I saw on your website that you already have a "Southern-most" doggie fan, but I and my two furballs from Raleigh, NC (see attached photo) also LOVE your show and your book. While I was a law student, I finally satisfied my lifelong dream of having a dog, and adopted Camden-- a glorious sweet Black Mouth Cur puppy (it's a real breed--even the UKC says so!) from the SPCA. Now I'm a few years out of school, have another adorable SPCA-adoptee (Abby) who is the perfect companion for Camden, and I spend pretty much all of my free time soaking up information about dogs, spending time with my pups, and trying to give them the best life possible. About a month ago, I discovered the podcasts of Dog Talk, and I enjoy the show so much that I have already listened to every installment. I checked The Dog Bible out of the library, but obviously I can't memorize all that great information in the mere three weeks before the due date, so I'll be picking up a copy from the bookstore. I just can't say enough about your style -- it's refreshing to hear someone talk about dogs with strong opinions but also a sense of realism and moderation -- so many people on soapboxes regarding companion animals are on the extreme fringe, and it can make a sensible person's head spin trying to figure out what advice to take!

Anyway... I have a question that I haven't been able to get a straight answer to, and I thought you were just the person to ask. I have been taking Camden and Abby to the local dog park several days a week since they've been with me (both were about 6 months of age when I got them, and had been returned to the shelter by prior adopters at least once: The total stereotype of "I can't handle this rapidly growing adolescent dog"). I know there are varying opinions on the safety/wisdom of off-leash parks, but I think this activity has not only provided much-needed exercise but has helped make them very well socialized with all sizes and shapes of people and dogs -- they are so good with children that the neighborhood kids knock on my door nearly every day requesting that Abby and Camden "come out and play." Anyway, I digress . . . here's the thing: Camden, who is now about 3 and a half and 80 pounds of solid muscle, has become increasingly dominant with unfamiliar dogs at the off leash park. He has never been actually aggressive -- that is, he does not attempt to bite other dogs. In fact, on the rare occasions that he ended up nearby an actual dog fight, I ran over only to find him cowering on the ground and shaking. Thus, I truly do not believe he is a fighter. However, his behavior is rather unsavory and extremely rude (snarling at a much smaller dog who insists on sniffing his hindquarters/strutting up to another male with his tail straight in the air and placing his head over his shoulders/menacing a dog who mounted him even after the dog has rolled over in apology). I am embarrassed in front of the other owners when he acts like this, but I can't decide whether it is appropriate to intervene or whether I must just allow "dogs to be dogs," regardless of offending the sensibilities of other owners. If I should intervene, I'm not clear on the appropriate method (diversion, reprimand, time-out?). I must add that Camden (who is, of course, neutered) is extremely responsive to verbal corrections, is trust-worthy off leash in almost any setting, has a CGC certificate, and is about to compete in his first agility trial -- he's by no means an "unruly" dog! I would so appreciate your wisdom on dog park etiquette, how much is too much when it comes to dominance displays, and how to let my lovely dog be a dog without being too much of a bully.

Thank you so much for the book, the show, and the amazing personal commitment you've made to dogs and their people!

Sincerely,
Carmen

Dear Carmen-

Wowie zowie - my cheeks are burning from the compliments! I really am touched that you took the time to write to explain what my book and shows have meant to you, because it really re-energizes my commitment to helping make a positive difference.

You describe your dogs and the situation you find yourself in very well - in a nutshell, I think you are on the brink of a dog fight and should stop going to the dog park under the current circumstances - either go at quieter times, avoid the individual dogs your dog squares off with, or choose one or two dogs you see none of this behavior with and choose those as playmates.

If you've been listening to the podcasts you may have heard me talking about dog parks a few times, especially to my loyal listener Bob in Atlanta who is a late comer to dog companionship and goes to a dog park daily. I have agreed on the air with his realization that if certain dogs and owners come to the park that he should leave: the adrenaline gets too high and too many owners don't know how to pick up cues about imminent fights.

While i do think that dog parks have value on some levels, i think they are also a ticking time bomb on other. When you enclose a vast array of dog sizes and temperaments in a space without escape, you are setting dogs up to have to defend themselves because you are interfering with the natural "fight or flight" response. There is no escape from a dog park for a dog who is fearful or non-confrontational, putting him at the mercy of the tougher ones - conversely, you set the "macho" dogs ( perhaps like yours) in a position that ignites that natural drive. Many human visitors to dog parks have no clue about what kind of dog they have and they can set in motion a series of events without understanding the inevitable consequences.

Believe in your own gut reactions and instincts: anytime you think your dog may be menacing or there is possible jeopardy, trust that intuition and quietly leave the premises. I think once you get your own copy of the Dog Bible you will be able to understand issues like dog/human dominance and discover that if you take charge of that dog more at home and make him recognize you as the Supreme Leader, it will also lessen his chip-on-the-shoulder at the park.

I hope this helps!

Tracie
P.S. check out the Dog Talk logo baseball caps on my websites to raise money for medical research.