Hi, I have a five year old English Springer Spaniel (spayed female), and I have a question about appropriate social behavior. When I take my ESS to play with another overly rambunctious dog, sometimes the other dog will play too rough by jumping in my dog's face and nipping her neck and ears. As you can imagine, she doesn't appreciate that very much, and will respond by snarling and sometimes nipping back. Usually the other dog backs off, but if it doesn't, then my dog will pin it down with her paws. That usually does the trick. What I want to know is, is it socially acceptable to allow my dog to discipline someone else's overly rambunctious dog? My community just got it's very first dog park, and I don't want to get into arguments with my "neighbors" when my dog tries to "discipline" their dogs. I don't want my dog to be labeled "aggressive", because she isn't. I should clarify, though: after the discipline, if the other dog settles down, my dog will resume playing nicely, even inviting the other dog to share her toys. If the other dog cannot get the message, my dog will refuse to play any longer and ask me to take her out of the area. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Mydogiscute

What I want to know is, is it socially acceptable to allow my dog to discipline someone else's overly rambunctious dog?

No, it isn't! Your dog should be supervised by you at all times and kept on leash at all times when out for a walk.
Injuries that might result from your dog upon another person's dog can be a legal problem for you and your dog.

I always keep my dog leashed (and attached to me) when we walk. The scenarios I described happen in an enclosed area that the city has been gracious enough to allow dog owners to play in off-leash before building a "real" dog park (and no, I've never left her unattended). But you answered my question, thanks. From now on, if another hyper dog enters the area and starts nipping at my dog we will just leave immediately. (Maybe I'll let the other dog owner know that his/her dog is playing too rough-- something they can work on).

Yes, keep on the safe side and walk away from potential trouble. Let the other owner be at fault. Then you have the law on your side. Your Dog is legaly considered as private property