How to Deal With an Owner of an Aggressive Dog at the Dog Park

Although dogs are beloved family pets, we must remember that they are animals, and there will always be an element of unpredictability to their actions and reactions. While we cannot blame our animals for following their instincts, dog owners should take responsibility and do everything they can to prevent incidents of aggression. There may be occasions when you have to deal with an owner of an aggressive dog, and you should be prepared to do so.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Before you do anything, separate your dog from a dog that is acting aggressively and ask its owner to curb the dog. Some pet owners are very passive, so make it clear that you are concerned and want his dog away from yours. Make sure the dogs are physically OK, and continue to keep them separate even after they have calmed down. Remove any toys or food the dogs may have been fighting over and ask the other owner to do the same. Sometimes, otherwise good-natured dogs can become possessive and aggressive when a toy is involved.

2. Stay calm; do not fly off the handle at the other dog owner. Ask if aggression is typical behavior for the other dog. Listen to what the owner has to say and take him at his word if he states that this was an isolated incident. Some dogs just don’t seem to mix well, and there is always an element of unpredictability when it comes to animals. Volunteer to move your dog to another section of the park and ask the owner to try to keep his dog away from yours.

3. Request that the other owner keep his dog leashed if he says that aggression is common behavior for his dog. Recommend that he enroll his dog in some training classes to help improve the animal's behavior before he comes to the park again. Take your dog to another area of the park. Additionally, advise the other pet owner that it may be a good idea to leave and come back when his dog is better able to interact with other dogs.

4. Report the owner to the people who run the park, or to the authorities, if his dog continues to act aggressively toward other dogs, and if the owner will not leave the park or do enough to stop his dog. Warn the other owners to act with caution around the aggressive dog.