How to Deal With a Jerky Owner at the Dog Park

While a dog park is meant for fun, people will still bring ill-trained, aggressive or downright nasty dogs to the dog park. Those people may be oblivious about it, or they could be ill-trained, themselves. The owner is responsible for a pet's behavior. But you may have to remind some people of that.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Start by politely telling the owner that his dog is acting inappropriately. Ask him to keep an eye on his canine.
2. Continue to monitor the dog and the owner, to see if they both modify their behavior. If not, proceed to Step 3.
3. Ask the owner if he noted the park rules and regulations posted on the gate (if there are any) that state a dog that is acting inappropriately should be removed from the park.
4. If the owner won’t budge and the behavior is ruining your park time, it’s best just to leave.
5. Call the parks and recreation department, or whatever entity oversees the dog park, to report a jerky owner. Even if there is nothing the department can do, they can have your complaint on file in case the owner ever reacts aggressively or if his pet bites someone. If legal action is every necessitated, this file will serve as evidence.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people will act offended and defensive if you accuse their dogs of acting inappropriately. Stay calm.
• Use common sense. Sometimes a glance can tell a jerky owner is not worth talking to. In that case, just leave.
• Rally the troops. If you can get other owners at the park to approach the jerky owner with you, there is strength in numbers.
• Don’t threaten or physically assault the owner. You don’t want to end up in jail facing assault charges.
• Don’t take it out on the offending dog. He was ill-trained and his behavior is the owner's fault.