressive over it he'll end up with like 3-4 dogs constantly following him to get their "hands" on that ball. Seems to work for a little while but when he sees another unfixed male is the only time you'll hear the thump thump thump of the ball bouncing from his mouth to the ground...

[missmychance]

Originally Posted by koda girl

Well thank you all for your advice. I was really hoping for a way to stop this behaviour, but you are all suggesting I stop allowing her to play with other dogs which is the time she is most happy, she loves to run and play with other dogs. But I do understand the bully thing, no one likes a bully. But I don't think I am ready to give up on the dog park yet. She is still young and I believe she can change. Thanks everyone.

Frodo also loved playing at the park, and it was extremely upsetting to me when I made the decision to stop taking him because some days, no problems, but other days, I didn't know who he'd pick a fight with. I just didn't want to chance something bad happening. Luckily my neighbor had a gsd puppy and another small dog, and Frodo got to see and play with them every day. Just try a find some dogs to have playdates with. She'll have just as much fun as going to the park.

[hunterisgreat]

I have a 15 month old female GSD ~70lbs that plays rough as all **** with other dogs. I'm selective of who she plays with because I don't want someone thinking she's going to kill their dog, nor do I want her playing rough with a dog that doesn't think its play time and responds with aggression as when a dog shows her full aggression, whether she induced it or not, her response is extremely swift and very aggressive and at this point her tunnel vision is in full effect and she's no longer aware of my commands... her current play pals are my male gsd (both dogs are from a long line of schutzhund 3 dogs), and a 110lb cane corso. Most other dogs can't take the abuse. The only dog that puts her in check is my male, who will pin her down and hold her entire head in his maw and this causes her to submit. The cane corso is the same age, so she's not as intolerant of puppy crap as my male is.

There isn't a whole **** of a lot you can do to suppress this... you bought a puppy from high drive, high energy, fearless schutzhund parents and you got a .... schutzhund capable dog. Did you expect something else to happen?

keep a toy with you at the dog park, and direct her attention to YOU and not the other dogs. try to get her winded before you let her interact with other dogs, and if the play gets too much again, separate and bring her focus back to you. be careful though, other people's dogs are not your behavior modification tools so if you are not very confident you can do this then stay out of the dog park and just find a similar dog to play with