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Originally Posted by Klyn  How many of you take your babies to fenced in dog parks? Other than making sure vaccinations are completed, how young should a puppy begin going to a dog park?
We have an almost 13 week old girl who needs socialization with other dogs when her vaccinations are completed. We talked about enrolling her in a group training program, but aren't ready to cough up the money for it. With all the other ways these precious babies can drain our money, we're trying to cross off some of the voluntary, more expensive things. |
I would make sure that our vet is okay with her going so young. As others have said, just be careful of some of the other dogs. They sometimes play a bit rough and can be overwhelming for a little one.
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Originally Posted by Pateut I have a hard time deciding about dog parks. I took Celine once but did not let her off her leash. I don't know, one chomp from a bigger dog that could be learning about other dogs. I have also taken her to a regular park on a leash but every time a bigger dog comes along I find myself picking her up (trust issue?). |
I would seriously recommend taking your little one off leash, provided you are comfortable with it as being on a leash can be a submissive signal to the other dogs. Your pup needs to be able to interact with the other dogs as a dog.
Granted, my 2 are the worst unsocialized dogs ever...they hover by me and want to be on me. My poor Maggie did not have a very good experience the first couple times she went to the park. One time a larger dog barked at her the whole time-thankfully her Jack Russell friend was there and sort of defended her from him.
I have been trying to get them more socialized with dogs on a more one on one with neighbors dogs. He is doing much better at the park lately.