TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Late last year I had the pleasure of working with Suzanne and her cocker spaniel named Joe. She recently asked a question I believe will be of general interest to others, so I will answer it here.

She asks, "When dog owners are at a dog park and their dog attacks, or is attacked by another dog, what is the correct protocol in this situation?"

She goes on to say, "I go to Kroll dog park on a regular basis, and I have seen a few severe attacks, and one that I witnessed resulted in several bites which required the owner to take her dog to the vet."

Suzanne asks: "What should responsible dog owners do? Should these attacks be reported? To whom?"

Of course, the key words here are responsible dog owners, and most dog owners understand the etiquette of the dog park and don't allow their dogs to bully or harm others' dogs. They bring their dogs there to enjoy the social experience with other dogs and burn off pent-up energy.

But, I agree with Suzanne as I've also witnessed some nasty squabbles at dog parks caused by dogs whose owners seemed content to just shrug their shoulders with a "dogs will be dogs" attitude.

While many of these confrontations are nothing more than some bluster and body-slamming and don't require human intervention, it is up to owners to step in and remove their dog before it escalates into something more violent.

To clarify dog park protocol in regard to dog fights, I contacted Tammi Davis, who is the operations division animal control supervisor with the Bakersfield Police Department.

According to Officer Davis, since dog parks are specifically designed to allow dogs off-leash, owners must understand that their use is "at own risk."

Since leash law regulations are not in effect within the designated area, the owner enters them acknowledging, and accepting, the possibility that a fight or attack can break out, resulting in their dog becoming injured. Or in the case of a small dog, being attacked by a large one, or even killed.

Davis further explained that if a dog is attacked and suffers an injury requiring veterinary treatment, it is a civil issue and up to the owners to settle the matter.

While most owners would be horrified if their dog attacked or hurt another dog and immediately make arrangements to cover vet costs, I asked Davis what an owner should do in the event that the attacking dog's owner simply grabs his/her dog and tries to leave.

If that happenes, she said, the person's license plate number should be taken and Animal Control will contact the dog's owner, although settlement of any injury costs still remains a civil issue between the dogs' owners.

Davis said Animal Control should be contacted "immediately" if someone brings an obviously dangerous dog into the dog park.

Since everyone carries a cell phone, I would recommend that In the event of a serious altercation between dogs, or if someone is bitten or injured, the owner take pictures of the attacking dog(s) and injuries, and get the numbers of as many witnesses as possible should legal action become necessary for the recovery of medical expenses. Normal city and county protocol for reporting dog bites to people should be followed to assure that dogs have current rabies vaccinations.

If visits to the dog park are a part of your dog's regular routine, learn how to recognize the body cues displayed by the dog park bully that doesn't play well with others.

Instead of giving in to a gut response that tells you that your dog has as much of a right to be there as any other, trust your common sense, and make the smart choice to take your dog out of a dangerous situation and go home early.

It won't be the wrong decision, and you can always come back when it is safe to play another day.

Sherry Davis is a dog trainer/owner of CSI 4 K9s. Email her at csi4k9s@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @csi4K9s. These are her opinions, not necessarily The Californian's.