What's "normal" dog park behavior? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

FryFry · 06-17-2014, 05:20 PM

I took Leo to the dog park for the first time on Sunday. He's 10 months old now, and I figured now that he's big enough it's time to start socializing him more. At first, he ran away from the other dogs and would yelp if they came near him. Luckily, there was a dog trainer there. He told me to leave my dog alone and that Leo was just being very timid. After 10 minutes Leo started to slowly play with toys, and after 20 minutes he was chasing after other dogs. However, when people tried to go up to him and pet him, Leo would back away and bark at them. He's okay if the greetings with other people are on his terms, but if someone tries to make the first move, he gets very timid and barks at them. Eventually he started following the dog trainer around, and would play ball with him. When Leo first gets there, he'll bark at people and dogs, but after like 5 minutes of being there he somewhat mellows out. The dog park has 2 sides (small dog and large dog) Today, there was only one small dog. Leo chased after him and tried playing with him but after 10 minutes the people left, so Leo was all alone. There was a few large dogs on the other side. Leo sometimes went up to the fence and would somewhat growl and bark at the dogs on the other side. Then someone went up to Leo and tried to pet him, but Leo backed away and barked. I don't think it's an aggression bark, I think it's more of a "I'm unsure of you" bark. Is this normal? Will he eventually get better with other people and dogs? The dog trainer told me to bring Leo at least 3 times a week/1hr each time.

Britster · 06-17-2014, 06:11 PM

I always think the dog park is a good place for socialized dogs, *not* socializing dogs. You are walking into unknown territory, you don't know these people, you don't know their dogs.

I'm just indifferent with dog parks in general these days. I do think you have to know your dog, their temperament/level of training, and also know what the park is like, regarding the people/dogs that attend, and then try to minimize risk. For the most part, I find dog park goers mean well. But of course you always get the idiots. And for a timid dog? One bad dog park experience can ruin them for life. I don't go to the dog park so that Jackson can socialize with *people*... he hates being pet by strangers, and we've had a few idiots who think trying to pick him up is okay.

I used to frequent two parks, but more one than the other. Nowadays, I rarely go "for the dog park" but rather to walk around the state park, and then possibly make a visit to the small dog park if we see some dogs in there that look friendly or that Jackson would enjoy. He's a little bit 'over' the dog park in general lately as far as playing with other dogs, BUT sometimes he will find a dog that he REALLY enjoys and will run/wrestle/play/etc and it's always nice to see. Other days, he just enjoys the new smells, peeing on things, and walking around by himself. But he's never "unhappy" to go there.

I typically know what times and days to go, and what dogs (and breeds, honestly) to avoid. If I see something I'm uncomfortable with, we leave. I consider myself pretty good at reading dog body language as well as my own. I will say that I see a lot more issues on the big dog side, and even though I used to go in there with Jackson (when I'd meet friends with bigger dogs) - I won't do it anymore. I'm too nervous after seeing a few things.

If Jackson didn't enjoy it at all, we'd no longer go. But, he's a fairly chill guy - he knows to avoid certain dogs, or not egg dogs on, etc. He's very respectful of other dogs and understanding of when they want to wrestle, or chase, or just lay down together. He's very good at reading other dogs and stays out of any potential trouble. BUT, he will get very defensive if a dog starts something with him or hurts him, which is why we don't do the big dog side anymore and haven't in over a year. I don't ever want to put him in that position to feel the need to protect himself.

But overall we've had positive experiences at the dog park but there are always going to be idiots out there, and I have seen my fair share, but... it is what it is.

akaryendy · 06-17-2014, 06:15 PM

I took Oliver to the dog park the first time too last week. He is 7 months as I waited til 6 months mark to give him his rabies shot. Before the park, He only got to see and briefly greeted other dogs when go to the pet store, on walk and played with my friend's dog occasionally. He was in doggy heaven at the dog park. He wasn't shy for sure. He loves other dogs and human so I didn't have the problem of him barking. He just needs to learn to play appropriately more since there were two out of 5 dogs there that weren't friendly when he came up to them. Probably he got in their face, so he will just have to learn as I take him more. I try to do it twice a week.

Now your Leo seems like he needs sometimes to adjust. I think you should start small, avoid crowded hours for now, better for him and I think other dogs owners may think his barking (out of weariness maybe) is aggression and not like it. Good luck.

FryFry · 06-17-2014, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britster

I always think the dog park is a good place for socialized dogs, *not* socializing dogs. You are walking into unknown territory, you don't know these people, you don't know their dogs.

I'm just indifferent with dog parks in general these days. I do think you have to know your dog, their temperament/level of training, and also know what the park is like, regarding the people/dogs that attend, and then try to minimize risk. For the most part, I find dog park goers mean well. But of course you always get the idiots. And for a timid dog? One bad dog park experience can ruin them for life. I don't go to the dog park so that Jackson can socialize with *people*... he hates being pet by strangers, and we've had a few idiots who think trying to pick him up is okay.

I used to frequent two parks, but more one than the other. Nowadays, I rarely go "for the dog park" but rather to walk around the state park, and then possibly make a visit to the small dog park if we see some dogs in there that look friendly or that Jackson would enjoy. He's a little bit 'over' the dog park in general lately as far as playing with other dogs, BUT sometimes he will find a dog that he REALLY enjoys and will run/wrestle/play/etc and it's always nice to see. Other days, he just enjoys the new smells, peeing on things, and walking around by himself. But he's never "unhappy" to go there.

I typically know what times and days to go, and what dogs (and breeds, honestly) to avoid. If I see something I'm uncomfortable with, we leave. I consider myself pretty good at reading dog body language as well as my own. I will say that I see a lot more issues on the big dog side, and even though I used to go in there with Jackson (when I'd meet friends with bigger dogs) - I won't do it anymore. I'm too nervous after seeing a few things.

If Jackson didn't enjoy it at all, we'd no longer go. But, he's a fairly chill guy - he knows to avoid certain dogs, or not egg dogs on, etc. He's very respectful of other dogs and understanding of when they want to wrestle, or chase, or just lay down together. He's very good at reading other dogs and stays out of any potential trouble. BUT, he will get very defensive if a dog starts something with him or hurts him, which is why we don't do the big dog side anymore and haven't in over a year. I don't ever want to put him in that position to feel the need to protect himself.

But overall we've had positive experiences at the dog park but there are always going to be idiots out there, and I have seen my fair share, but... it is what it is.

Well, Leo got some socialization at the puppy class he attended, but other than that and walks, he hasn't had much socializing. He does live with 2 other dogs. I know he needs to get more socialized, and I thought taking him to the dog park would be good for that. Plus, today was only his second day there. Actually, I knew the dog trainer at the park on Sunday so I had no issues. He actually made me feel a little less anxious (I have social anxiety) I decided I'll go around 5-6pm on the weekdays. I'm going to avoid it on the weekends because I know TONS of people go on the weekends. One things I hate is people think it's "okay" to bring their large dogs into the small dog side. It happened on Sunday, and this border collie kept trying to play with Leo. I could tell Leo didn't mind, and he enjoyed it. However, the thought of a large dog getting too rough with him is what scares me. I know you said the dog park is for socialized dogs, not socializing, but do you think the more I take him, the more socialized he'll become? Like I said, after a few minutes of being there he's okay. He was running after balls, and playing with the other dogs on Sunday. I wonder if all the sounds and senses overwhelms him, and that's why he barks at first.

FryFry · 06-17-2014, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akaryendy

I took Oliver to the dog park the first time too last week. He is 7 months as I waited til 6 months mark to give him his rabies shot. Before the park, He only got to see and briefly greeted other dogs when go to the pet store, on walk and played with my friend's dog occasionally. He was in doggy heaven at the dog park. He wasn't shy for sure. He loves other dogs and human so I didn't have the problem of him barking. He just needs to learn to play appropriately more since there were two out of 5 dogs there that weren't friendly when he came up to them. Probably he got in their face, so he will just have to learn as I take him more. I try to do it twice a week.

Now your Leo seems like he needs sometimes to adjust. I think you should start small, avoid crowded hours for now, better for him and I think other dogs owners may think his barking (out of weariness maybe) is aggression and not like it. Good luck.

That's a good idea. I'll definitely go when there's small groups of people. I don't want to scare Leo.

Cuddles Cookie · 06-17-2014, 08:29 PM

I take my dogs to a dog park by our house almost every week now that it's summer. Our park is small so we don't have seprate parks for little or big dogs. They are very timid when there are lots of BIG dogs at the park, but run around and have a blast when there are little dogs. We stick to the hours when the little dogs are at the park.

Sometimes we just go when there aren't any dogs so they can play with each other instead of others. Whenever we walk their they know exactly where they are going. As soon as the park is in sight they will start crying to go.

FryFry · 06-18-2014, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britster

I always think the dog park is a good place for socialized dogs, *not* socializing dogs. You are walking into unknown territory, you don't know these people, you don't know their dogs.

I'm just indifferent with dog parks in general these days. I do think you have to know your dog, their temperament/level of training, and also know what the park is like, regarding the people/dogs that attend, and then try to minimize risk. For the most part, I find dog park goers mean well. But of course you always get the idiots. And for a timid dog? One bad dog park experience can ruin them for life. I don't go to the dog park so that Jackson can socialize with *people*... he hates being pet by strangers, and we've had a few idiots who think trying to pick him up is okay.

I used to frequent two parks, but more one than the other. Nowadays, I rarely go "for the dog park" but rather to walk around the state park, and then possibly make a visit to the small dog park if we see some dogs in there that look friendly or that Jackson would enjoy. He's a little bit 'over' the dog park in general lately as far as playing with other dogs, BUT sometimes he will find a dog that he REALLY enjoys and will run/wrestle/play/etc and it's always nice to see. Other days, he just enjoys the new smells, peeing on things, and walking around by himself. But he's never "unhappy" to go there.

I typically know what times and days to go, and what dogs (and breeds, honestly) to avoid. If I see something I'm uncomfortable with, we leave. I consider myself pretty good at reading dog body language as well as my own. I will say that I see a lot more issues on the big dog side, and even though I used to go in there with Jackson (when I'd meet friends with bigger dogs) - I won't do it anymore. I'm too nervous after seeing a few things.

If Jackson didn't enjoy it at all, we'd no longer go. But, he's a fairly chill guy - he knows to avoid certain dogs, or not egg dogs on, etc. He's very respectful of other dogs and understanding of when they want to wrestle, or chase, or just lay down together. He's very good at reading other dogs and stays out of any potential trouble. BUT, he will get very defensive if a dog starts something with him or hurts him, which is why we don't do the big dog side anymore and haven't in over a year. I don't ever want to put him in that position to feel the need to protect himself.

But overall we've had positive experiences at the dog park but there are always going to be idiots out there, and I have seen my fair share, but... it is what it is.

Hey, I took some pictures of him at the dog park on his first day. How does his body language look to you? I think I'm fairly good at reading body language, but I know I could be wrong. Oh, btw, I kept his leash on him but he ran around on his own.

ilovejoel · 06-18-2014, 08:28 PM

I think you just have to know your dog good, what they like and don't like. Joel isn't a dog park kind of dog. He loves to meet dogs what he calls "puppy friends" lol in other places and he'll go right up to them but not the idea of being fenced in with dogs running wild.
Also know the other dogs too. When we were staying with my brother, his neighbor had the hugest pit bull I've ever seen and everyone shares the same yard so I was so worried lol, but after I met the pit bull(his name was Moose) he was so nice and was even scared of Joel. By the time we left they were friends

ColesMommy01 · 06-19-2014, 04:46 PM

I used to go to dog parks with my larger sized dog but I won't go with Rasta. Too many different personalities owner/dog wise. What one owner may find acceptable behavior I probably wouldn't lol. Plus the last time I went ,pre Rasta, our bulldog interacted more with the owners than other dogs and one dog was aggressive. I don't want to take the chance of anything happening to any of my pets.

gracielove · 06-20-2014, 11:22 AM

I won't take Gracie to a dog park. Most people have medium to large sized dogs where I live and I just won't take the risk. Unless dogs are well trained and socialized before they get to the park there is just too much danger for a small dog.

Yorkies are small and sometimes bring out the chase or shake instinct that some larger dogs have, especially when they are running and wound up. I'm just not taking the chance of having someone with an out of control dog grabbing my little girl. She loves other dogs so I'm not worried about her being social. She gets lots of exercise during our walks so we can do without the park.

06-17-2014, 05:20 PM	#1
FryFry YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 284	What's "normal" dog park behavior? I took Leo to the dog park for the first time on Sunday. He's 10 months old now, and I figured now that he's big enough it's time to start socializing him more. At first, he ran away from the other dogs and would yelp if they came near him. Luckily, there was a dog trainer there. He told me to leave my dog alone and that Leo was just being very timid. After 10 minutes Leo started to slowly play with toys, and after 20 minutes he was chasing after other dogs. However, when people tried to go up to him and pet him, Leo would back away and bark at them. He's okay if the greetings with other people are on his terms, but if someone tries to make the first move, he gets very timid and barks at them. Eventually he started following the dog trainer around, and would play ball with him. When Leo first gets there, he'll bark at people and dogs, but after like 5 minutes of being there he somewhat mellows out. The dog park has 2 sides (small dog and large dog) Today, there was only one small dog. Leo chased after him and tried playing with him but after 10 minutes the people left, so Leo was all alone. There was a few large dogs on the other side. Leo sometimes went up to the fence and would somewhat growl and bark at the dogs on the other side. Then someone went up to Leo and tried to pet him, but Leo backed away and barked. I don't think it's an aggression bark, I think it's more of a "I'm unsure of you" bark. Is this normal? Will he eventually get better with other people and dogs? The dog trainer told me to bring Leo at least 3 times a week/1hr each time. __________________ MP

06-17-2014, 06:11 PM	#2
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	I always think the dog park is a good place for socialized dogs, not socializing dogs. You are walking into unknown territory, you don't know these people, you don't know their dogs. I'm just indifferent with dog parks in general these days. I do think you have to know your dog, their temperament/level of training, and also know what the park is like, regarding the people/dogs that attend, and then try to minimize risk. For the most part, I find dog park goers mean well. But of course you always get the idiots. And for a timid dog? One bad dog park experience can ruin them for life. I don't go to the dog park so that Jackson can socialize with people... he hates being pet by strangers, and we've had a few idiots who think trying to pick him up is okay. I used to frequent two parks, but more one than the other. Nowadays, I rarely go "for the dog park" but rather to walk around the state park, and then possibly make a visit to the small dog park if we see some dogs in there that look friendly or that Jackson would enjoy. He's a little bit 'over' the dog park in general lately as far as playing with other dogs, BUT sometimes he will find a dog that he REALLY enjoys and will run/wrestle/play/etc and it's always nice to see. Other days, he just enjoys the new smells, peeing on things, and walking around by himself. But he's never "unhappy" to go there. I typically know what times and days to go, and what dogs (and breeds, honestly) to avoid. If I see something I'm uncomfortable with, we leave. I consider myself pretty good at reading dog body language as well as my own. I will say that I see a lot more issues on the big dog side, and even though I used to go in there with Jackson (when I'd meet friends with bigger dogs) - I won't do it anymore. I'm too nervous after seeing a few things. If Jackson didn't enjoy it at all, we'd no longer go. But, he's a fairly chill guy - he knows to avoid certain dogs, or not egg dogs on, etc. He's very respectful of other dogs and understanding of when they want to wrestle, or chase, or just lay down together. He's very good at reading other dogs and stays out of any potential trouble. BUT, he will get very defensive if a dog starts something with him or hurts him, which is why we don't do the big dog side anymore and haven't in over a year. I don't ever want to put him in that position to feel the need to protect himself. But overall we've had positive experiences at the dog park but there are always going to be idiots out there, and I have seen my fair share, but... it is what it is. __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier Last edited by Britster; 06-17-2014 at 06:12 PM.

06-17-2014, 06:15 PM	#3
akaryendy Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Sunrise, FL Posts: 56	I took Oliver to the dog park the first time too last week. He is 7 months as I waited til 6 months mark to give him his rabies shot. Before the park, He only got to see and briefly greeted other dogs when go to the pet store, on walk and played with my friend's dog occasionally. He was in doggy heaven at the dog park. He wasn't shy for sure. He loves other dogs and human so I didn't have the problem of him barking. He just needs to learn to play appropriately more since there were two out of 5 dogs there that weren't friendly when he came up to them. Probably he got in their face, so he will just have to learn as I take him more. I try to do it twice a week. Now your Leo seems like he needs sometimes to adjust. I think you should start small, avoid crowded hours for now, better for him and I think other dogs owners may think his barking (out of weariness maybe) is aggression and not like it. Good luck. Last edited by akaryendy; 06-17-2014 at 06:19 PM.

06-18-2014, 08:28 PM	#8
ilovejoel Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Alaska Posts: 3,299	I think you just have to know your dog good, what they like and don't like. Joel isn't a dog park kind of dog. He loves to meet dogs what he calls "puppy friends" lol in other places and he'll go right up to them but not the idea of being fenced in with dogs running wild. Also know the other dogs too. When we were staying with my brother, his neighbor had the hugest pit bull I've ever seen and everyone shares the same yard so I was so worried lol, but after I met the pit bull(his name was Moose) he was so nice and was even scared of Joel. By the time we left they were friends __________________ ℜachael JoelRoxy iLoveJoely.com

06-17-2014, 08:29 PM	#6
Cuddles Cookie YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Colorado Posts: 253	I take my dogs to a dog park by our house almost every week now that it's summer. Our park is small so we don't have seprate parks for little or big dogs. They are very timid when there are lots of BIG dogs at the park, but run around and have a blast when there are little dogs. We stick to the hours when the little dogs are at the park. Sometimes we just go when there aren't any dogs so they can play with each other instead of others. Whenever we walk their they know exactly where they are going. As soon as the park is in sight they will start crying to go.

06-19-2014, 04:46 PM	#9
ColesMommy01 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: where there's no good sushi Posts: 1,423 Blog Entries: 1	I used to go to dog parks with my larger sized dog but I won't go with Rasta. Too many different personalities owner/dog wise. What one owner may find acceptable behavior I probably wouldn't lol. Plus the last time I went ,pre Rasta, our bulldog interacted more with the owners than other dogs and one dog was aggressive. I don't want to take the chance of anything happening to any of my pets.

06-20-2014, 11:22 AM	#10
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	I won't take Gracie to a dog park. Most people have medium to large sized dogs where I live and I just won't take the risk. Unless dogs are well trained and socialized before they get to the park there is just too much danger for a small dog. Yorkies are small and sometimes bring out the chase or shake instinct that some larger dogs have, especially when they are running and wound up. I'm just not taking the chance of having someone with an out of control dog grabbing my little girl. She loves other dogs so I'm not worried about her being social. She gets lots of exercise during our walks so we can do without the park.