Dog Parks, Day Care, and Play Groups - YorkieTalk.com Forums

LadyGemma · 02-28-2015, 11:49 PM

For those of you who have only one dog, how do you keep your pet socialized and interacting with other dogs? Moxie is simply too small (even though she is not a small Yorkie) for a non-little dog Dog Park (luckily we have one nearby). I have taken her in to the big dog park but only on leash and when there were very few, very gentle and docile bigger dogs around. But I just can't trust big dogs I don't know. Even with the best intentions, they could hurt her playing. Or am I being too protective? Either way, the small dog park will be great in the spring but it's been so cold this February!
I like the idea of a good daycare w/ a live feed and good staff but it's expensive and probably tough to find one I can really trust.
I think a small dog playgroup sounds great, but unlike the dog park and daycare, it is only at a specific time and place which may be harder for me bc although I often work from home, my schedule is always different. So no method is perfect but they all have pros and cons. What do you do, Yorkie parents?

Brianna · 03-01-2015, 06:09 AM

I'm lucky enough to have an aunt with two Shih Tzus and a friend with a small Sheltie, but even then, Louie doesn't get to play with them that often.

Some locals organize groups and meet at local dog parks, or sometimes even a group member's home after getting acquainted. I use "http://smallbreeddogs.meetup.com/"! Just type in your zip code on the side!

ironmike86 · 03-01-2015, 09:01 AM

I don't like dog parks. For me there were to many bad owners. But you may try a small dog meetup or they may have a Yorkie Meetup in your area.Find your people - Meetup
They have on near me and its usually indoor at a doggy day care. Some ppl have them at there house or everyone will meet at a park. Worth a look into.

ironmike86 · 03-01-2015, 09:04 AM

I just did a quick look. There alot of ppl with small dogs in New York. Dunno if you are in the city or rural but seem like there alot of meetups. Should be easy at least the dogs will be smaller. No big dog to eat your Yorkie

MarkFromSea · 03-01-2015, 11:35 AM

You might try local parks as well. I've got 3 within walking distance, St Ed's, Big Finn and OO Denny. I meet enough people and dogs just walking the trails. There is a small informal meetup group in Big Finn.... You may run into other small informal meetup groups at a park near you by just taking a walk. There is always facebook neighbor groups you could post at as well for groups or interested dog owners near you.

Lovetodream88 · 03-01-2015, 11:56 AM

Our dog parks have a side for small dogs and a side for big dogs. I took Callie for about the first 4 years of her life and everything was fine. I stopped going because Callie got where she would rather socialize with the people then run around. We tried a yorkie meet up when she was younger and none of them wanted to play and were really kinda poorly behaved. I used to take her to my moms house to play with her dogs and now my mom brings her dog over here often. I think when the dog park has a small dog side, you are watching your dog, and know dog body language then they are fine. There had only been two times I left a dog park because I was uncomfortable once when a pug was fixating on Callie and would not let her be and was a bit aggressive then once when someone brought a larger dog that was very skittish in the small dog side.

ColesMommy01 · 03-01-2015, 12:11 PM

I don't only have one dog(we have an English Bulldog as well), but Rasta is my dog and he's only a little over 2lbs. I don't really let him play with our bully since she's so much bigger and thinks she's a lapdog herself

. I'm not really a fan of dog parks due to owner negligence and some dogs are just aggressive. If you have a friend/neighbor that has a small dog that you feel comfortable with letting your pup interact with maybe you can set up a play date? In my situation we're adding another yorkie to our family so hopefully that will help with companionship.

ironmike86 · 03-01-2015, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColesMommy01

I don't only have one dog(we have an English Bulldog as well), but Rasta is my dog and he's only a little over 2lbs. I don't really let him play with our bully since she's so much bigger and thinks she's a lapdog herself

. I'm not really a fan of dog parks due to owner negligence and some dogs are just aggressive. If you have a friend/neighbor that has a small dog that you feel comfortable with letting your pup interact with maybe you can set up a play date? In my situation we're adding another yorkie to our family so hopefully that will help with companionship.

I agree. I recently got another Yorkie. After the 2-3 weeks of tolerating each other. They run around like mad dogs now. Lots of exercise.

JadeD · 03-01-2015, 12:28 PM

We don't have dog parks where I live, but we have lots of walking trails. I have not had the opportunity to take my new Yorkie on the walking trails because of the weather. I take him lots of places and going to my mom's house she has 2 dogs and a cat so he can visit with other dogs. I also have an 80 lb English Setter and the 7 lb Yorkie that I just brought home. They are both males (both neutered) and they get along great! The Yorkie was a little afraid of being stepped on at first, but our big dog looks out for him. They took about 1 day to get along. I still watch them closely together even after 6 weeks, but I have not had a single problem with them. Our big dog was only an only dog for a few months as our other English Setter died from cancer a few months earlier. I had no intention of getting another dog at this time, but when the opportunity presented itself I couldn't say no to this little guy.

I hope you can find something that works for you. I try to make sure my Yorkie sees other dogs as often as possible to keep him socialized and dog friendly. I didn't know how he was at first and took him to my mom's house, with a crate in case I had to crate him during the visit and he did great with her dogs. She dog sits for other dogs so her dogs are used to another dog coming in the house so I wasn't too concerned with how her dogs would be. Maybe you can make friends with some local people who have dogs and invite them (and their dogs) over for a play date.

Good luck.

KazzyK810 · 03-01-2015, 02:03 PM

Our community built a really nice dog park, with separate large and small dog areas a couple of years ago.

When it first opened, I took ZoE a few times. But as others have said, there are just too many bad owners out there. There's no enforcement of behavior, health requirements, etc. There's unaltered dogs, dogs with worms, and a surplus of idiot owners with agressive dogs that think a dogpark is a good place to socialize their dogs, which just means terrorizing others. It just became a place I didn 't want to take ZoE, and she didn't enjoy going. In nice weather we still walk on the trails in the greater park area....and still encounter a few idiots with dogs off-leash or using those flexileashes even though the signs clearly state a 6ft or less leash.

After the whole dog park fiasco, I decided to fence in part of my own property myself. Now ZoE gets to run free and get exercise. I ocassionally invite a friend with a dog over to socialize, while we drink sangria on the patio. Problem is now I have a safe fenced area, sometimes friends, whose dog I would never invite over, want to stop by and bring their dog. Not everyone I know cares for and vets their dog as I do mine, and I dont want fleas and worms in my yard.

I've gone back and forth about getting a second dog, but I've never had two at once and am leary of distrupting our routine. I truly have no issues with ZoE and don't want to cause any.

ironmike86 · 03-01-2015, 02:47 PM

2 dogs does bring in a big challenge. Especially when the one is already trained and how you want it. A puppy all over. The big dog doesn't like at first...depending on the dog...it can take a week, months or never like each other . But a month later Winnie and Moki eat and play. But they won't sleep together but at least they tolerate each other. Well Moki does. Winnie wants to be pals. But I think the health benefits with play time and just having another dog is worth it for me. Or Moki jmo

DBlain · 03-03-2015, 08:34 AM

where in NY are you? if you are in the city or on Long Island I know of several dog groups that socialize constantly with small dogs. I like meetup groups and small get togethers with dogs of similar size and temperament. I don't like the idea of dog parks because I would be afraid to let Lola off leash in a large park

ColesMommy01 · 03-03-2015, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBlain

where in NY are you? if you are in the city or on Long Island I know of several dog groups that socialize constantly with small dogs. I like meetup groups and small get togethers with dogs of similar size and temperament. I don't like the idea of dog parks because I would be afraid to let Lola off leash in a large park

That is one thing I liked about living in the Northeast! They have so many groups for animals/playdates and are so open minded! If you don't go on meetup, contacting your vet and asking if he/she knows of any little dog groups may be helpful.

gracielove · 03-03-2015, 02:04 PM

I never take Gracie to places where there are large unleashed dogs around. Me and another small dog I owned were attacked by a medium sized dog once and I have not had much trust around strange dogs since. Too many owners just do not train their dogs properly.

There is something about the small furry dogs that attract dogs with prey instinct so I am not taking chances. One bad scare was enough. A member here recently lost his beloved Yorkie due to an attack while out for a walk. You just can't count on the fact that others have their larger dogs under control.

Gracie gets to visit with dogs we know and is fine with that. She does not need to be a social butterfly. I would much rather have her safe.

diva_vida · 03-03-2015, 04:33 PM

I take my puppy to puppy playtime at our local Petco on Saturdays (which are free). They split small dogs and large dogs up. People also bring their older dogs that might not be that socialized. I also take him to daycare around once a week because it's $35. It's indoor and they keep the puppies separate from the bigger dogs. I've also taken him to a play group that's set up through his daycare which is once a week in the evenings. It's just me and my puppy and my apartment is small so I feel it gives him more interaction and room to run around like a maniac.

02-28-2015, 11:49 PM	#1
LadyGemma Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New York Posts: 164	Dog Parks, Day Care, and Play Groups For those of you who have only one dog, how do you keep your pet socialized and interacting with other dogs? Moxie is simply too small (even though she is not a small Yorkie) for a non-little dog Dog Park (luckily we have one nearby). I have taken her in to the big dog park but only on leash and when there were very few, very gentle and docile bigger dogs around. But I just can't trust big dogs I don't know. Even with the best intentions, they could hurt her playing. Or am I being too protective? Either way, the small dog park will be great in the spring but it's been so cold this February! I like the idea of a good daycare w/ a live feed and good staff but it's expensive and probably tough to find one I can really trust. I think a small dog playgroup sounds great, but unlike the dog park and daycare, it is only at a specific time and place which may be harder for me bc although I often work from home, my schedule is always different. So no method is perfect but they all have pros and cons. What do you do, Yorkie parents?

03-01-2015, 11:56 AM	#6
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	Our dog parks have a side for small dogs and a side for big dogs. I took Callie for about the first 4 years of her life and everything was fine. I stopped going because Callie got where she would rather socialize with the people then run around. We tried a yorkie meet up when she was younger and none of them wanted to play and were really kinda poorly behaved. I used to take her to my moms house to play with her dogs and now my mom brings her dog over here often. I think when the dog park has a small dog side, you are watching your dog, and know dog body language then they are fine. There had only been two times I left a dog park because I was uncomfortable once when a pug was fixating on Callie and would not let her be and was a bit aggressive then once when someone brought a larger dog that was very skittish in the small dog side. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

03-01-2015, 12:11 PM	#7
ColesMommy01 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: where there's no good sushi Posts: 1,423 Blog Entries: 1	I don't only have one dog(we have an English Bulldog as well), but Rasta is my dog and he's only a little over 2lbs. I don't really let him play with our bully since she's so much bigger and thinks she's a lapdog herself. I'm not really a fan of dog parks due to owner negligence and some dogs are just aggressive. If you have a friend/neighbor that has a small dog that you feel comfortable with letting your pup interact with maybe you can set up a play date? In my situation we're adding another yorkie to our family so hopefully that will help with companionship.

03-01-2015, 12:28 PM	#9
JadeD YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: NC Posts: 1,201 Blog Entries: 1	We don't have dog parks where I live, but we have lots of walking trails. I have not had the opportunity to take my new Yorkie on the walking trails because of the weather. I take him lots of places and going to my mom's house she has 2 dogs and a cat so he can visit with other dogs. I also have an 80 lb English Setter and the 7 lb Yorkie that I just brought home. They are both males (both neutered) and they get along great! The Yorkie was a little afraid of being stepped on at first, but our big dog looks out for him. They took about 1 day to get along. I still watch them closely together even after 6 weeks, but I have not had a single problem with them. Our big dog was only an only dog for a few months as our other English Setter died from cancer a few months earlier. I had no intention of getting another dog at this time, but when the opportunity presented itself I couldn't say no to this little guy. I hope you can find something that works for you. I try to make sure my Yorkie sees other dogs as often as possible to keep him socialized and dog friendly. I didn't know how he was at first and took him to my mom's house, with a crate in case I had to crate him during the visit and he did great with her dogs. She dog sits for other dogs so her dogs are used to another dog coming in the house so I wasn't too concerned with how her dogs would be. Maybe you can make friends with some local people who have dogs and invite them (and their dogs) over for a play date. Good luck. __________________ It's raining Yorkies here! LOL Teek ,Rowan , Raksha (Grand Puppy) , Raelyn

03-01-2015, 02:03 PM	#10
KazzyK810 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Michigan USA & Sheffield UK Posts: 4,119	Our community built a really nice dog park, with separate large and small dog areas a couple of years ago. When it first opened, I took ZoE a few times. But as others have said, there are just too many bad owners out there. There's no enforcement of behavior, health requirements, etc. There's unaltered dogs, dogs with worms, and a surplus of idiot owners with agressive dogs that think a dogpark is a good place to socialize their dogs, which just means terrorizing others. It just became a place I didn 't want to take ZoE, and she didn't enjoy going. In nice weather we still walk on the trails in the greater park area....and still encounter a few idiots with dogs off-leash or using those flexileashes even though the signs clearly state a 6ft or less leash. After the whole dog park fiasco, I decided to fence in part of my own property myself. Now ZoE gets to run free and get exercise. I ocassionally invite a friend with a dog over to socialize, while we drink sangria on the patio. Problem is now I have a safe fenced area, sometimes friends, whose dog I would never invite over, want to stop by and bring their dog. Not everyone I know cares for and vets their dog as I do mine, and I dont want fleas and worms in my yard. I've gone back and forth about getting a second dog, but I've never had two at once and am leary of distrupting our routine. I truly have no issues with ZoE and don't want to cause any. __________________ Karan & ZoE (Chelsea )

03-01-2015, 06:09 AM	#2
Brianna Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Niceville, FL Posts: 56	I'm lucky enough to have an aunt with two Shih Tzus and a friend with a small Sheltie, but even then, Louie doesn't get to play with them that often. Some locals organize groups and meet at local dog parks, or sometimes even a group member's home after getting acquainted. I use "http://smallbreeddogs.meetup.com/"! Just type in your zip code on the side!

03-01-2015, 09:01 AM	#3
ironmike86 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: USA Posts: 1,628	I don't like dog parks. For me there were to many bad owners. But you may try a small dog meetup or they may have a Yorkie Meetup in your area.Find your people - Meetup They have on near me and its usually indoor at a doggy day care. Some ppl have them at there house or everyone will meet at a park. Worth a look into.

03-01-2015, 09:04 AM	#4
ironmike86 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: USA Posts: 1,628	I just did a quick look. There alot of ppl with small dogs in New York. Dunno if you are in the city or rural but seem like there alot of meetups. Should be easy at least the dogs will be smaller. No big dog to eat your Yorkie

03-01-2015, 11:35 AM	#5
MarkFromSea YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: King County, WA Posts: 3,817	You might try local parks as well. I've got 3 within walking distance, St Ed's, Big Finn and OO Denny. I meet enough people and dogs just walking the trails. There is a small informal meetup group in Big Finn.... You may run into other small informal meetup groups at a park near you by just taking a walk. There is always facebook neighbor groups you could post at as well for groups or interested dog owners near you.

03-01-2015, 02:47 PM	#11
ironmike86 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: USA Posts: 1,628	2 dogs does bring in a big challenge. Especially when the one is already trained and how you want it. A puppy all over. The big dog doesn't like at first...depending on the dog...it can take a week, months or never like each other . But a month later Winnie and Moki eat and play. But they won't sleep together but at least they tolerate each other. Well Moki does. Winnie wants to be pals. But I think the health benefits with play time and just having another dog is worth it for me. Or Moki jmo

03-03-2015, 08:34 AM	#12
DBlain Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oakland County MI Posts: 6,190	where in NY are you? if you are in the city or on Long Island I know of several dog groups that socialize constantly with small dogs. I like meetup groups and small get togethers with dogs of similar size and temperament. I don't like the idea of dog parks because I would be afraid to let Lola off leash in a large park __________________ Lola my amazing little yorkie-pom Donna

03-03-2015, 02:04 PM	#14
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	I never take Gracie to places where there are large unleashed dogs around. Me and another small dog I owned were attacked by a medium sized dog once and I have not had much trust around strange dogs since. Too many owners just do not train their dogs properly. There is something about the small furry dogs that attract dogs with prey instinct so I am not taking chances. One bad scare was enough. A member here recently lost his beloved Yorkie due to an attack while out for a walk. You just can't count on the fact that others have their larger dogs under control. Gracie gets to visit with dogs we know and is fine with that. She does not need to be a social butterfly. I would much rather have her safe.

03-03-2015, 04:33 PM	#15
diva_vida Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Elkridge, MD, USA Posts: 41	I take my puppy to puppy playtime at our local Petco on Saturdays (which are free). They split small dogs and large dogs up. People also bring their older dogs that might not be that socialized. I also take him to daycare around once a week because it's $35. It's indoor and they keep the puppies separate from the bigger dogs. I've also taken him to a play group that's set up through his daycare which is once a week in the evenings. It's just me and my puppy and my apartment is small so I feel it gives him more interaction and room to run around like a maniac.