Dog Behavior Question

[XMcShiftersonX]

So, this is something that has been bothering me for awhile, seems to be happening more frequently, and I'm not sure what my responsibility is as far as how to react as the dog owner.

I own a very large but very friendly great dane named Megatron. He's still a puppy, but at 17 months old he is 140+ pounds and just over 3 feet tall at the shoulder. He's a very energetic, outgoing, playful, and friendly puppy. Unfortunately, because of his size people are almost always afraid of him and think he is big, scary, and mean. I usually chalk this up to "their problem" and just let him be himself. He's never hurt anything and even when he plays with toy-sized dogs he's very gentle and careful to never step on them.

Lately every time we go to the dog park we encounter little kids running around. Megatron inevitably chases them and either just runs into them and knocks them over, and then proceeds to mouth them (he does this with us, it doesn't hurt, although it probably doesn't look good), or starts to jump on them knocking them over. He obviously thinks they're playing and is just mimicking their energy. They inevitably get scared and start crying, etc. My initial reaction is what a stupid kid for running at the dog park, and where is their parents to tell them that's a horrible idea. However, I'm biased because I don't like kids. When I determine Megatron is being too rough with them or they seem extremely freaked out, I'll call him away. I don't scold him because I don't think he's doing anything wrong - he's a playful puppy and it's a dog park. Sometimes my husband or I will say, it's not a good idea to run at the dog park to the kid and/or parent if there's one around. Sometimes I'm so frustrated I won't say anything to the people and just grab Megatron and go a different direction.

But, I've been struggling with what my responsibility should be. My personal belief is that if you can't handle the dogs at the dog park you shouldn't be running around or behaving in a way that would make them want to play with you. Obviously a little 5 year old kid can barely handle a 20 pound dog let alone 140. But, this is a place for my dog to be free, and since he's a good dog, he should be allowed to. It's not like he's a malicious and violent dog. I feel like I need a shirt that says, "I don't let my dog run around in your playground, don't let your kids run around in my dog park." I'm sure even given the situation, if Megatron accidentally hurt a kid by knocking them over, even if it was only because he's so big, it would be considered my fault. Which I also feel is a little ridiculous. But I don't know. Thoughts?

-Jessica

[lph]

I don't have a dog, but I love Great Danes - and I love the name Megatron

I have kids, well, kid, and personally I feel that it's my responsibility as a parent to make sure my son is happy around animals. Mostly because I want to - I love animals myself and have grown up with horses, dogs and cats, and in a area where cattle and sheep grazed freely in summer. But also because even if we didn't keep any pets of our own, he's sure to meet dogs, riding horses etc around that other people own.

[smilingcat]

We keep our golden and lab away from very small kids. I don't want to take any chances with lawsuits being filed against me. It's bit inconvenient and we know our dogs will not hut a child but the parents may not think the same, nor the police, judge, and jury. I have too much to lose so we don't take chances.

What if your dog was only mouthing a child (a very bad habit in our opinion), and child screams, and the parents say that your dog bit and attacked their child viciously. You know the dog didn't break the child's skin, there is no bruise, but the interpretation of what happened is going to get very messy.

Let Megatron run loose when there are no small kids in the area. It may be a hassle but lot less than the hassle of going to court to defend Megatron and his life. Most states have one bite law. The second bite declares the dog vicious and could be put down. It's not something I want my golden and lab to face.

I know its not something you want to hear; but, you need to. Look at it from a parent who has a phobia of dogs and sees their child being mouthed by a 140 pound dog. They will have a very different view than you.

sincerely,

[Selkie]

Why are "free range children" running around a dog park? Are there posted rules at the park? Maybe you can get in touch w/your local government about this issue and see if they can do something about it. After all, you're not taking your dog to a children's playground.

Agree w/the others. Unfortunately, Megatron is going to be portrayed as being at fault for being a dog, behaving like a dog, in a dog park should one of these children get hurt and the parents go after you. It's not worth it---find another place for him to romp.

Puppies mouth--that's how they play (my three goldens, all adults, do this to each other all the time, and sometimes, the 18 month old forgets and mouths me or my DH).

[OakLeaf]

I don't think small children should be running around unsupervised at a dog park, for sure.

But I also think that there are some games that people shouldn't play with dogs, just because of the possibility of unforeseen consequences. Most people know that you should never chase your dog - even though all dogs love to play chase/being chased. I think any game where your dog knocks someone over falls into that category, too. Or even jumping up on someone - honestly I think even small dogs should be trained not to do that. Small-ish dogs are constantly climbing up the backs of my legs when I go running in the country, and I'm scared to death I'll accidentally kick one of them in the throat with my heel.

One of my Ickey's favorite games was lunging at my face or my husband's as we sat on the floor. We'd shove her back by the chest, she'd lunge back. Closed lips for sure - although she busted my lips more than once, and once nearly broke my nose. In retrospect, maybe we shouldn't have played that game with her. But she never even tried to lunge at someone who hadn't initiated the game with her first.

Not that I have children, and I'm between dogs right now. I agree with the idea of contacting whoever is responsible for the dog park.

[Becky]

I think there's two issues here. The first is the kids at the dog park, and I agree that the agency in charge of the park needs to be made aware of the issue.

The other is the mouthing and jumping. Yep, he's a puppy, and that's what they do, but these are behaviors that can be reduced and re-directed through training. My 8-year old lab still mouths other dogs while playing, but dog teeth on human skin is not allowed, and he knows that any play stops the minute that teeth touch skin. We've not had quite as much success with breaking him of jumping up to greet people, but we keep working at it

We were fortunate to find a really good positive reinforcment-style dog trainer at our local humane association, and their rates were super-reasonable.

Good luck!

[jelee1311]

I'm a big dog owner and a mom,and I don't care where I'm at dogpark or anywhere else its up to me to control my dog. I've never allowed my dog to knock over,jump on or mouth anyone let alone a child. I was mauled at 4 years old and I would never want anyone to have an experience like that. I know you say your dog is great but id be upset if he came after my child. My dog weighs somewhere around 110lbs and we childproofed him at a young age,then again before my daughter was born he's a lab mix so puppy dumb lasted about 5 years. I've also gone out of my way to spend just as much time training my daughter to act properly,be respectful and always ask and thank before we pet dogs. You can't control someone elses children but you have to control your dogchild. One author we rread to get ideas for childproofing our dog was Brian Kilcommon (I think that's how you spell it) good luck

[Laterider21958]

No brainer really! If you love your dog and want him to live a long and happy life, keep him away from any danger of being accused of hurting anybody or any other animal. No matter where you are - even in your own home.

I have a cute little West Highland terrier - read "Kid Magnet", and I put myself in between her and them each time they approach. She's never ever done anything to anybody, however you can never trust that a child won't poke her in the eye or do some other thing that could provoke retaliation in self defense. Even a warning non-contact "snap" could be perceived as "vicious". I would much rather take precautions than to have my very pampered, and loved pet, put down just because some idiot parent won't teach their child how to behave near animals.

So, if you love Megatron, be his best friend and protector. Leash him if kids are running nearby. Frustrating and unfair when at a dog designated park, I know, but better safe than sorry. Injury to a human = dead dog. Simple.

[Selkie]

Tamar Gellar's "The Loved Dog" (DVD and/or book) is fantastic for training your pooch. Positive reinforcement. Her methods have worked w/our golden retriever Divas! No offense intended but I think Cesar Milan is a big meanie.

Megatron is a gorgeous boy!

We don't take our dogs to dog parks, even though there are plenty of them in my county. Too many irresponsible owners. Haven't heard about issues w/free range children, though.

[lph]

XMc etc (yoicks, that's a hard username to remember :-) ) I hope you don't take offense, because I don't mean any, but part of the "problem" may be that you don't like kids. For the record, I "don't like kids" in general either, ie. I have little tolerance for the annoying sides of small kid behaviour, but having had one I understand them a whole lot better. They're not that different from dogs, actually

I won't draw the parallell too far, but kids running around are a part of society, just like dogs are, and you can't avoid kids completely anymore than dogphobics can expect to never meet dogs. And just like dogs enjoy a bit of freedom, kids do too. Also, kids grow up to be reasonable human beings, and you can have a positive impact on that. No matter the legal consequences (which I find mind-blowing, to be honest), if you can find a way to interact with these kids in a good way, so that they have a positive and safe AND responsible experience of meeting your dog, that's one less dog-phobic in the world. That's one heck of a (gorgeous!) huge dog you have there, and I'm not sure that a frazzled mom out with her kids in a park that has a dog area is completely expecting something the size of a horse galloping around. Most parents do care about disciplining and controlling their children, just not in a situation that they perceive as frightening, then all they care about is keeping them safe.

Just a few thoughts. I hope you work it out somehow.

[crazycanuck]

Sorry, long post

XM...Megatron's cute & if I met him in a park or beach, i'd first think.."hmm, big dog, will it slobber all over me and want to say hello?" or ???

I too don't like kids and it freaks me out when i take Yukon to (one of many in Perth, a very long city) the doggie (ie non leash beach w doggie doo bags) and see the following:

People without doggies(and pay close attention to this) but will toddlers walking along the dog beach....There are many many many normal non dog beaches near our fave dog beach and don't understand what they're doing there??? Doggies running everywhere..

Last weekend, I think one parent got the message when I appeared very worried thier small child was toodling as yukon was just coming out of the water to bring me her ball. I noticed they had the little on on thier shoulders afterwards.

People swimming in the doggie beach area...without doggies with them. ??? There's an area further down the lonnnnnng beach that's for humans to swim in...

I know it's an odd example but when i'm at the doggie beach, i don't let Yukon go anywhere near children. I scan the beach and place our stuff where no kids are wandering.

Also, when i venture to a normal beach that eventually intersects w a dog beach, i'm aware there are doggies around and give them room. I think most people figure that out...

[ivorygorgon]

I completely agree with the above post. My biggest concern is for the safety of your dog. People can be very malicious and your dog is at risk. If ANYTHING happens to someone's child, you and Megatron WILL be held responsible and Megatron's life could be at risk. I work for a personal injury attorney and I see this every day. People come in to my office demanding dogs be "put down," all time time. Even if the people were stupid.

Our old dog, who has since passed away, was very timid around strangers and didn't like kids, unfortunately he also very cute and looked very approachable. People would let their kids run up to him, without asking, all the time. Even when he was on a leash! It always freaked him out and put the child at risk. So people are not usually very dog savvy, even when they own a dog, and they are litigious.

I know you don't want your right to be in the park and your freedom curtailed, but you also want to protect your lovely Megatron.