The problem with dog parks is that stupid people take their dogs there. One idiot with an aggressive dog can undo all your work. If I ever went to a dog park again, I would carry bear spray, and NO, I AM NOT JOKING. (And don’t ask me if I would use it on the dog or the owner – I’m adaptable, okay?)
[Note: bear spray is usually 1-2% oleoresin capsicum – this amount is a ‘teaching tool’ for bears and dogs, and it does work. Human self-defense pepper sprays can be up to 10-20% oleoresin capsicum – perfectly good for human trash, but too strong for animals.]
When in training mode, it would be better to arrange meetings with decent dogs, and ‘show’ your dog that others are okay. This will also lower your own apprehension, which your dog can read.
Basic obedience training is a must! Sit, down, stay, come, at the very least. If you don’t, how is the dog going to know what you want in a high-stress situation? You can improve the situation by telling the dog what you want; otherwise, she’s just guessing, and dogs often guess wrong (just like people). All of my old dogs were still learning new tricks – yours can, too.
Chasing is instinct. You can control it, but you aren’t going to eliminate it. But just think: if our economy goes to ‘ell like many people think it will, you will have a valuable meat-procuring associate. Squirrel stew, squirrel tacos, squirrel shish kabob, squirrel burgers, etc.
Dragonfly, is that a Malinois? I’ve had Belgians for 45 yrs, but only Tervs and Groens. The breeders have bred the Mals to be such nervous, high-drive dogs, that it can be hard to find a decent one. I don't want a 'Maligator'.
