Dog Park "just playing" ?
As a newcomer to the dog park, please give me honest feedback about this exhange.
I have an 8 month old cocker spaniel (Jo). We started going to the dog park for the first time only about three weeks ago. We go almost every evening. I waited until I thought her maturity level could handle it. I also waited until she was spayed, had all the vet recommended shots, and she did weekly training with a trainer first individually and then with a small group.
I've noticed that there is always a little bit of drama at the dog park. There's always "that one person" or "that one dog," but yesterday I had my first real conflict with a man who was there with a 1 year old male dog, Shaggy. At first his dog was just really playful--a bit rough, but still playful. I noticed the man was absorbed in his phone and not paying attention. Then his dog started aggressively humping Jo. I took her away from his dog several times, but he kept running her down to do the same thing. Guy was still absorbed in his phone and not watching.
I finally pulled his dog over to him and told him he was being too rough with my dog. He said that it's a dog park and I should expect "dog things." But he DID finally get off his phone, grabbed a ball, and played with his dog, which helped. Whenever he had a chance, though, Shaggy kept going after Jo. The guy called him off each time, but continued to make passive aggressive comments directed at me. I didn't respond.
Jo has played with bigger dogs a lot over the last few weeks. When they are too rough or strong for her, she pivots and finds smaller dogs to play with. I think that's part of learning how to be around other dogs. I also always stay close by and redirect her when I need to. Training is all about building a trusting relationship with your dog, and she needs to know that I will protect her when needed.
However, I do NOT think random dogs should be humping her at the park. That's not what we're there for.
What are your honest thoughts?