Ugh, I didn't think I was this kind of person, but I guess I am...

[vivilasvegas]

I usually try not to pre-judge, but I was at my new apartment today, looking it before I moved my stuff in. There is this great dog park right across the street, which was a big advantage for me.

So, this guys walks out of the front building with a huuuuge pit bull. It was on a choke chain, and he went to the park and let the dog run around, which is fine.

I just worry about my dogs, 'cause Max is a barker, and I usually don't bring him to dog parks. I definitely won't bring him to this one if the pit bull is there.
I'm just worried about a run in when we are both walking them on their leashes.

I know I'm being an idiot about this. I'm sure the pit bull is a good dog, because it's a popular dog park, so if there was trouble, he probably wouldn't go there.

The dog was just soooo big! and I'm small!! and so are my dogs! (but Max thinks he's tough)

Why am I so nervous??

 

[FreshTressa]

Hehe, sometimes it is funny the things that will surprisingly bug us.

I used to hate walking by this one neighbors house because it always looked like his dogs were trying to break the window to get me!

 

[mommaU4]

The dog was just soooo big! and I'm small!! and so are my dogs! (but Max thinks he's tough)

Why am I so nervous??

Call it a healthy sense of caution and good smarts.

You never know about a dog, and certain breeds are known to be uhhhh...... trouble makers. I'm sure this dog is fine, like you said. But at the same time it only makes sense to use caution if you are around him. Especially in the beginning.

 

[LadyBears]

You could always go over without your dog a few times. That way you can get a feel of the park, the people in it & the dogs. Time it so that you are there when the pitbull is there. Maybe you could try making conversation with the basic "what a well behaved dog" or "He/she is soo pretty". Maybe you will learn that the dog is nothing to worry about, but one that you have seen that you didn't think would be trouble is actually the one you should watch out for.....

 

[beckmrk04]

Many types of dogs get a bad rap because of irresponsible owners. I agree with LadyBear- make conversation with the owner. Generally, people who take their time to take their dogs to dog parks make sure their dogs are well-behaved.

My family has a rottweiller who looks intimidating, but will be your friend for life if you rub her belly!!

 

[Aimeedyan]

Some of the sweetest dogs I know at pitties. Don't believe all the media tells you about an entire breed and see for yourself how THAT particular dog behaves and how THAT particular owner handles it. Then make a judgement call on whether or not you want your dog playing there at the same time.

There are a lot of dogs larger than my two but I don't assume the dog is going to maul them just because they're larger.