I was always wary of a dog park too, but when my yorkies developed some issues because they didn't get enough exercise, a dog behaviourist suggested a park. She went with us the first time and everything went very well. We've been going regularly ever since.

Parks are really great, but make sure to choose a park where all the dogs are well-socialized. One way to find a park likes this is to phone up a behaviourist and ask them where they take dogs to fix issues with other dogs & people. That's how I found our park and we've never had an issue.

I've walked my two yorkies and the foster puppy on my own with no issues. My dogs really love the park and they look forward to going, so I make it a point to take them regularly. If I get another puppy, I would start as early as safety allows. There's an added bonus to walking them off-leash as puppies: they are scared and insecure and while they build confidence, they tend to stay close.

If you take your puppy to the park regularly, you'll have a very well-adjusted puppy. Just remember to train her as well. Puppy classes includes training and socialization, so you still have to cover the training if you are going to the park.

Like another poster said: Intelligent Dog Parking :)

I go to the doggy park ALL the time!!!
I had some doggy parks that just opened up. It's really hard for Lexi to socialize with the big dogs! If you can find a small dog park then that would be good.

In Scarborough they have a small dog and big doggy section. Lexi was scared of the other dogs EVERY TIME we go to the doggy park and then they would all corner her and then she wouldn't move! She's doing good now and getting used to the craziness of a doggy park.

I would take her to the small dog section to run around and then later try introduce her to the bigger dog section so she's not scared ALL the time. This helps her but Im constantly watching her because in the big doggy section because she's small. Plus yesterday this big pup wanted to play with her but instead of playing gently was slapping lexi like crazy and then what looked like stepping on her so I had to step in. The owner of that dog did nothing, so you do have to be careful!

I'd say introduce your baby to dogs her size. Even if it's just 2 other dogs at a time. That's how lexi started off! I should post videos for you to see!

We have many dog parks in our area. My daughter has taken our Pomeranian to one of these parks several months ago. I was worried if a larger dog would hurt him. He is such a "chicken" around other dogs that he does not know.

We went to a FREE puppy training class last Saturday. And We asked about dog parks for both our Pom and Yorkie. We were told we would take chances there because many dogs go that are vaccinated and/or sick with diseases that even with vaccines, would take a risk.

We were told with how small Princess is, best to NOT take her to a dog park. Too risky. So, I will take her places other than the dog park to continue to socialize her. Even if she is just in her carrier where I know she is protected I want her to meet other dogs.

I know there is a Yorkie group that gets together once a month in the Cincinnati area where my parents live. They usually have these on a Sunday.

I just wish I could meet people here in the Columbus area to get together with, so Princess could have a playmate, in addition to "Ty" or Pom.

i love this site im in so many social groups as well as dog groups its the best thing ever

I absolutely LOVE dog parks. I seriously could not live without them. With Jackson being the only dog, and him being such a 'dog lover', he highly needs them. Plus it's such great socialization.

I have 3 that I go to. There's one that is free and has big dog/small dog section and it's about 15 mins away from my house, but the only problem is there's usually no small dogs at this park unless you go at a certain time! Then there's one that I pay $40 yearly to go to and it's inside a state park so the dog park is really nice and I've come to know all the owners and dogs. There's another one that's free but I only go when I visit my dad because it's near his house.

Here's what Jackson does pretty much EVERY dog park visit. Hah.

My vet told me not to bring Keoki to dog parks - that there are too many germs, etc. I would also be careful because your baby is so small. Keoki does not go to dog parks but I understand other people bringing their dogs- it's just a choice.

I think we'll definitely talk to our vet about it. It's always best to seek advice from a trained professional who knows the dog and local parks. Although, I am considering checking out a couple parks without our baby to see what types of dogs are there, the setup, and how they interact with each other.

WOW im surprised but fully understand about the germs part i bring wipes with me before we get in the car i wipe his feet and mouth and bottom

I usually bring a water bowl or bottle with me for my dogs to drink out of so they don't get sick. That's a big way to prevent germ spreading (lots of dogs may step in poop, then play with their conatminated paws in the water, and then other pups drink out of the water).

It could be because its New York City- I know a few people who's furbabies have gotten sick here going to doggie parks- when we come home from being out and about I do the same with Keoki ( wipe his feet, mouth, etc ) :D

ohhh ok i see

absolutely but i bought this water bottle with a attached tray its very handy i love it.

Levi loves the dog park and I think he would be pretty under-exercised without regular trips there. He is so excited to run around off-leash with other dogs. I do, however, only take him to dog parks with separate areas for small dogs. I bring his own water bowl and a bottle of water. I usually wipe off his face and feet before we get in the car, and he usually gets a bath as soon as we get home (he plays so hard that he is filthy!!). I understand how some are concerned, but we have had great experiences at the dog park.

Most dog parks have multiple fenced area, one is always for smaller dogs. If your park doesn't have a smaller dog section, you have to be aware of what's going on. Those larger dogs can easily trample a small dog, unknowningly.

I always douce my dogs with Best Yet, before I go. Just to ensure, I don't bring home any unwanted friends.