Dog Parks and a Puppy

[Chelsie]

I was wondering what others thought about the idea of taking my 20 week old puppy to a dog park. He is not neutered yet. We are working on the recall command and of course he does it great here at home where we have no distractions. I took him to a puppy play date and it was kind of a joke. He towered over all the puppies and he really wanted to play. Most of the puppy moms didn't want this monster dog to play with their puppies. We were on a slick tile floor is a small pen that he kept knocking over? Sam needs a place where he can play and socialize with other dogs, but still be safe. He plays with his 7.5 year old brother, a Chorkie, but needs more I think. Any thoughts?

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

As long as he has all his shots UTD I personally like dog parks for socializing and training practices with distractions. Many members have had negative experiences with dog parks so you need to be educated on the risks as well so you are prepared. But I would recommend doing it slowly, go and observe the parks and the dogs before setting one foot in there. And do that on several occasions.
Watch the owners, how they supervise their dogs, what the whole environment is like. Is it well maintained, are owners cleaning up after their dogs? What the restrictions are. Do dogs need to be neutered? Is there a "Active Dog/, Small Dog, / Big Dog area to separate them?
Do not assume all dogs are healthy and bring your own water source. I have a small igloo cooler I carry in, filled with water from home. Yes, some other dogs will get into it, but not unless you let them so it minimizes their exposure to many other bacterias and germs that live around the water fountain. And lastly, know beforehand how you will respond to any aggressive behaviors, either by your dog to another, or visa versa. Have a plan, don't just react. Every situation is different, but we sometimes can make matters worse, or even get hurt ourselves, so just think about your options. Other than all that, my two love running off leash at our local dog park. But it appears to be the exception to many parks that I have heard about. Good luck.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I agree with Sue, you need to go slowly and do your research first. Many dog parks don't allow intact dogs (at least here it isn't allowed) so I might wait until he is neutered and healed. I personally feel that if your dog has all of his vaccinations, is healthy, and is somewhat social, it's can be a good thing to go to dog parks.

That being said, you have to do your research. Go around to local dog parks without your puppy and observe. How many dogs are there? What type of play is happening? Does it seem like a situation that would be overwhelming or negative for your dog? Is there dog fights breaking out? Do the owners seem to be paying attention to what their dog is doing? If there are lots of dogs, dog fights, and the owners seem negligent, DON'T take your dog there. I think the ideal situation is finding some kind of off leash dog trail where there are dogs to play with, but not a huge amount. We have a couple of these in the area and they have been the best places for Darwin. Not so many dogs that it's overwhelming, but enough to play and socialize. I agree with Sue that you should bring clean water. 

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I have not had bad experiences with dog parks. Auggie is the same age your Sam is and I take him to a local dog park with no problems. Be vigilant and observe the play. Many times older dogs want nothing to do with a hyper puppy and they will let him know. I'm sure Sam will find a friend to run around with.

[Emily & Wispa]

We had Wispa out at the dog parks as soon as she'd done all her shots.

It's so important to get them socialising, it's the way they learn, and dog parks are wonderful!  You do need to be sure to work on recall training if you're planning to go offlead, even if it's in an enclosed space, because at some point the lead will have to go back on and you'll need him to come to you.

Don't be afraid of dog parks.  If you're afraid of bad experience, why not first try taking him to wooded areas frequented by other folks walking their dogs?  It will give you a change to socialise your 'monster' puppy.

I think a lot of people are over-cautious when it comes to dogs playing together.  Wispa tends to play a little rough, but only with dogs who want to play that way.  She has learned, through playing at the dog park, when older dogs don't want to play, and she knows how to play gently as well.  Keeping your puppy away from dog parks at this crucial age won't allow them to learn.  Granted, it won't let them learn fear should they be attacked, but as long as you're observant and can tell if there's an aggressive dog about, that shouldn't be a problem.

[Suzanne & Jack]

We've had many pupies at our dog park do just fine.  Usually they've waited until about 4 months before joining.  I would suggest visiting your DP at the time you would be going, possibly meet several owners and get a feel for the type of play.  Some owners are more responsible in controlling the rough-housing than others.  We have a Great Dane that is 4 months.  The first few times she came (her name is Havoc), she was petrified and wouldn't play.  After a few visits she has her friends that she likes to play with.  Sue brought up a good point, we always bring a cooler of water, of course our DP does not have water.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

I have totally mixed feelings about dog parks eventhough I do bring my doodles to them.  I have had great expierences and also very bad expierences.  My advise is not to bring your puppy there when ther are lots of dogs, that is when I have seen thing happen.  Many people believe that their dogs are not agressive or bullies or do not pay attention to their dogs because they are too busy talking.  I bring my two dogs to the dog park as soon as it starts to get light out.  I am usually the first one there.    Sometimes the dogs know that there is a puppy and will take advantage of that as well.  On the good notes of a dog park your dog will be well socialized and will learn to play nice with others - LOL.  In most cases its the humans that are to blame because they are not in control of their dog.  I would wait until all shots are complete and go when there is not a big crowd and stay close to your puppy.  If you see some dog getting agressive... pick up your puppy and leave immediately !!!