What does your Doodle do at the Dog Park?

[Jennifer Tramell]

We took Webster to the dog park this past weekend.  It was his first time when there was a full park of dogs to play with.  I was surprised at his behaviour.  Usually with his doggie friends he runs full steam, jumps, wrestles, and plays, plays, plays.  At the dog park, he just did long trots around the perimeter (leading a parade of curious doggies), stopping to sniff and greet various dogs.  He didn't "play" much, and actually kept running to the gate when other dogs surrounded him.

 

We were in the "Large Dog" section and my "little" doodle was by far the biggest dog there - a good head taller then the retriever & shepherd mixes. 

 

Also, how well does your dog listen to you when at the dog park?  I'd love to hear others dog park experiences.........

 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Peri is the biggest at our dog park too (but she is a mini and we go to the small dog park)!
She runs full steam around - usually with the "bigger" smaller dogs....corgies, terriers, etc...
Taquito the chihuahua, however, does just what Webster does -he scans the perimeter =)
I think Webster will get used to it - if not, it may not be his cup of tea and I wouldn't force it or worry at all!

[Adina P]

When Rosco (now 4 years old) was under a year old he loved playing at the dog park (we met in school yards on weekends then). But as he got older he cared less and less about playing with dogs. Last year when we actually went to the dog park his MAIN mission became to find discarded toys, take ownership of them and then find a secluded area and destroy the toy. It was a bit frustrating because although I didn't care if he played with dogs I did want him to play (read MOVE and not lie there chewing) even if just with me. He did enjoy fetch but after getting all hot and tired he would go back to his far away spot and lie down and chew his ball. I would have to go to him, take the ball and throw it so he would move. He still says hello to a dog here and there, but mostly looks for those left behind toys to demolish.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin loves going to the dog park, but doesn't play with one dog. He will play for a second or two with one dog, then get bored and find another one. He also seems to be a little more interested with getting pet by all the people there than running around getting exercise. I am predicting that the same type of thing will happen with Darwin, that has happened to Rosco. He seems less and less interested in dog on dog playing every time we go.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

My biggest fear the first time we took the girls to the dog park is how would we get them to come when we were ready to go home. Didn't have to worry about it because they wouldn't leave our side. We tried it several times, and it is never changed so we don't go any more.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

That is funny because Peri used to run the opposite direction when we were trying to leave the park. Now she does come right to me and sticks around more...must be age. I see us not going as much as she gets older. She gets to play with our neighbors dogs and her "friends" so much, it is really just on nice days when I need her to get some energy out.
She still plays HARD at the park, but within 45 minutes she is starting to hang around me more and will come when called.

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

Lily is "queen" of the dog park. She absolutly loves going there to run as fast and as long as she can. Zeke on the other hand likes to play too but only with more subdued dogs that don't get too rough. With Lily the rougher the better. They both check in with me from time to time with Zeke doing so more often than Lily. The last few times we've gone they both have been really good about coming when called, such as when there is a problem with another dog or I want to check in with them. Zeke is very good on recall even when he sees that it's time to go but if Lily sees the leash before she is ready to go (worn out) she sometimes will not come the first few times she's called. Most of their exercise is with me or my husband walking so the dog park is a real treat.

[Suzanne & Jack]

We try to take the three boys to the park as often as possible. Jack likes to run and greet everyone as soon as he enters. He checks in with me a lot. Ivan, our min. schnauzer likes to mix it up with any other dogs. He likes to be rolled around wrestled. If no one wants to play with him, he goes out and runs in circles in the field. Jack will find a ball or toy and carry it in his mouth. He likes to go up to people and act like he's going to drop it, then he runs off. He really wants someone to chase him. My Moose I call the Walmart greeter of the park. Anytime anyone comes in he is at the gate to greet. he likes to be by himself and will just sniff his own path. Occasionally he will participate in a good chase or wrestle. I always like to stay with them so that if any thing is getting out of hand I can take them walking with me.

I also have taken a deflated basketball to kic k around with them and their chuck-it.

[Natasha]

Up until he turned 1 1/2, Rouser was a very active player with the other dogs. Now, he will occassionally find a dog that he likes, but he usually just goes around the perimeter of the park sticking his nose in every rodent hole he can find. Don't get me wrong, he loves to sniff rodent holes, but I'd prefer he run about and get some energy out.

[Ali & Sonny D.]

Sonny, who LOVES playing with other dogs, doesn't play as much as I thought he would. He also loves being pet by all the people there and makes sure to greet each person. He just love the attention.

[laurie lehr]

Jasper only plays with his best friends at the park . He runs and wrestles with them but if they aren't their we walk the perimeter because he doesn't play much with other dogs . he listens pretty well inside the park but he has his days ! I would just keep moving around the park so he gets more comfortably and the otheer dogs don't pick on him.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Harlow loves to play Fox & Hound at the dog park. She loves playing with the bigger dogs as she can run at full speed. She will also play fetch with anyone who is willing to throw the ball for her. Baxter & Sherlock on the other hand prefer to stay close to me most the time. We didn't start taking them to off-leash parks until after we got Harlow. So to get the boys some exercise (and me too) I keep moving around the play area.

[Kathy Spyker]

Lilly usually stays by my side, but yesterday we were their and met Laurie and Jasper for the 1st time and Lilly really seemed comfortable. I was happy that she was happy. She usually listens to me very well when we are at the park, maybe more so then at home =)