Bad Behavior at Dog Park

Question
My German Shepherd, Harry, and I just relocated to CO and are temporarily living in a small apartment.  I run with him most mornings, and have been trying to take him to the nearby dog park most afternoons to ensure that he gets enough exercise and some off leash time while we are in the apartment (he is used to having a yard).  Recently though, he has started being rather obnoxious at the dog park- not in that he is agressive, but in that he plays too rough.  When he is chasing another dog around, sometimes he will run right in to them and knock them over, and if another dog isn't paying attention to him, he often tries to repeatedly chew on one of their back legs.  Usually I tell him no as soon as I can catch him, and give him a "time out."  If he does it more than a couple of times, I leave with him.  This probably wouldn't be quite the problem if he wasn't so big- but usually he is the biggest dog there, and the other dog won't really tell him off.  If the other dog does, he will usually stop.  Is there anyway to correct this when I have no leash on him?  I hate to quit taking him, as I think he enjoys the socialization and it works pretty well to wear him out.  Any suggestions would be helpful.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jeniffer,

Are other dogs, or their owners as upset by your dog's behavior as you are? When dogs play, it can often look and sound like it's world war three, but the dogs understand it as play. If your dog never escalates into real aggression, then he's just playing like a dog.

If other people are commenting over your dog's over enthusiastic play, you can teach him "fair play". One way to do that is to interrupt play by calling your dog out of it, cueing him to sit, (or whatever obedience commands he knows) then releasing him back into play, after the short time out. You said you've been doing this, but your dog continues to play roughly. I think you need to be patient, and continue to "time out", for as long as it takes for your dog to get it. You didn't give up on house training if your dog soiled more than once in the house, right? You shouldn't give up on training your dog to play more gently, by packing up and going home. If other dog owners are commenting, explain you're training your dog to be "nicer", they should cut you a little slack.

Another thing that might help is to give your dog some active play, between just you, him, and a ball. Tire your dog somewhat before allowing play with other dogs.

One more option is to find out which dogs won't tolerate your dog's antics, and "tell him off", and take your dog to the park when you know they're going to be there. Maybe explain the situation to the other dogs owners, and arrange play dates with them. Your dog WILL learn, if not from you, then from other dogs, what acceptable behavior is.

Best of luck,

Patti