Should I Let Sky Romp?

[Ruth]

 I have ALWAYS walked my Doodle on a leash. I recently took him to a dog park and he seemed more interested in the people than the dogs. It was the first time that he has been leash-free. Doodles at Dewey Beach is coming up, and I looked at the you-tubes posted from last year and I see that EVERY Doodle was running leash-free! Sky knows basic commands, but sometimes fails to obey them. I am afraid if I let him romp, he may never come back! Does anyone have any advice for me? I should also mention, he is an intact male!

[Ruth]

Thanks to everyone for their advice! I am going to buy a long cotton line and let you know how the Dewey Beach romp goes. The worse that can happen is we will pull up camp and go home if he misbehaves!

[Allen and Pamela Kerstetter]

I too was worried about what if 2 years ago, but I found out real quick, the dogs are having so much fun in the cluster.  They stay close by as this is such a different terrain. I will look for his rope,  Duke and i plan to go.

[Dave Wheeler]

We will be there as well with our 2-year old & 6 month males.  We were there last year and had a blast.  I was amazed there there were 50+ doodles (and some non-doodles) and didn't see any problems between dogs.  The beach is very wide and another 2 blocks to the main road.  You may find that he will do fine...the other doodles will let him know if his social skills need work.  He will learn quickly.  Hope to see you there

[a.k.a. Rodney]

What is an Intact Male??

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Not neutered.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Here's something else to consider for anyone thinking about bringing their leashed dog to a romp where other dogs will be running free:  I have found that some dogs become aggressive and/or defensive when they're leashed and in the company of others who are not leashed.  So, if your dog is naturally uncertain or unpredictable in this type of environment, attaching him or her to a long line might cause a confrontation, if another dog gets too close.  So, anyway, that's my two cents!