A few questions related to puppies and dog parks

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

** Re posted this in the general forum "discussing doodley things".

 

I enjoy taking my 5 month old puppy to the dog park. It is great socialization and exercise for both of us. I have a couple of random questions about stuff that goes on in dog parks.

 

1. Dirt.  It gets really dirty and muddy in our park. Which means she always comes home a mucky mess and needs to be bathed. I often just rinse her and/or use conditioner, but I will use shampoo if I have too. If this is happening about 1-2 times a week, is it too much for her? (i.e. will her fur/sking dry out?)

 

2. Running. There is a lot of running in the dog park. Sophie loves to play fetch and to run around chasing other dogs. She runs like crazy, wild eyed, ears flapping. It's adorable. But I know that puppies aren't supposed to run too much, so how much is too much? Today she came home panting, it's been 30 minutes and she is panting like crazy still. Did I over do it? Should we have left sooner/not thrown the ball as much?

 

3. Communal dog toys. There are tons of left-behind balls lying around, a couple of frisbees, and a hula hoop (??). Apart from the fact that they are muddy and gross, can germs and disease be spread through old yucky tennis balls that other dogs play with? I'm not really a germaphobe, and am not usually bothered by getting my hands dirty, but should I be worried that Sophie or I will catch something?

 

4. Jealousy. Sophie gets jealous when I play with other dogs. Nothing agressive but she runs over and intervenes to try to get my attention to her. It's kind of endearing/annoying. This happens with the cat at home sometimes too. Should I just ignore it and expect it will go away, or should I do something to stop this now in case it gets worse?

 

5. Rough play.  Yep, that's right. Sophie likes it rough. How do I know when it's too rough, and how do I teach her to calm down and be gentle with other dogs (especially smaller ones that are less clumbsy)?

 

Sorry for all the questions, I just figured it would be easier than to start 5 different discussions.

[Janel and Sophia]

Hi Sherri,  I do not have any answers for you..but I am standing by to see the replies from the more experienced members. I do not have my doodle yet, but your questions are ones that I would have asked in the future.  Thanks

[Harper]

I'm not as experienced as most people, but I have an 8 month old doodle who also enjoys the dog park.

 

We usually rinse her off with our hose (it has a spray head) after the dog park to get the dirt off.  I do not think her skin or hair has gotten dry from doing this.  

 

It's my understanding that puppies shouldn't run for an extended time with no stopping (like when a person goes out for a jog), but that running around a dog park is fine.  I, too, have experienced extended panting from our pup after the park, which I think is pretty common from doodles.  I try to keep Harper in the shade at the parks so she doesn't get overheated.  I think when it gets hotter here, 80 or 90, I will only allow her at the dog park for shorter periods.  

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

My experience is only with Luna who is slightly older (10 months), but she has been going to the dog park since she was 12 weeks old.

 

1. Dirt.  - We try to avoid using shampoo all over after the park - usually just on the paws/underbelly.  Otherwise just a rinse.

2. Running - She will take a break if she's tired.  Dogs take lots of natural breaks in play.  If she's not taking any breaks - scoop her up or put her on leash for a few minutes to let her calm down.

3. Communal dog toys. - We don't let Luna put anything in her mouth at the dog park that's not a stick or other plant material.  Dog toys left behind are gross!

4. Jealousy. - Luna does this too - I would just avoid making eye contact when she does this.  We are working on this with Luna and it's getting a bit better.

5. Rough play.  - Never had this problem, but as your pup gets older (probably starting in about 2 months), the older dogs will reprimand her when she plays too rough.  Don't freak out of she gets nipped and yelps - it's a good lesson for her.

Of course if the dog is being overly aggressive (ie. biting/snapping with growling, pinning and not letting her up) then rescue your puppy right away using your leash to pull the other dog off. 

 

Just to be warned - that period from around 7-9 months is when the adult dogs will stop taking your puppy's "playfulness" anymore, since she will start to look more like an adult.  She's likely to be put in her place quite a few times during that time, which is perfectly normal.  Make sure you monitor her interactions closely and be prepared to protect her.  Most dogs won't continue to bother her if you pick her up.  Of course, this isn't really an option if she's a standard, but Luna is 35 pounds fully grown so thankfully we can still do that.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks. This helps.... Luna and Sophie should have a play date.

[Bonne Bouche]

This is a great question, as it was BB's first time in a dog park this past weekend, and I come back to DK with all the same questions as you.

 

Since you posted this last night without a huge response, I wonder if this might be better responded to by some DK veterans and those without puppies. Maybe you should crosspost to the Doodle Topics forum?

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I was thinking the same thing but I don't know how...