Dog Training Community

Hi,

I have a Lab that is about 3 years old now. He has always been the sweetest dog. He has never shown any aggression. He is one of those dogs that just loves everyone and wants to play all the time. For the past year, we have been going to the dog park almost every day. I have never had a problem with him, other than the fact that he has a very deep, loud bark that sometimes makes other dogs/owners nervous. He likes to run and be chased by other dogs, and will jump and bark around them to try and get them to chase. However, he never bites and is very responsive to me when i take him aside to calm down.

but, just last week, he suddenly jumped on another dog. he did not bite, but he was definately showing dominant behavior that isn't like him. I immediately leashed him and we left the park. i've taken him several times in the last few days, and his behavior seems to be getting worse and worse. i've started following him around the park, ready to grab his collar anytime he starts to eye another dog. I know my nervousness is probably making the behavior worse. But i'm very concerned about what has happened to my sweet dog. Why is he acting this way? he has been neutered for over a year now. he is still fine at home. it is only when we are at the park and he is offleash.

Hello. Behavior changes like this often are attributed to something called Barrier Frustration. Read this post about it to see if it might be the culprit for your guy. Besides that, often dog park behavior sounds bad to us but is completely acceptable to other canines. However, if his behavior is causing escalations in anxiety in other dogs and fights, you need to modify it. Try this:

• Have him trail a 6-foot leash
• Focus on short dog park sessions at first and build up his time as he proves that he can be calmer
• You can also just give him breaks by moving him away from dogs every few minutes to calm him down
• When he is acting appropriately (doing behaviors that have not caused problems in the past such as growling, putting his head over dogs backs or mounting other dogs, etc.) talk to him, "Good boy, you are acting great!" and AS SOON as he gets a little out of hand, say, "You blew it!" and gently take him to the other side of the park until he calms down
  
• If this happens three times, take him home and stay for a shorter amount of time next time at the park
• The whole strategy consists of teaching him that he can stay in the park if he acts in a certain manner and paying attention to the time and leaving before he usually gets riled up. Also, a rock-solid recall can help immensely to ensure that he comes to you when you call him
  
• Also listen to my radio show about dog park behavior
  

Let me know if you have questions.