Aggressive Play at Dog Park

Question
I have two Siberian huskies. Nanook is 11 months and female and I have had her since 8 weeks. Neeko is male and 1.5 years and I have had him three weeks.  I have been taking Nanook to the dog park everyday since she was 4 months old.  I have been taking Neeko since the 2nd day I have had him.  At home, Neeko is the more loving, gentle, mellow of the two dogs.  He has been fine at the dogpark. He loves it and usually just runs the fence line with the beagles. Lately though when two dogs are playing he will come and bark and then jump back.  If the dog is submissive and lays on it's back, he pokes really hard with his nose in their genital area.  This causes them to yip.  He did this three times today. Each time I took his collar and said NO.  Today I was asked to leave the dogpark because they said he played too aggressively.  There are dogs at the park who are much more aggressive and they growl and bare their teeth. I think Neeko is just "feeling out" the other dog and is not meant as aggressive.  However, I would prefer that he stop and I can see how the other owners might think he was biting.  How can I stop Neeko from performing this behavior? They absolutely love the dogpark and I would hate to deprive them.  Thank you, Debbi

Answer
"Poking with the nose" enough to cause a reaction is called muzzle-punching and is considered a display of aggression.  It means that the dog is over-excited and isn't controlling himself very well.  

I would pick times of the day when there are few dogs there to get Neeko used to the play area and allow him to play without being over-aroused. Any sign of the poking behavior will be cause for removal from play.  Watch him closely for signs that he's getting ramped up.  Interrupt before that happens if possible.  Teach him a reliable recall - and don't go back to the park until he can come when he's called.

Not all dogs are dog-park material.  In fact, if he's acting out like this, chances are that he's NOT loving it and this is his way of alleviating the stress.