Dog Parks..... may not be such a good place after all. .......another article I just thought I would share.... Well Socialized? No, Well Traumatized - |
I have iffy feelings on dog parks. I used to LOVE them, see nothing wrong with them, etc. To be honest, I've had mostly positive experiences at the dog park. But it is true, I've seen way too many clueless people who walk in, and either don't understand dog body language at ALL or maybe are looking a little too closely into it. There's two extremes, really. You have the people who allow their dogs to just run wild, humping everyone, jumping on everyone, growling (not playfully), etc, who are all "oh they're just dogs! Let them play!" Then the other end of the spectrum, person walks in with their dog, won't take them off the leash, a dog goes up to sniff their dogs butt and they immediately pick them up off the ground and think the other dog was being aggressive. LOL... I do not think it's a great place for puppies, especially in crowded parks. It can often make or break a dog liking other dogs or traumatize them. And people have this idea that ALL dogs must love ALL other dogs, when that's simply not the case. Some dogs simply aren't 'dog park dogs' and there is nothing wrong with that. I occasionally bring Jackson to our dog park (used to a lot more when he was younger). We have two close ones, and frequent one more than the other. The one we go to is regulated and in a state park, so there are park rangers, etc, available close-by. Most people here tend to follow rules, and sometimes can be a bit snobby, but sometimes it's better that way. I am very good at reading canine body language and I also know my own dog very well. If he is not enjoying himself, we leave. If I see a questionable dog, we leave. We're also on the small dog side which I find has less problems. But basically, I would say: know your dog, take caution, and don't be afraid to protect your dog. Mostly, I find the dogs all get along well and have fun. |
Quote:
|
I agree and I am glad they show an actual video of how to know if your dog isnt comfortable and what is considered normal and not normal. ive not tried a dog park for fear of them getting hurt but feel more confident to try knowing what to watch for in my babies and others around them. |
IMHO I don't really like dog parks, and thus don't go to any. The reason is - I have no control of what other dogs will do, let alone who trained them, nor do I know if all their vaccinations are up to date. Another reason is that Bailey is only 7.5 lbs (pretty good size for a Yorkie I know) and it would take such a short amount of time to injure him... and it might be fatal at that. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if anything happened to him there. I walk a long a spot where many dog owners are and dogs are required to be leashed. Many are leashed but not all. Bailey has been bitten a couple of times there meeting dogs. Thankfully nothing to break his skin but this has made me a lot more cautious when around leashed/unleashed dogs. Typically I pick him up when I see a larger dog, until we pass them, and keep a keen eye on both dogs body language if they are Bailey's size. I don't care what people think of me picking Bailey up, as they are not the ones going to pay the vet bills, nor are they the ones who are going to be heartbroken if it is something fatal. |
We don't (I won't) do dog parks. You just never know what dogs are there (out of your view, etc.). The small dog side would seem to be safer to me. I will say that my sister's dog loves it. When they stopped taking her she became so blah and bored. But it's not for me. I'm not one to worry about germs too much, but another reason I don't like parks is bc any standing water screams lepto to me. Too hard to avoid it if they are off leash.. And I'd need to do extra deworming if the dogs went (won't take any chances around my nephews). |
yes i have read the horror stories on here plus in other places. they are actually building a new dog park only 15 min from my house. i am not sure i will really go and try it but i do agree. it can be very dangerous and i would hate myself it anything ever happened to cedric or keylo...lola would have to be in her stroller either way it wouldnt work for her. |
Quote:
First I've heard of a 'small dog' side. What a novel idea.:) |
Quote:
|
I will certainly look to see if we have any. Thanks for the info! |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:39 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2003 - 2018 YorkieTalk.com
Privacy Policy - Terms of Use