Doggy Park: Yes or No?

MyValentine · 01-14-2010, 01:32 AM

Should I take my puppy to the dog park? Would it be good for him? or would it be stressful for him? Or should I just try bonding with him alone?
He will be 8 week old when he comes home.

There is a dog park like 20 minutes from me so thats why I am wondering.

Mikey · 01-14-2010, 01:40 AM

Yes and No

No-not right away. There is no dog police-so dogs there could be unvaccinated and make your pup very sick. They may also be unfixed and unruly and a pup could be in danger.

Yes-its an awesome place to go, and a great way to socialize.

Wait until your pup is done his vaccinations and then check out the dog park. In the meantime-letting him play with dogs you know who are DEFINITELY up to date on vaccines is a good way to socialize. Also invite over your dogless friends-it's important he meet as many people and dogs as possible before he's a year old

MyValentine · 01-14-2010, 01:48 AM

My aunt lives with my grandma and then my other aunt lives right next door, whos dog is at my grandmas 99% of the time (literally) and they all have dogs who are very well taken care of, so I will bring Valentine over to them since they only live 4 minutes from me. That way he has 3 other dogs to play with along with my grandma,grandpa,aunt,uncle,other aunt, and my cousin. Oh, and my aunt who lives with my grandma has a fiance who is over ALL the time who also has a dog too who stays over there too!

Perfect!

Shoulda thought of this to start with lol

thanks for the help!

**Criosphynx** · 01-14-2010, 01:49 AM

The biggest thing about the dog park is that things can go downhill VERY fast if your not careful...you must make sure he has fun and no one bullies him to the point hes tramatized. Sadly I see this happen all the time to new puppies, its very important they have a good experience

He needs all his shots first before its safe to go.

MyValentine · 01-14-2010, 01:53 AM

yes. When I get him he will have all his first puppy shots and be dewormed, so thats a plus to start out with.

Mikey · 01-14-2010, 02:28 AM

Good advice Crio

Yes-it depends very much on the type of dogpark you have access to as well. Mine is much different then some others on here-and that seems to make a difference. For instance it's very very big so there is lots of room for a dog to escape a bully. Also because it's in an area that's like that-there is sort of peer pressure to have a well behaved dog-it's very frowned upon to have a dog who won't obey or who doens't play well-it's very friendly and a dog who doesn't belong doesnt' come back. There are legal laws but I wouldn't say they ever get to the point where they need to be enforced-even a dog who doesn't want to play doesn't come back often

So in short-it will depend on how large the dog park is and what the dogs are like who frequent it-but you'll cross that bridge much later

**fawkese1** · 01-14-2010, 02:55 AM

just wanted to ditto what everyone else has said... the more positive interactions with people and dogs he has the better....

tankstar · 01-14-2010, 10:53 AM

I agree with every one. But would not take him until all shots are done, at 8 weeks old he will not have had all his shots. (Not until he is 16 weeksold) So I would just socialize him with family an friends dogs you know that are vacanated, take him to pet stores to meet people, but dont let him walk on the floor. In high dog areas such as walking trails and parks, I would avoid until h is 16 weeks old.

Id also go scoop out the dog park a few times with out him, get a feel for it, find out its peak time and dead times ect. talk to people who use it.

MyValentine · 01-14-2010, 11:03 AM

I'll figure something out.

Thanks for the help

elisabeth · 01-15-2010, 04:29 PM

I personally do not like dog parks.

The few that I have been too (without my dogs - I always go first alone to watch the dogs and owners) I have not liked what I have seen (or heard).

People tend to open the gate and let their dog just "go". They don't interact with them or keep watch to any unwanted behaviour.

I have seen many owners just ignoring the dogs while aggressive behaviours manifest.

Especially with young dogs (under 3 years of age) you want to keep their dog to dog interactions extremely positive and have them only meet well adjusted, well mannered, confident dogs. Most (not all, but most) are not even close to that describtion.

I instead invite people (friends or people I meet on walks or at the "regular" park or at my club) over to my home to allow the dogs to play or we go on hikes together or go somewhere to let the dogs off leash to play.

But keeping a close eye on them is important.

You don't want a game of tug to end with a dog fight because you were too busy talking on a cell phone or with a neighbour/fellow dog owner.

There are a tone of different socialization classes avaliable now that trainers hold for young puppies and dogs that would be a more suitable place for a young growing (mentally and phsycially) dog.

JMO though, please do not take offence to my post. To each their own.