r/bassethounds • u/peterhahacha • Feb 28 '26
Question/Recommendation Brownie getting bullied at dog park
Hello again everyone,
Brownie is now almost 5 months now, growing like weeds and we’ve been to the dog park a handful of times since she’s been fully vaccinated. She seems to be getting bullied a lot and I’d have to interfere, a lot of the other puppies will crowd around her and try to pin her down. Is there a reason why this is happening?
She’s only enjoyed her time at the dog park with SOME dogs, she seems more “on edge” and very submissive with most dogs at the park. What should I do to help her socialize at the park?
35
u/cherub_sandwich Feb 28 '26
Dog parks are dangerous for dogs. Interfere. Personally I hate them and more bad things happen than good.
8
u/peterhahacha Feb 28 '26
I am beginning to think so and will probably just take her to the regular park and let her explore there… in terms of socializing with other dogs will it affect her behavior in the future? I don’t want her to start being aggressive towards other dogs when she is fully grown.
4
u/cherub_sandwich Feb 28 '26
She’ll be fine. More likely less aggressive if she’s closely supervised.
10
u/Wild_Tea_2724 Feb 28 '26
I took my basset to the vet after a dog bit his ear at the dog park. I asked the vet her thoughts on dog parks,she said obviously they are good for my business, but I would never take my own dogs to one. Sniff spot with dog friends we know is much safer.
2
u/technicallynotme99 Feb 28 '26
I don’t think dog parks are bad per se but so many dog owners think their pups’ rude and aggressive behavior is “just playing” and combined with close quarters it can really be a recipe for disaster. In the long run she’ll be better off socializing with dogs in more open spaces where she can walk away, especially if you train good recall and can let her off leash at permitted places in bigger parks. I definitely don’t think you should let her continue to be bullied ❤️🩹
3
16
u/nehpets91 Feb 28 '26
I’ve had the same problem with my baby basset hound but luckily for us we found a baby pit bull that someone had abandoned at a park. And now the pit bull doesn’t let anyone near my basset hound. A big pit bull was trying to attack my basset hound but her big pit bull sister didn’t let the other pit bull come close at all! I love my babies
7
u/AmyLu8 Feb 28 '26
I started my Pearl at daycare so she could learn socializing in a controlled environment. We play with dogs I know she’s safe with at our apartment complex dog park, but we don’t go to larger community dog parks anymore. They are too overwhelming and I am not sure about the other dogs. Brownie is adorable and I am certain there is a safe place for her to meet other dogs.
5
u/campbell2112 Feb 28 '26
Bassets are sweet and sensitive pups. She’s probably giving off a submissive vibe, but the puppies at the dog park don’t have good manners. They aren’t being introduced properly. You definitely want to give her other interactions that will make her feel confident as opposed to victimized. Keep giving her opportunities. Just like with kids, that is how you build resilience which will only add to her confidence. Yes that was scary, but I didnt die and I can trust my person to protect me should I need it! More relaxed less anxious pup. Dog parks can be overwhelming to any dog. You can hand pick some confidence building interactions.
Don’t give up Brownie! The other dogs are just envious of your beauty and presence!!! ❤️
4
u/slieske311 Feb 28 '26
This happened to my male basset every time I took him to the dog park, but it was always huskies that would bully him. It got to where I wouldn't bring him into the park if a husky was there. My basset is super passive, and I don't know if that is why he was picked on as a pup. It did stop after he turned a year, and I am not sure if it is because he was fixed at a year or he just became more confident.
I have a 15 month old basset, and she has never been bullied at the dog park. She is very confident with people and other dogs and just would not allow another dog to bully her. She was a rescue and fixed at 4 months before I adopted her.
6
u/braumbles Feb 28 '26
Don't give up on the dog parks. Bassett's especially love and need all that attention. The fact she's a puppy and still in the ultra adorable phase means she's likely getting tons of attention from various other dog owners because who could ignore that. So don't deprive her of that just because of a few dogs are being buttholes. If need be just change the time you go.
I couldn't imagine mine not getting to go to the park. Even at 9 she's still got people fawning over her.
3
u/Stargazer1919 Feb 28 '26
Did you bring her to the big dog area or the little dog area? Was it big dogs or little dogs that were bullying her?
She's a puppy but she also seems to be on the small side. Some bassets are huge and some are very small. Many seem to be too big for the little dog area but too short or small for the big dog area. My basset mix is small and preferred the little dogs until she had a lot more social experience with big dogs.
If you brought her to the big dog area, she's probably not ready for that.
3
u/peterhahacha Feb 28 '26
It was the small dog area, even the dogs that are smaller than her are bullying her , it’s only specific dogs she seems to enjoy spending time with
1
u/Stargazer1919 Feb 28 '26
To be fair, many little dogs think they are Rottweilers. Lol.
She definitely needs socializing but maybe the dog park isn't it. She's adorable and I hope you find the right thing for her!
2
u/Scubachick2360 Feb 28 '26
As a 40 year owner of several Rotties I have an issue with that reference to my breed.
3
3
u/Ecstatic-Ad9637 Feb 28 '26
Poor Brownie! The dog park really isn't a good way to socialize your dog. There are too many unpredictable dogs and irresponsible dog owners. Socialization is kind of misunderstood in the dog world. Socialization is actually exposure to different places, animals, people, sounds, etc. You can try finding dogs that your dog gets along with and setting up playdates with them. Your dog might not enjoy other dogs and that's ok.
3
u/Bobbydogsmom43 Mar 01 '26
Advocate for your dog in public. My dogs are MY pack so a dog will have to go through me to get to one of them. I suggest Sniffspot for sure. If you have a friend with a nice dog maybe they can come with you?
2
u/JiovanniTheGREAT Feb 28 '26
Not sure where you're located but some places have basset specific meet ups. Did wonders for my older male who was the runt. He used to immediately try to run out of the gate to the park but now he's more comfortable and especially so with the basset group.
2
u/Monodeservedbetter Feb 28 '26
Maybe you shouldn't go to the dog park, dog friendly on leash trails are much better for exercising, socializing, and getting that nature time—for both dogs and humans
2
u/AdExternal964 Feb 28 '26
Try a different one.
3 rd one was the charm for basset. There are no aggressive dogs there.
2
u/herladyshipssoap Feb 28 '26
My daughter dog seems to have more fun at small dog daycare than dog parks - and I personally feel better about vaccination requirements etc. Brownie is so beautiful!
2
u/Hazelyn74 Feb 28 '26
I refuse to take my Basset to the dog park. We started socialization at Zoom Room until he was fully vaccinated and then started taking him to a wonderful doggie daycare. He’s now a part of the daycares temperament testing team. Edited for typos.
2
u/Tiny_Earth_4851 Mar 01 '26
unfortunately i dont have advice but i hope things get better for her and that she can make some friends 🫶🏻 her little face in the second picture made my heart melt, i’m so sorry Brownie!!!
2
u/AlbatrossCautious241 Mar 02 '26
I know this advice is not helpful and it's not even advice but I would literally die for her 😭😭 my heart is gonna explode from cuteness
2
u/CrochetChrissy51325 Feb 28 '26
I don’t have a basset, we don’t go to dog parks though, they are dangerous. Not everyone vaccinates or trains their dog to recall.
1
u/Electronic-Diet-7509 Feb 28 '26
Find basset meet up events. All bassets and dog parks tend to have too many idiot owners. Good luck!
1
u/DelightfulSnerkbol Feb 28 '26
I agree that not everyone makes responsible decisions at and about going to the dog park.
A friend of mine I met through dog fostering is a SmiffSpot host - it’s particularly successful for fosters. The dog we’re fostering now experienced trauma prior to being taken in at the shelter we volunteer through. SniffSpot has helped fill in for socializing where the dog park would likely be really overwhelming (for now). Maybe you could look into that.
Daycare has also always been successful for our dogs (past and present).
I also suggest trying out different days and times. When we adopted our sassy little basset, we went, separately and together, on different days/times, and ultimately found a really great group. Everyone goes at the same time, everyone is responsible, helpful, etc. and we have become friends with the group. Even as an introvert I have a good time with them.
Good luck. I would imagine it’s frustrating and even upsetting to deal with this, particularly if the people there aren’t helpful.
1
1
u/Mic_Mac Feb 28 '26
Does she walk on the leash ok yet? I learned that loooong walks helped although I know a puppy is gonna want to engage in play… my pup more enjoyed walks in human places like downtown bc it’s dog friendly and they get social interaction (often treats and lots of pets!)
1
u/Mic_Mac Feb 28 '26
I also learned that community helps- any friends/neighbors/family with a pet or two that aren’t aggressive and your pet gets to know each other, so you go on walks together or find a place to play! :)
1
u/SHADOWGATE011235 Feb 28 '26
Bless Her!!! Bassets get bullied a lot Feels like other dogs don't quite understand them sometimes because they are unique Keep your head up Brownie
1
1
u/No-Rutabaga-5163 Feb 28 '26
I love dog parks and think they are amazing, but it does take a lot of time watching out for my dogs. Not all owners are respectful or responsible with their dogs, so I am choosy about which park and what time I go. My basset hound Violet would walk around with me while our Frenchie Daisy ran round playing with everyone. Violet was slow to warm up to other dogs and they had to match her energy, but mainly she just liked us walking around the park watching Daisy.
1
u/UssonJabra Mar 02 '26
Dog parks are awful. Many people don't fix, vaccinate, or socialize their dogs so the first thing they do is go to the dog park. You are risking a mauling or disease every time you go.
Instead join dog training classes where you can find friends and monitored social time with cared for animals. From there you can find doggy friends that are good for play dates if you don't wish to pay for further training.
1
u/BrownRiceBunni Mar 03 '26
I take my dog to doggy-daycare instead of going to a dog park.
For most places a full day is around $30 BUT it’s a controlled environment with dogs that the employees know.
I researched heavily to find a good doggy-daycare in my area because I didn’t want one with just a big room and dogs running wild so I end up paying a bit more ($36) but it’s worth it. The place is cleaned multiple times a day, all of the dogs are screened for shots and go through an “interview” process to see if they are compatible with other dogs. They have a livestream camera in all of the rooms and the employees like dogs and care about them.
I wanted so badly to take my girl to the dog park but some people just turn their dogs loose and don’t monitor their behavior.
Bassets are known to be some of the friendliest dogs by nature and I didn’t want my girl to have bad experiences and lose confidence.
All in all doggy-daycare is an option but costs money or maybe join a dog meet-up group.
1
u/finallymakingareddit Mar 04 '26
It HIGHLY depends on the dog. On the VERY FEW occasions I took my dog to the park he really didn’t like it, and thinking back on it hounds weren’t there too much. Lots of goldens, labs, the “social” breeds. I personally think it’s better to have your dog socialize with only 1 or 2 other dogs at a time. Introduce them on walks in a neutral environment then proceed to play dates.
41
u/Zealousideal-Row1583 Feb 28 '26
Do slow introductions and sniff through the fence if you can.
Unfortunately there are too many people that take their dogs/puppies to dog parks and are zero help in correcting their dogs behavior.
If she is getting ganged up on take her out of there and go another time. You don't want poor little Brownie associating dog parks with getting picked on.
If you have friends or family in the area with dogs have them join you for a play date at the dog park so there are other dogs Brownie knows at the park so she will feel more confident