Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Sniffspot Community
  4. How Sniffspot Provided Peace After an Off-Leash Dog Attack

How Sniffspot Provided Peace After an Off-Leash Dog Attack

Haley Young photo

Haley Young

March 06, 2024

Sniffspot Community

How Sniffspot Provided Peace After an Off-Leash Dog Attack thumbnail

Shoshana grew up as the child of two dog trainers. When the time came to bring a dog into her adult life, she was excited about the opportunity to raise a puppy of her own! She did her research and settled on a Shiloh shepherd: a breed with German shepherd and malamute ancestry selected for a gentle nature. (“I loved the idea of a large, fluffy dog who didn’t drool,” she said.)

Her new best friend Griffin fit the bill perfectly.

He was everything Shoshana wanted and on track to be a highly socialized companion. By the time he was one year old, he’d already attended multiple training classes, won a bundle of conformation show ribbons, and was on his way to earning his Canine Good Citizen title — but an attack by two off-leash dogs in an on-leash area shook everyone’s confidence.

One experience can have a lasting impact

Griffin wasn’t all that bold from the beginning (as a young dog he spent some of his puppy classes hiding from the other attendees underneath the counter) but his attack tipped the scale clearly towards anxiety. He and Shoshana were taking an on-leash walk through a public park when two unknown dogs approached without warning.

While the large shepherd didn’t suffer lasting physical effects from the confrontation, he became wary of unfamiliar dogs and struggled to relax in public environments. “I could watch him tense up seeing a person and then relax when he realized they didn’t have a dog with them,” Shoshana said.

When the two started working with a trainer to heal Griffin’s anxiety, she recommended Sniffspot as a way to continue safely exploring new places and having novel experiences. Since then, it’s become a regular part of their weekly routine!

Griffin can enjoy new adventures — thanks to Sniffspot and his owner’s dedication

When visiting a Sniffspot, Griffin isn’t fixated on the environment. He’s able to relax in a secure, private space — and the neutral locations make the perfect opportunity to hang out with other dogs that Shoshana trusts! (As long as he feels safe, Griffin will still play with low-key friends even after being attacked.)

Sniffspots also give the Shiloh shepherd plenty of calm, uneventful exposure to new things. He’s gotten to meet livestock and horses who are completely unbothered by his presence, which allows him to settle in and be neutral to theirs as well.

Shoshana shared one favorite story about Griffin happily bouncing after some quacking ducks at one particular Sniffspot’s pond. He enjoys the water and listening to the world around him. “I think a pig would be his perfect creature,” Shoshana said about Griffin’s affinity for other animals and their strange sounds. “I’d love for him to meet one someday.”

Shoshana also appreciates the “absolute kindness” of the Sniffspot site owners. “They’re so considerate,” she said, talking about the ways they make sure Griffin has a great experience. It’s wonderful to connect with such an understanding, caring dog community.

Beyond weekly Sniffspot visits, Shoshana and Griffin share relaxed regular walks (they drive to a peaceful spot nearby) and plenty of couch snuggles. The huge shepherd also loves to lounge in the garage — with the door mostly closed, he can relax in a cool, safe space to just watch the world go by.

Sniffspot Dog running on field

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

When things go wrong, we grow through them together

At times Shoshana’s journey with Griffin has been difficult: She’d grown up with a dog-aggressive dog as a child and tried so hard to do everything right for her new puppy only to have the actions of someone else deeply affect his development.

But working through her shepherd’s anxiety has also been a valuable learning experience.

Shoshana now thinks more deeply about the way other dog owners see the world. Instead of being angry, she tries to empathize and understand they might not realize the impact their pets could have in a public space.

When it comes to life with Griffin, she’s moved from thinking about what he can handle or tolerate to considering what really helps him thrive. “I want him to be happy,” she said, “to do things because he enjoys them.”  While he was able to complete his Canine Good Citizen title despite his bad experience, it wasn’t a relaxed accomplishment. In contrast, Sniffspot adventures are what bring him joy.

It’s been two and a half years since Griffin was attacked, and life is wonderful — he has dog friends he can play with in safe spaces, gets regular opportunities to decompress, and always makes Shoshana laugh when he rests his chin on the table (he really is that tall).

Haley Young photo

Haley Young

March 06, 2024

Sniffspot Community

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest thumbnail

Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

Introduction to Dog Nosework thumbnail

Introduction to Dog Nosework

All categories

Most recent articles

Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest thumbnail

Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

Introduction to Dog Nosework thumbnail

Introduction to Dog Nosework

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining thumbnail

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining

The Best Dog Trainers in San Diego, CA of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in San Diego, CA of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2023

Related articles
Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest thumbnail

Best Dog Rescue and Shelter Contest

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

Introduction to Dog Nosework thumbnail

Introduction to Dog Nosework

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

Best Toys for Herding Dogs

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle (or worse, get bored of) them in just a few days?

Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

You’ve been told that your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to stretch their legs, experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and spend time with you! Consistent physical activity will also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2023

Welcome to the United States Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used.

The Best Dog Trainers in New Jersey of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in New Jersey of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Michigan of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Michigan of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Washington of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Washington of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Florida of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Florida of 2023

City dog parks guides

The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

The Best United States Dog Parks

Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure. Here’s what the United States has to offer to its more than 90 million canine companions.

The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.