Chester does first off Leash Park

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

I had been avoiding taking Chester to an off leash event as he is a bit nervous around other dogs (or maybe his mom is).

For a few reasons-

There had been a few horrible newsworthy attacks by pit bulls in this city which scared me off. He wasn't mr social at the Puppy socialization class (although by the end he greatly improved.) He has recently been neutered and I thought it would be best to wait until that was done.He doesn't have great recall.

Well today DH convinced us to go to Ball field in Bedford NS (Which transforms into an off leash dog park in the off season.- Pretty neat idea).

Our Yard isn't fenced and we have a wooded area in behind. Chester does run around a bit out back but there are coyotes in the area and I don't want him to stray too far.

Well Chester LOVED it.. he ran and ran and ran.. occasionally played with other dogs. He did get a bit nervous when a few dogs ran in his direction at once. But it was short lived.

I feel that we have been depriving him of this great adventure and now we can't wait to take him back.

He did come back pretty muddy and exhausted... As did his mum and Dad.

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

That was a great article Angela- Thanks for sharing.

DO expect to get WET and DIRTY at the park- good tips..

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Sounds like a great experience. Ours have only been once and that was a doodle romp. They had the time of their life!

Glad you will be taking him back!

[Angela, Wheeler & Wicket]

Wheeler loves our local dog park! If we go on a busy time (Sat or Sun afternoons), he gets a little nervous at first when we first go through the gate to enter & there's 10 dogs waiting to sniff him, but after 2 minutes, he's running around having the time of his life! All the parents always keep a good eye on their kiddos & if they see something stirring up, they stop it first thing! Wheeler don't know how to take those times, if he sees 2 dogs getting mad at each other, he usually comes running for Mom & Dad! But for the most part, he can usually find a fun play mate to play with! Here is a good article that one of the fellow park goers gave me before we went, good advice! http://www.doggoes.com/articles/tips-having-fun-dog-park

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It's wonderful to have a place like this for his off-leash training, and it sounds like there were no problems with the other dogs, which is something that I'm always concerned about.