First Time at the Dog Park
 

Maggie does not like the dog parks at all, even if she is the only dog in there. She runs for the exit and stays by the fence line. On the other hand, Buster loves the dog park, he would really like to be in with the big dogs. I tried that a few times and he loved it.

Awh...husband would like to try one, but poor Gidget only likes little dogs so I am not sure how it would go.

Presto doesn't like dog parks :( but he loves his yorkie meetups. He truly loves hanging out with his fellow kind. I would recommend finding local yorkie meetups to help Lucy socialize :)

Jakes not too sure about the dog park yet. The first time I took him there he didn't want me to put him down but when I did he got all excited about chasing a ball. He wasn't too sure about all the other dogs (in the small dog area) especially when they all ran over to check him out. He had a great time jumping up onto the picnic table and greeting all the people. He started a trend and several other dogs jumped up there as well. lol.

I live right next to Plano! What dog park do you go to?

We go to Jack Carter Dog Park.

City of Plano - Home

You are close! We need to plan a meet up sometime.:)

Gizmo is too small for the dog park right now..maybe next month I will try it out. Which dog park did you go to? Good to know the nice one's in the area :animal36

We havent every tried a dog park. We have a big back yard and 6 dogs of various size and breeds,,,,we are a dog park. The grandpuppy comes to visit sometimes too and that is a real party.
Would like to try a yorkie meet up when Mina is bigger.

Dog parks are a great way to socialize your little one
 

as long as it's done correctly. My one fear of owning a little dog was having them end up with "little dog syndrome". Allowing dogs of all breeds and sizes to interact in a controlled setting can help them avoid that.

Needless to say, make sure your pup is completely up to date with vaccinations. Most people who take their dogs to the park are usually pretty good but it would be an illusion to assume the 100%. Also, some people choose to go a holistic route which requires less vaccination. Be sure to check for fleas/ticks after your visit. You're in an area surrounded by animals and those suckers think it's a feast for all!

Never carry your pup in/out of a dog park. You have just turned them into a toy/game for the other dogs. Realize that other dogs will come sniff your baby and that it's ok. Often times the aggressive ones ARE the little ones. Most of the people that go are greatly in tune with their dogs and can predict when a meeting is going to go sour. Never jump into a fight either. They happen. In the words of someone I know " Dogs are like college guys. We wrestle and horseplay. Then one of the guys goes too far. We punch it out and then we're friends again"....lol.

It's best to start assimilating her little by little. Bring her to the park on "slower" days till she's comfortable and slowing start going as it gets busier. That way she gets used to other dogs. Bring a toy, some treats and water and interact with her. Make it a good time for both of you. If you're nervous she probably will be too. Dog park people are great. They're always happen to see a newbie and their dogs reflect that attitude for the most part. Be prepared to get jumped on, slobbered and the occasional leg hump....lol.

She'll eventually start enjoying it more and soon enough her ears will perk when she hears "Dog Park"....lol.

Riley is the Same Way!! :D

Bubba and Sissy love the dog park. Our park has a separate area for small dogs. I think if they were in with large dogs Sissy would be scared to death.

I've always been skeptical about dog parks. I'd rather my dog be around the dogs of people I know. Lucas isn't the most socialized of dogs and between not knowing if the other dogs are socialized and nice I just don't like it. I would definitely look into a yorkie meet up.

I think Tibbe would love the dog park but am too afraid of the big dogs that are allowed to run everywherend and aren't properly socialized. If all people would watch their own dogs, it wouldn't be so bad but from what my son tells me who takes dogs to dog parks frequently, it can be a free-for-all. I think for now Tibbe and I will stick to our own block and the family dogs that visit.

I couldn't survive without our dog park! Jackson and I love it. However, they have small dog and large dogs separated. I don't think I'd like it as much if it was just one big park.