Any opinions on dog parks? Joejoe and I walked by the little dog park in our neighborhood today (I was holding him since we wanted to look) and it has me wondering if he will ever be able to play there. He's about 12 1/2 weeks and only a pound and 2 ounces and has one more shot to go in about 2 weeks. So we were thinking that since he was so small he wouldn't be able to go to the dog park to socialize even after he has his shots. We want to socialize him as best we can but even just playing with his own brother from the same litter he gets trampled. (he was adopted by my cousin but is over 3 pounds already). My poor little boy isn't the least bit aggressive or scared of any size dog he's met but it does make me a little nervous since just one instance with the wrong paw down I think he could break. He has met my other friends dogs that try their best to play nicely with him as we watch but even they manage to push him over. One of them tried to play tug of war and dragged him to the other room easy. He's walked up to Dobermans and golden retrievers to kiss their noses so we know he's not afraid of other dogs or humans. Do you think he will ever make it to the dog park? Also what are your experiences with them? I have heard and read mixed reviews on how it can help or destroy a puppy's socialization. Or maybe other suggestions on how to socialize him? |
Its hard to give specific information about dog parks since they vary so much and therefore the experiences do as well. Some general things I will say: 1. I would NEVER take a small dog like a Yorkie to a mixed size dog park, I would only use one that had a separate section for small dogs. 2. Never take a puppy to a dog park until they are fully vaccinated and do not take your dog there unless you do full vaccines, heartworm and flea meds. 3. I would never use a dog park as a dogs FIRST socialization experiences- you never know what kinds of dogs are going to be in the park and what their personality is like- one bad experience as a puppy can affect a dog for life- you want to set your puppy up for success by controlling their interactions as much as possible, having leashed meetings, or play sessions with dogs you know well. It is much easier for a well socialized and adjusted dog to shrug off a bad encounter at the dog park. 4. Always remain focused on your dog- many people get distracted with talking to people or playing with other dogs- always keep an eye on your dog so you can easily step in if needed. 5. Always be the bigger person and the best advocate for your dog. If another dog is bullying your dog, don't wait for the other owner to step in- you need to protect your dog and you may even have to cut your fun short and leave. In my opinion dog parks are what you make of them- they can be good or bad- it is up to you to control the encounters. Good Luck. |
You can start his socialization in puppy kindergarten. It's a more controlled environment. There is one dog park in Irvine that Kaji and I enjoyed. Most people aren't rule breakers, but there is still the occasional airhead that thinks don't apply to them. |
Have never gone to one and will never take my babies to one. |
The only ones I have taken Callie to have been one with two different fenced in areas one for small sized dogs and one for big dogs and one like that would be the only kind I would suggest. Callie loves them like crazy as long as its not too hot otherwise she will climb right in the water bucket. I really think dog parks are great if people pick up there dogs poo and follow the rules. |
The one we were looking at had a section for small dogs and a different one for the larger dogs. I just looked up puppy kindergarten and found one that has great reviews for their weekly puppy socials. I'm hoping to maybe try it this sunday. Puppy dog training classes, daycare, dog walking, playgroups, and puppy socials in San Francisco. Thanks for the opinions so far. I'm still trying to find out on my own which line i stand behind. |
Kaji enjoying the dog park. :) Like Lovetodream said, it's pleasant as long as everyone cleans up after their pups. And just for fun, what not to do at a dog park. NAUGHTY KAJI!!! I know you think you're a big dog but you're not. :rolleyes: These vids are from 2 years ago. They're both from his very first trip to that park. He looks so different from today! |
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How old and how big was he in this video? He looks so cute in the first video playing with the other puppy... :D Since JoeJoe is so small right now the vet said he would be around 3 pounds hopefully and when he hits 6 months then maybe he would be big enough to let him out and play. But even 3 pounds makes me a little nervous. I'm hoping he'll be at least 4 pounds or over so he'd be sturdier |
He was a year old and weighed 6 lbs. Now he's a whopping 7 lbs! My vet said they don't stop growing until they reach 18 months. |
Kaji=Cuteness! We don't really have any dog parks around here. :( |
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As far as dog parks go, I agree with the poster that said that they are what you make of them. It really depends on the other patrons and how they are with their dogs, whether they pick up after them , or if their dogs are properly socialized. |
I have taken my two to a mixed size dog park in my area, and it just doesn't work. Luckily, a small dog park is going to be opening in a few months, so I can't wait to take them there. Couver loves all dogs, but just doesn't like the big dogs getting in his business, so I think this will be great for both of them. I think, as long as everyone follows the rules; vaccinates, picks up, and keeps their dog under control... dog parks are great! However, not all dog parks are great because people don't follow the rules. |
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Even if a large dog is friendly and not "aggressive" towards other dogs, all it would take is their prey drive kicking in as a small dog runs past to create a tragic situation. I would stick to play dates with small doggy friends and a dog park with a separate small dog section. |
I have posted before about this. Yes we go to the Doggie Play Park. It has two size sides, trees for shade, tables and benches for people, several drinking fountains low to the ground for doggies, many waste cans for poo disposal and agility run set up. They have rules posted and when I have been there everyone is keeping them. I looked at 3 dog parks before picking this one. They are both good and bad. The other replies are right about shots, flea and heart worm prevention. I would also suggest keeping a first aid kit in the car, accidents do happen and bring your own poo bags not all doggy parks provide them. Good Luck . |
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