Hi everyone!
I have a 2 year old pointer mix that we adopted from humane society when she was 7 months old. She has been a great dog, very energetic and friendly. Since she has so much energy, we take her to the dog park about twice a week or more (aside from walking her twice a day every day). We have rarely had any problem with her, an occasional tiff with another dog or jealously barking at 2 dogs playing that are leaving her out of the game. In the past 2 weeks though, she has become a bad dog park dog. She has picked a fight with a different dog every time we've taken her. Usually we separate her from the dog and let her try to start afresh in another area of the park unless the fight was clearly her doing and then we take her home right away. A few times it's been over a ball so we try to keep all balls away from her. The other times I don't know what has caused her to be such a brat. It's embarrassing!

Some extra details to add about what could be playing into this are:

-I'm about to have a baby and so have been home a lot more than usual. We used to leave her home alone for 8 hours at a time 3 days a week and now she's only alone for 2 hours at a time per day.

-she's been barking a lot more at people walking by the yard

-I've been walking her more than usual and not taking her to the dog park as much

I would appreciate any thoughts from people. I don't know if I should stop taking her all together or maybe take her more so she gets used to it or what. It takes 20 minutes to get there and back so I hate to keep bringing her and having to leave after 5 minutes (which is what we've been doing).

Thanks in advance for your constructive input!

Robyn

Is there anything that has changed at the park that could make your dog feel threatened? Is the aggressive behavior only focus at other dogs or at you as well?

Will be easier to give advice once I know these details

Thanks

not sure, but is she becoming protective where you have a baby on the way? dogs can sense these things.

[Kingsbridge Cav]

I'd say Timber and Izzy have a great answer. I'm sure the dog senses the difference with you and your pregnancy and add the extra time that you are spending at home and your pup feels a tighter connection with you.
The leave it command may come in handy at the dog park, but you will need to teach it at home and away from the other dogs to begin. Use a ball or something that isn't associated with your normal reward system so that she can differentiate between what she is supposed to leave and what the reward is. Once you are comfortable with your control, you may again visit the dog park.
Positive reinforcement always works better than negative, so reward your dog for good behavior as soon as you enter the dog park if she is acting appropriately. A small treat like a piece of chicken or cheese has proven effective for me. If she becomes aggressive with another dog, another dog's toy or even a person, use the leave it command. If she is successful in leaving it, be sure to reward her. Soon you will only need to reward with petting or positive words (yes!), and you will have your fun loving pet back.
It is probably a good idea that you are asking this question before the baby arrives. Your trusted dog may otherwise turn that aggression on a newborn which would be a worst case scenario. In the least, it will be more difficult to do the needed training with the addition of new responsibilities.
It is soooo worth training your companion well, and I'm sure you will do a great job of it. Good luck and let us know how it's going!