No fun at the Dog Park

[avalen]

Last evening, the weather being very nice and I've been off all week I decided
to take the dogs to the dog park. We hadn't been in a couple months but the
girls had been real energetic out in the yard and Gracie in particular, needed
a good run. Shortly before I decided we would go the girls were rough housing
on the bed and Bandit got involved with his "old" crankiness and made them
stop, Pixie got rolled over by him and she of course let out the iggie death
scream. She was ok but I was not a happy camper with Bandit but made a
mental note to remember he is not feeling good and his age is declining his
"attitude". So, after dinner I put Bandit in his kennel and loaded up the girls.
I wanted to get there early enough that the crowd was at a minimum. Last
time we went I discovered Pixie was overwhelmed with the amount of dogs
there and got a little fearful.
A block away they go through the excited routine, figured out where we were
going and they are READY!!
First thing Gracie always does is run straight across and back again, then of
course stops and does her little visits with the other dogs there to see who
will run with her. Few of our regular acquaintances are there and we say our
hello's. Pixie stays within 12 feet of me but getting a little exercise too, she
plays a little with Gracie, runs a little with Gracie but always staying that 12
feet distance to me. We walk around, the girls keeping up, then it happened.
A boston terrier decides it wanted to play too and runs straight for Pixie, from
the side, and bowls her over. Pixie curls up on her side doing the iggie death
scream and I go pick her up and check her over. She is ok, but terrified and
shaking. Gracie continues to play and I walk around holding Pixie. After awhile
Pixie calms down and we walk to the other end and I put her down again. She
is doing ok, until a little white poodle comes over and charges her trying to
get her to play but Pixie will have none of it. She growls and snaps at the little
dog, so I pick her up again and we continue to walk. Then a little maltese comes
over and is very interested in me holding Pixie and Pixie starts growling at the
little dog. This same scenario went on with every little white fluffy dog in the
place. I have decided my sweet little Pixie is very anti-social and only lovable
to human contact. She was ok though with the other two IGs that were there.
But needless to say I won't be taking her back. We did not have fun and we
left way early, had only been there maybe just over a half hour. I will however
take Gracie occassionally and Bandit when he's having a good health day.
(those are far and few between now)
For whatever life little Pixie had before she came to me, she does not play
well with others and I will always keep that in mind from here on out.
But to humans she is the sweetest little snuggle bug!

[Mollysmom]

Sorry Pixie had a bad time at the Dog Park - it can be overwhelming !!!
Molly never liked it if there were too many dogs, she'd just circle the pack and go her own way - she's much happier playing with one or two dogs and she hates beagles !!! If she sees a beagle she'll growl !!! Strange but true She also prefers to play with the big dogs, she really hasnt' had alot of fun with dogs her size (I have a strange little pup)
At least Gracie likes it there - guess she'll get special Mommy and me days at the park

[avalen]

funny part, Bandit loves fluffy white dogs and always goes for them in the
"obcessed" frame of mind. Gracie loves dachsunds in particular more than
other IGs but then we come back to Pixie and the only one she likes now
is Gracie, and although they have learned to play together nicely, they do
have their moments that usually stem from jealousy over "me" .

[Getupngo]

What's an "iggy scream" and an "IG?" Italian Greyhound?

[avalen]

What's an "iggy scream" and an "IG?" Italian Greyhound?

Janice, IG does mean Italian Greyhound, and the iggy scream, well, many times an
IG will get dramatic when they get hurt and scream like they were getting killed. It
can be real pain, and the injury is real, like a broken leg but sometimes its the
drama thing and the IG has learned if they scream in pain, momma comes runnin

[retiredhappy]

I just keep wondering who trains who. I keep telling myself that I'm the "boss" but my dogs know exactly how to get me to do exactly what THEY want.

[Bethers]

Okies,
We should be talking about some of this in the book thread - cuz lots of this is in the book.

So sorry that Pixie had such a difficult time. She might just need to be socialized one dog at a time. I'm sure that was very overwhelming for her.

Peaches is similar to Pixie - only with people. She can't stand too many strangers around. Not at all like she was when I got her - she's made dozens of new friends - but it has to happen slowly. After that, these folks better beware, lol, cuz Peaches will never forget them and give them kisses galore. When lots are around, though, she backs away from all but a few of us - making sure me or one of the anointed few are right there to protect her.

Sitting here thinking of your 3 - and am picturing each of their very different personalities. That's part of why we love them so much - they are each so individual.