Redditor Contemplates Neutering Their Dog ASAP After Unpleasant Encounter At Dog Park

" I was upset, but then began to wonder if I am in the wrong"

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• March 18, 2023

Dog parks can be a great place to socialize your dog and help them burn off some energy. However, it's important to keep in mind that you may encounter all kinds of dogs at the park, including untrained and unfixed dogs.

Untrained dogs can be a challenge for their owners, as well as other dogs in the park. They may not understand basic commands, such as sit or stay, and may not have proper leash manners.

This can lead to unsafe situations, including aggressive behavior towards other dogs or humans. It's important for pet owners to take the time to train their dogs before bringing them to the park.

Another issue that may arise at dog parks is the presence of unfixed dogs. OP recently received a two-year-old American Staghound from their uncle after their previous dog passed away.

The dog was initially meant for hunting, but it didn't work out as he is a sensitive soul and doesn't have a high prey drive. The dog has transitioned well into his new life as a full-time couch potato and cuddle bug.

Although he is up to date with his vaccinations, he has not been neutered yet. The main character plans to fix him but hasn't made it a top priority yet, as the dog doesn't have any behavioral problems.

The main character took their dog to the dog park, where he was playing with other dogs, including a female dog whose owner appeared annoyed with their interaction. The owner of the female dog claimed that the main character's dog was annoying because he was unneutered.

Although the main character was taken aback by the woman's comment, they didn't respond and left the park feeling upset. The incident left the main character wondering if they were in the wrong for bringing their unneutered dog to the park.

They plan to neuter him soon but are unsure if it's necessary to avoid future conflicts at the dog park.

OP asks:

OP recently received a two-year-old American Staghound from their uncle after their previous dog passed away.

The dog was initially meant for hunting, but it didn't work out as he is a sensitive soul and doesn't have a high prey drive.

Although he is up to date with his vaccinations, he has not been neutered yet.

The main character took their dog to the dog park, where he was playing with other dogs

The owner of the female dog claimed that the main character's dog was annoying because he was unneutered

The incident left the main character wondering if they were in the wrong for bringing their unneutered dog to the park.

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:

This Redditor says:

"A dog with poor recall at a dog park is asking for trouble"

"Even if your dog is perfect and causes no problems, other people don't know your dog."

Many parks have rules about spaying and neutering

OP needs to take responsibility

What would happen?

Unfortunately, it does happen

This Redditor nailed it:

Overall, dog parks can be a fun and safe place for your dog to play and socialize, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to keep your dog and others safe. In this case, OP was wrong for taking a dog that is not trained well to a dog park.

The fact that he is intact is only a part of the problem.

Damjan