Dog Parks
 

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 don't know about the dog park. If she's very tiny, you would want to be very careful. Some dogs are pretty rough. It would be worth a try as soon as your vet says it's safe for her to go to a park. Like I said, I would be very, very careful so she doesn't get hurt.

Have you asked around about yorkie meetups in your area? That would be a good thing, too.

I did wonder about her size being a problem. She's a "mighty" 2.5 pounds right now. Are "meet-ups" something people from YT set up with each other?

Check out the regional forums. And if there are none planned for your area just post asking if anyone would like to get together.

I am wary of dog parks. Guess I have watched too many of the Judge shows on TV.

You could ask at your area vet offices and humane societies if they are aware of any yorkie meetups in your area. You can post in the regional forums and state where you live and ask if there are other members near you that would like to have a yorkie meetup. It's fun and you can socialize them with other yorkies. It's funny to watch them with each other. Sometimes you have to watch out for "bully" yorkies that might try mounting her!:D You would like the get togethers though.

We have small dog parks in our area. With that being said, sometimes the "small" dogs are a little too big. I would just be cautious and if you feel unsettled you can just leave. It's great for dogs:) Bandit didn't go until he was a little over 1, Nala went right after she had all her shots. She is socialized much better, but that's not solely attributed to the dog park- we learned a lot with the second dog:) Dog parks are a def plus:thumbup:

I waited to take Tinkerbell to the dog park until she finished all of her shots and my vet gave us the okay. I think if you have a nice park they are great fun and really let your dog do some serious running.

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 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.

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.

I'm a huge advocate for INTELLIGENT dog parking. Every dog park I've been to is off-leash for a reason. No dogs are allowed inside if they are on a leash. It's kinda confusing and defeats the whole point. They also say all dogs should be at least 4 months old and have their final shots as well as be on a flea and tick treatment.

I would NEVER take Piper to a dog park that didn't have a separate section for small dogs. Animals are animals and behavior is not always predictable, so it can be somewhat risky...but I've never had a problem. We had AMAZING ones back home in Orlando and I had a germ shep/lab mix who just adored his park.

Just never take your eyes off your baby, let her play and have fun, but stay nearby and keep a watchful eye. If you see a dog that looks suspicious to you or an owner who seems to be breaking rules or clueless, just leave.

I just never got into the idea of a dog park. Everyone is at their word the dogs are vaccinated and free of parasites and disease. I have read too many stories about larger or more aggressive dogs injuring yorkies. Owners are not all equally diligent about keeping their dogs under control. Some don't even see aggressive behavior as a problem unless blood is drawn. I just don't want to put mine in danger.

I would much rather find some friends with dogs and have private meetups. I'll bet posting flyers at area vets will find some willing to meet up and socialize their small dogs. Many with small dogs are wary of the dog parks so I think they are even more inclined to attend a meet-up of like breeds. If you live in a smaller town, try to include all small breeds to broaden the participation.

I have a strange question that I used to wonder about when I had my big dog, which part of the dog park to you go if you have both a small and big dog? You as the owner have to be with both of your dogs while in the park, but it's not safe for the small one in the big dog area, but small dog owners dont always like big dogs playing with their little ones (for obvious reasons...) I kind of want to get a bigger dog, (35lbs max) but don't want to run into this issue in the future when I get the larger dog...then again I might just stick with the Yorkies, I'd love to have two of them chasing each-other around the house and yard :D

Thanks everyone! All the information is great. We'll have to take these things into consideration. And I'll definitely be checking for fellow yorkie owners in my area when her vet gives us the OK.

i do worry about her size but here in california the dog park i take denzel to i am very fortunate because its 2 sided one side for dogs 10lbs and under and the other side for big dogs its really big and a lot of yorkies come to the park with other dogs. i say be careful but dont rule it out because denzel is a only child and needed social skills to and he loves the park but the problem i have with him is he rather play with the humans instead of the dogs lol. good luck

Whether or not you do it in a dog park, I think dogs experience the best times of their lives running around off leash. I think every dog needs that.

Try www.meetup.com to see what's already organized in your area.

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.