Suffolk County dog parks

We have a 7 year old lab mix who can be aggressive toward other dogs. We used to take him to the Prospect Park dog run in Brooklyn, and he was fine - he had his friends and they were great together.

But when we moved to LI we took him to Coindre once and he became very aggressive toward two dogs there - not biting, but growling at one (and the owner freaked out), and barking and baring teeth at another (this one I could see turning into a real "fight" if we didn't separate them).

I guess what I am wondering is is there a place where if we get there early enough it is pretty empty?

He loves to run around so much, and I feel so badly that he can't go to a park b/c of his aggression/dominance.
TIA!

Re: Suffolk County dog parks

I would keep bringing him to Coindre, go early, and then if he gets fresh put him on the leash for a time out, and then try again 10 minutes later. The more you socialize him, the better he will get. My dog was very aggressive, even as a puppy. He needed to be "cuffed"...I brought him to coindre everyday for almost 6 months, now we go as often as I can, maybe 2-3 days a week...and he's such a mush, he's much better with other dogs. If I see it getting out of hand, I immediately grab him, but I don't take him home, we take a break and then try again.

There are two other places I can think of-Gardiners park in Bay Shore...it's not as populated...I don't think it' supposed to be off leash, but people let thier dogs go...and Blydenburg-same thing, I don't think it's supposed to be off leash-but especially that it's winter now, there won't be too many other people there.

There's a dog run at west hills, but it's fenced in, and I think that tends to make dogs more aggressive.

Good luck!

ETA: my dog is a lab too! You should bring yours and we'll let them play, Gus is gigantic-so your dog won't be able to hurt him, and he'll submit to an aggressive dog-he plays rough though!

Message edited 12/6/2006 8:48:06 AM.

Re: Suffolk County dog parks

Gardners in bayshore

Re: Suffolk County dog parks

I agree with Lauren - if he used to be okay, he'll learn. It's probably more that's its a new place than anything. I am surprised any of the owners got edgy, they should be used to that sort of thing. It will be even worse at a fenced in run like West Hills, so I would definitely stick to Coindre and let him get used to it. Misty and I could meet you one weekend morning - she can take it, she's usually the instigator anyway.

Re: Suffolk County dog parks

Re: Suffolk County dog parks

Thanks you guys. We're going to give it another try; if he gets aggressive we'll put him on leash; if people freak out, we'll go home with our tail between our legs. Or like last time - we were so embarrassed that we took off through some bushes and then got all these prickly things on us and had to come back out!

Re: Suffolk County dog parks

G - we should definitely plan a GTG! We'd probably only bring Bailey though. And if things go well, you can always come over and they can frolic in our yard!

Re: Suffolk County dog parks

Posted by Wendy

G - we should definitely plan a GTG! We'd probably only bring Bailey though. And if things go well, you can always come over and they can frolic in our yard!