obsession problem

Question
I have been taking my lab to the dog park every day for
almost a year.  We meet up with a few other people and
their dogs but in the last few weeks one of the dogs
(German short hair pointer) has been obsessed with my lab.   
They will play for a short period but the other dog will
not leave my dog alone he is wanting to play, box, run and
licks his ears.  I worry that my dog will get mad and bite
him.  Sometimes my dog will start to get upset with him but
then I will try to separate them but the Pointer will
always come back.  Should I do anything or let them work it
out themselves?

Answer
Hi Dede,

Thank you for writing to me about the situation at the dog park.  Unfortunately there always seems to be an owner whose dog is out of control and the owner doesn't have a clue! This person should be the one that takes her dog to another place in the dog park when he is annoying another dog, or removing her dog all together.

It would be important for me to know if either dog is spay/neutered.  If the Pointer is intact, then this could be the cause of the problem If your dog is intact, that could also be part of the problem.  Of course if both dogs are unneutered, there is your answer!  Both these dogs should be neutered to get the best socialization situation flourishing.  It is also best for their overall health.

Speak to the other owner.  Ask that they monitor their dog so that your dog is not being harassed by their dog.  The protocol in the dog park should be that the person whose dog is being the aggressor, should remove their dog for a period of time and then you should leave and give their dog a chance to play.  It's called sharing.

There is the possibility that both dogs are enjoying each others play protocol and that it isn't necessary to separate them.  I am not there to study body language so perhaps if you speak to some of the more seasoned dog owners and get their opinion on the level of interaction that is actually going on between the two dogs.  Do they think that this is friendly play or something more serious?

As a last resort, you may have to change your schedule.  Ask some of your friends if they will shift the time as well so that you can all meet when the pointer isn't there.   

I wish you the best.

Regards,
Shelley Davis