Irresponsible Dog Owner Goes To Reddit To Vent About Treats In Dog Park And Expects Support, Gets Bashed By Redditors Instead
Many dog owners bring dog treats to dog parks. After all, our good boys and girls deserve a reward and energy replenishment after a good run.
However, it is essential to be mindful of other dogs and their owners when doing so, as some dogs may become possessive or protective of their treats. It is best to avoid giving treats in front of other dogs, as this could lead to unwanted behavior or even conflict.
And we have one of those stories today. OP was at a dog park, and they noticed their dog sitting in front of some unknown lady.
She was giving it treats. OP's dog showed some aggressive behavior - it pushed the lady's dog whenever it tried to get near the treat bag.
So, OP rushed there. OP took their dog, and the lady said they should watch it more carefully. OP responded that she shouldn't bring treats to the park, as there is a "No Food" sign.
The lady went berserk and started screaming that no one could forbid her to bring treats for her dog. After all, everyone is doing it. The sign is for people's food, not dog food.
This situation evolved into a conflict, and both sides believed they were right. Read this interesting story, and you will decide who is right here:
OP asks:

OP was at a dog park, and they noticed their dog sitting in front of some unknown lady. She was giving it treats. OP's dog showed some aggressive behavior - it pushed the lady's dog whenever it tried to get near the treat bag. So, OP rushed there.

OP took their dog, and the lady said they should watch it more carefully. OP responded that she shouldn't bring treats to the park, as there is a "No Food" sign.

The lady went berserk and started screaming that no one could forbid her to bring treats for her dog. After all, everyone is doing it. The sign is for people's food, not dog food.

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:

This Redditor said it right:

"You should be paying more attention to your dog (especially if you don't want people treating him)."

"Walking dogs with a pocketful of treats is super common."

It would say “no dog treats”

Are there dog parks that don't allow treats?

They both didn’t handle this situation the best

This Redditor has a point:

How to avoid other dogs seeing you giving treats to your dog
- Move away from the area where other dogs are present.
- Choose a location away from other dogs, such as a quiet corner of the park or your own backyard.
- Ask the owner of the other dogs to move away if possible.
- Use a treat pouch or bag to conceal the treats.
- Distract your dog with toys and activities to keep him focused on you rather than the other dogs.
- Speak calmly and reassuringly to your dog, so he is not distracted by the other dogs.
- Keep treats in your pocket or bag until you are ready to give them to your dog.