Dog Behavior Question

[XMcShiftersonX]

@ Badger - Yes, the problems of people's misconceptions of a large dog or specific breed is a very real problem. I can't count the number of times people have screamed, ran, or said mean things about him because they just assumed a dog that big was mean. He's really quite the opposite as I've said... a big happy-go-lucky goof.

@GLC - If I'm ever in the area or you're ever up here we will definitely have to arrange something. I'm sure Megatron would be happy to meet everyone! We will continue to work on the mouthing issue. He's been attempting to mouth us since we first got him. Each time we tell him no firmly and either stop playing with him and walk away, or give him a toy to chew on rather than our hands, etc. This is what we were told in our obedience classes, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to work because it's 15 months since we got him and he's still doing it! Does anyone have any other suggestions?

@Pam - We used to use a gentle leader when we were teaching Megatron not to pull and we had the same situations on a regular basis! I couldn't believe that people thought it was a muzzle. I think it actually heightened the fear people had about him being a mean dog because of his size. I was constantly explaining he's a really nice dog, he doesn't bite, it's so that he doesn't pull me.

@Colby - I LOVE that cat sign!!

@Tulip - I'm curious as to why you think that. I wanted to get an idea of how other people feel about this and what others' expectations are. I am listening to everything people have to say, but I'm also finding a balance between what I believe and what others believe. I don't think living in fear or making decisions over the small chance you may get sued is any way to live. It's something to keep in mind, and I am going to work with my dog on improving his behavior to uphold my responsibility (by working on his mouthing humans and trying to redirect him when there's children running around), but I still hold that there's another side (the children and their parents) that need to behave appropriately as well.

[kermit]

First off...I love your big boy. I have a friend with one and dealing with a small horse on a leash can be a big issue. If I were you, I would remove the prey drive he has for chasing kids. This behavior is a hunting instinct and small kids in his mind are prey. I work with a police K9 and we often have this problem with green dogs and kids in the terminal of the airport. He doesn't have the kill instinct in him, but mouthing is the same behavior. Take him to the park and "set him up" with kids running. Kept on a leash at your side and keep him from chasing kids. He has got to learn that chasing anything is not okay. If kids want to come and pet him, let them, and praise him for siting calmly and not chasing. Unfortunately you have a small horse and even if you think he is "playing" he could hurt someone and I guarantee you any court will find in favor of the child and against the dog owner. Keep yourself safe from liability. He needs some basic obedience. Even if you take him on a flexie, the dog park can be used for basic obedience and the jumps and tunnels can be used for exercise. Find a few obedience classes in your area. He sounds cool!

[NbyNW]

XMcShiftersonX, I had an inkling you were talking about Marymoor from your initial description!

It is super-popular with families and I think that will be hard to change. It sounds like you have the right idea with being proactive about Megatron's behavior if a free-range child comes into view.

I also feel that when you are in the off-leash area, it's completely appropriate to coach people how to interact with your dog, if they indicate that they want to. The park is well-signed so presumably they know they are going to encounter dogs off-leash! Especially if they are also bringing their own dog.

In my dog Gordy's case, I tell people he can be a bit shy and nervous around new people, so they should just let him sniff their hand and then scratch him under the chin if he comes to them. If I have treats handy, I will show them how to ask him to sit and then reward him with a treat.

Maybe for Megatron, something like "he doesn't know his own size . . . " to break the ice, followed by how you would like people to interact with him for a positive encounter.

It's too bad we don't live in Seattle anymore, because Gordy gets along with larger dogs really well. I bet they'd get along really well!

I would also recommend checking out other dog parks in the area. You might find one that doesn't have so many kids running around, and you would still be able to get that interaction with other dogs that is important.

[Becky]

We will continue to work on the mouthing issue. He's been attempting to mouth us since we first got him. Each time we tell him no firmly and either stop playing with him and walk away, or give him a toy to chew on rather than our hands, etc. This is what we were told in our obedience classes, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to work because it's 15 months since we got him and he's still doing it! Does anyone have any other suggestions?

You're on the right track, but it takes as long to un-do a bad habit as it did to learn it. E.g., the longer he's been doing it, the longer it will take to break. I definitely second Pam's suggestion to read 'The Culture Clash", and I also recommend Ian Dunbar's books.

Be patient, be consistent (this goes for everyone who routinely interacts with him), and be willing to seek help from a professional trainer.

[XMcShiftersonX]

You're on the right track, but it takes as long to un-do a bad habit as it did to learn it. E.g., the longer he's been doing it, the longer it will take to break. I definitely second Pam's suggestion to read 'The Culture Clash", and I also recommend Ian Dunbar's books.

Be patient, be consistent (this goes for everyone who routinely interacts with him), and be willing to seek help from a professional trainer.

Yes! Those books sounded interesting when the first person mentioned them, I'm going to have to look into them.

[Pedal Wench]

I don't think living in fear or making decisions over the small chance you may get sued is any way to live.

Not to offend, but instead of thinking about your pocketbook, what about the child who doesn't know any better who gets knocked over and breaks an arm, or god-forbid, sustains a head injury. Far-fetched, but a possibility.

I would find another park if I couldn't keep my dog from this behavior.