Dog Park?

[Donnie]

I just found a dog park in one of the bigger towns about an hour away.  Are these a good place to socialize your dog?  McGee just doesn't have any friends around here he plays with, and has never been exposed/socialized to other dogs but once or twice.  I think he'd really dig it, once he learned how to get along with other dogs.

[Michael Gurley]

I take Sunny to a local dog park, but every time we go I take her to the fence, survey the dogs that are already inside, and decide whether it's safe for Sunny or not. Then while we're inside, I keep my eye on Sunny at ALL TIMES! I would personally find it difficult to take more than one dog to the park since I like to watch my dog and never get out of eyesight.

 

Really, it's hit and miss at my dog park. I took her to another park once and she was bitten in the face. Since then, though, she has become a lot more cautious and picky about which dogs she chooses to play with. She also checks in more frequently!

[Adina P]

Donnie, here is a list of members who live in your state: http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/members/search?name=&gende... -- maybe contact a few who are closer to you to see if they want to get together for a doodle romp.  There is also a TN breeder who has a group on here.  She might know if there are any romps scheduled in your state and where.

 

Here is MY opinion on dog parks: http://www.doodlekisses.com/xn/detail/2065244:Comment:1779534 -- love the idea, and it can be great, but there's no way to predict (usually) when it could go bad.  You might go and love it and love it the next 10 times and then have a bad encounter a month later...or always have a great time...or who knows.  It's just not a static thing because it changes depending on the dogs there.

[Dori & Rua]

This is my thoughts on dog parks now!

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/rua-was-attacked-at-the-dog

 

Does your town have a doggie daycare?  Can you arrange for playdates with dogs of friends?  Are there training classes that you could take to meet some new dog friends?

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Have you considered taking McGee to Pet Smart, PetCo or the local designer Pet store to meet other dogs?  I took my dogs to these stores where they could meet and greet other dogs, on lease with their owners attached, in the beginning.   We have also gone to the dog park and depending on what dogs are there, it can be a fun experience.  Be prepared to watch your dog every minute and to grab and run if it starts to look too aggressive.  While one of my dogs was in obedience, we went to Lowe's every week and he met lots and lots of people of different sizes, shapes and ethnic backgrounds.  Driving an hour seems like it would be hard to sustain over time.  Do you have a local park (not a dog park)?  Hiking trails or State Parks?

[Tammy & Gracie]

Gracie and I vist our local park several times a week.  The same people visit our park most of the time and we tend to know each others dogs personalities.  Some dogs are troublemakers.  We also NEVER bring food or toys since you never know when a dog might become possessive.  We always check out the park before going in.  If a (known) agressive dog is there we just walk on by.  If you go, I would suggest you go at an off peak time in the beginning.  Gracie is overwhelmed when there is a large amount of dogs in the park.  Make friends.  We have a group of 10 or 12 people that have dogs that play well together.   We email each other and make playdates for the group, such as 2 PM Sunday.  Then at 2 PM Sunday you can usually count on at least 3 or 4 of us showing up.  If there are many at the park we sometimes walk off to a corner and our dogs play there a little seperated from the masses when necessary.  The park saved me in Gracie's first few years!  She was quite a challenging puppy with energy levels off the roof that were followed by destructive tendencies!  My philosophy is "A tired doodle is a good doodle".  Now at 3, she plays some and lays around at my feet some but she is very socialized and comfortable with dogs anywhere.  And I made some good friends along the way as well!

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

We take Kirby to the dog park occasionally (we went yesterday).  It is almost always a great time for him.  We watch him constantly though and follow him around the park.  If he ever gets too much for another dog we will calm him down and if we do not like how another dog is acting we will just leave. 

I'd say there have only been 2-3 times we have had to leave because of a bad situation. 

[Pat and Traveler]

Lots of good advice here!  Sounds like McGee might have a problem now getting along with other dogs?   I'd be reluctant to just turn him loose in a park where he'd be 'new dog,'  The dogs already in a park have usually worked out some kind of pack structure, and crowd around any new dog, which might not be a good thing for McGee.  I'd try the doggie day care route--a good one will do an assessment to see how your dog gets along with others before entering into the group, and once inside there are people monitoring the dogs all the time.  Or--maybe you could put an ad in your local paper, looking for other dogs for a walk or playtime?  Do people still read newspaper ads?  :)  Or post a notice in your local grocery store or vet's office?  Hope you can find something that works for both you and McGee, who is a real cutie! 

[Holly St Pierre]

I took Gunner to the dog park last evening on my way home from an errand, it was later in the evening, so only 3 dogs there.  Got ready to walk in & a bernese mountain dog (which are usually great dogs) and a lab mix began fighting, owners pulled apart  & they went right back after each other.  No apparent reason, no food, bones, toys etc.  Both owners had no idea what triggered it with only 3 dogs in the park & the other dog was off by himself.  Just re-assured me, no dog park for Gunner.  Can't & won't take the chance of something happening to him

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

We love our local dog park. The best part is that the city gives each owner a key card to get in. In order to get the card you have to show proof of all shots. Also each dog must wear a tag with a number so they are registered. If we get a hinky feeling we tell Snickers we are going for a walk and we start going down the walking path that rings the park. He will follow us and thus he is removed from the situation. If you go definitely keep an eye out and if you aren't comfortable leave better safe than sorry. 

[Pat and Traveler]

Wow, Robyn/Greg!  That's a great dog park!  I don't think our community has enough money to do much more than what they're doing now.  The dog parks in my area are basic, fenced and with available water and poo bags, but that's about all we can afford.

[Stephanie and Jellybean]

Just left the dog park with Jellybean. She has been a few times now and generally it has been good, but today she got into a situation about 10 minutes after we arrived with 2 dogs pinning her down by the throat. She is a 6 month old standard size, so not small, but definitely submissive. The owners came right over and tried to pull their dogs off, but as soon as they removed them, they would go right back after her. Not a great day at the dog park for us. I leashed her and we left as soon as I saw what was happenning. It really is hit or miss, depending on the dogs who are at the park that day, and your dog's temperment. Good luck!

[Pat and Traveler]

Sorry to hear this, Stephanie.  Sure takes the fun out of what should be a good experience.  Sometimes the dogs already at the park just choose a dog to pick on--for no reason that I can understand!