We just started going to the dog park.  A very frequent attender is a young (20's) girl with her pitbull.  It may be a mix of some sort because it is larger than most pitbulls I have seen.  In general, it plays very rough, but does not pose a problem.  It usually stays with the big dogs.

Ryder was standing next to me, sniffing another 4 month old puppy about his size,as three of the larger dogs ran past us in heated play.  This huge pit mix stopped dead in his tracks, the hair when up on his back, and he charged Ryder.  It happened so quickly that I couldn't react.

He proceeded to grab Ryder by his neck and drag him 30 feet across the dog park.  I somehow managed to stay calm and picked Ryder up.  The pit let go when I got to them.  No whining or reaction by Ryder.  He just froze, but was shivering in my arms.  The pit then started charging me and jumping up my back, biting at Ryder.  This whole event was full of growling by the pit.

Finally, a man at the park grabbed the pit by the collar and pulled him off us.  The owner never did anything.  She simply said, "Yeah, Marley just like collars.  Your dog is timid. he'll figure it out eventually."  We left of course and her dog proceeded the rough play. 

I realize that Ryder is young, but this is ridiculous.  The dog apparently has had the police called on it and the police haven't done a thing. 

This happened yesterday, Ryder has been fine.  Upon examination this evening, I noticed a streak of missing hair behind his ear.  That led me to check him further and I came across two other simliar bite marks along his neck and one puncture wound under his collar.

Am I wrong for being bothered with this owner?  What do I do about his bite mark besides put antiseptic on it (it is still oozing blood a day later)?  Should I even go back to the dog park? 

I am so sorry to read this about Ryder . . . definitely report it even if nothing seems to happen with this report, you never know what this dog might do to someone else.

Like Bev, I never go to the dog park, not so much because of the other dogs, but other not so smart owners (I would like to use the word stupid, but my mother always got on to me abou that!).

I cannot believe the "tude" of that Stupid girl!!!! So many inconsiderate people these days. Yes, I would be Very upset if that happened to my dog. I don't go to dog parks either, Wendy plays at a doggie day care. You just never know what kind of weirdos are out there with their dogs. Very sad. Huggs to poor Ryder.

I have learned the hard way to avoid dog parks.

You might be able to trust your dog, but how can you trust another dog. Mind you, other people. 

Way too many bad experiences for me.

That's absolutely shocking!! Definately report it.  Would they maybe take it more seriously if you point out that the dog was actually harrassing YOU to get to your pup? I would maybe push that side of things.

I know of people with those breeds of  "dangerous" dogs who understand the breed and are responsible, unfortunately i think they are the minority - most buy them as a status symbol and become cocky and overconfident because the dog becomes a bully when "playing" with other dogs and have no regard for other people and their well behaved dogs.

I think you should report it to satisfy yourself, avoid that dogpark, draw a line under the experience, and concentrate on it not becoming an issue for Ryder. 

I'm ssoooooo angry for you (but well done for being so calm and not freaking out - that has probably helped Ryder in the first instance).

You're so right, Splat!  There seems to be so many breeds get labelled because of their idiot owners.  Makes me wonder if one day all dogs in general will be banned from all public places because of people buying them for the wrong reasons and not training them to behave in an acceptable manner. 

Thank you for the words of support.  I keep just randomly thinking of the incident and getting angry all over again, both at myself and the other owner.  It is my fault for taking him there at all.  I just thought because you are required to register for the park that it would be ok.  I will not be returning to any dog park again.

I only took him to the dog park so he could get some dog socialization because he gets plenty of exercise on our daily walks, at the field while I coach, and the during the new training I've introduced.  He gets to see my boyfriend's parent's 13 year old Boston Terrier on nearly a daily basis, but that dog is only 17lbs and can't take Ryder's 30lbs puppy energy.  I knew nothing about play groups or any of the other things you've listed, thank you for making me aware. 

In regards to reporting it: I found out as I was leaving that the police had been called only an hour before we got there because that same dog's "rough play" led to a golden retriever being bit and the golden's elderly female owner to be knocked to the ground.  This STUPID pit owner still did not leave and the STUPID police arrived on the scene and did nothing.  They did not even make the girl leave or offer to have the limping elderly woman checked out.  We apparently arrived a mere 10 minutes after the police had left and look what happened.

This dog has apparently been reported many times previously, and the police have the had the same reaction.  They list the dog as one who is big and plays rough, but not aggressive.  So I don't see how our incident will make a difference to the police.  I just know that I can keep Ryder safe by not returning and I can pray that the pit doesn't seriously injure or kill someone else's dog.  I feel helpless to do anything more than that.

rebelyell: After reading your post and realizing how ignorant I was about the dangers of dog parks, I feel like the clueless dog owner.  I am so upset with myself. 

 You are in a great area to have a dog. I also live in the MidAtlantic region, and if I want to go to a dog show, I could go just about every weekend and drive fewer than 3 hours (usually less than 2.) 

You could try hooking up with the local kennel club. You could meet new people, and some people may have older puppies you could have your dog play with. You could also look into socialization classes in your area. At least around here, they are frequently free or at least very inexpensive. They may have an age limit, and I don't know how old your dog is, but you should talk to them anyway. They may be able to help you out.

One of the best places I find for socialization is a local park that is for people, but allows dogs. The dogs are all ON LEASH and I can scope out the dogs before I allow any interactions. If the person is sitting on the side of the path to let people go by, that dog is probably not friendly. But if the dog is walking happily and under control of the owner, then it's probably someone my dog could meet (depending on how they act when we get there, of course.) If it looks like a good interaction, the person may be open to a play date!

I'm sorry your sweet pup had this happen to him. Please stop beating yourself up. You didn't know. Now you do. Your dog needs for you to be confident and move forward so he can too!

Ryder's Mom, just wanted to back up what everybody else is saying about not beating yourself up.  Basically, you take your wee lad to a place where other dogs go, purely with the intention of socializing him.  I just want to point out that we all take a chance when we do that, whether it's a dog park, beach, woodland walk, about town, i have even heard of it happening at dog socialization parties.  We cant possibly foresee what is going to happen.  Prioritising your dog meeting other dogs so that he learns doggy socialising skills is always going to carry a risk. 

I am assuming dog parks are secure designated areas for dogs to be exercised?  We dont have them in Scotland but there are plenty of places which are popular with dog owners because they are suitable for dogs, and subsequently they do attract the good, the bad, and the downright dumb-ass, all concentrated in a small area and asking for trouble !  It's a chance we all take when being responsible and socializing our dogs.