A normal scene at the dog park after work:
Bailey darts from the gate into the middle of the dog park like a bullet. speeding bullet. he then scopes the park, does his business then looks for his first victim. oh there. the large ball-crazed german shepherd dancing around his owners chuck-it thingymabobby. bailey sees it. darts right over and lets off a warning bark (i.e. "hey you stop that!!"). bailey starts to circle the owner and dog, barking incessantly. owner picks up ball prepares to launch. bailey barks louder, runs in circles faster, and even lunges at the dog to nip..... owner launches the ball and depending on where he is in his circle, he springs off into action. chases the dog. barks and runs at the same time. doesnt ever reach the ball. goes halfway and then waits for the dog to follow it back. oh. and repeat. 100x. (yes i drew the picture above. lol and yes thats baileys long tongue sticking out)
It's been going on the last couple of months, at least, but usually the owners are pretty good about it. i say "sorry". they say (most of the time) "those little herders, eh? hes getting a lot of exercise". well thats most of the time. sometimes the owner will not throw the ball and just stare at bailey running around them in circles, as if he will stop (think again!!!). well........... at that point in time i get the feeling ive gotta go get my little booger and put him on a leash. well. thats not as easy as it seems. bailey becomes a little brat and starts barking and still runs in circles and will not let me grab his collar. sneaky little thing. sometimes the owner will warn me that their dog will bite if bailey gets near the ball. but bailey will not go near it so im ok. sometimes.... i will get comments... comments that make me boil - but i know its partly my inability to get him to come at any point in time and his inability to control his herding instinct. we need help.
SOOOOO...... baileys on probation! i took one of his old chewed up leashes and fabricated a mini leash to keep in tact at all times on his collar.. for easy access!!! hope this works a bit better so he learns that i will get him if he doesnt stop.....
And strange enough its only bad at this one dog park. its medium sized, fenced in completely.. i think its because baileys used to the park, is comfortable and well, is cocky and bossy about it!! at other open larger dog parks, hes completely fine, since we keep moving and he gets distracted. but the smaller parks, theres just only so much sniffing a dog can do.
oh on a better note, baileys been better about the barking at home. he now responds and understands the word "quiet". :)
