I wouldn't. He's very young, very small, and not the healthiest dog. I wouldn't recommend bringing a dog to the dog park until they're 6 months if they're a medium to large breed, 9-12 months if they're a small breed. And if they're a small breed (under 25 lbs) it's only safe to go to dog parks with small dog sections. He is vulnerable physically and emotionally in this park and all it would take is ONE dog ONE time to seriously injure, traumatize, or kill him.

I'm a person who actually enjoys dog parks, and my dog really loves them herself. But they can be really dangerous, especially with all sizes. My 8 month old is nearly 40 lbs and I still usually take her to the small dog section because she gets beaten up too much in the other.

You're so right that socialization is very important, but the key to socialization is positive interactions with other dogs. An all breed dog park isn't a good place to do that for a dog of your pup's size, age or health concerns. I think you need to steer clear of this dog park, but here's some alternatives for his socialization:

1-Continue the doggy daycare
2-Find another dog park with a small dog section
3-Find a small dog (or even Boston Terrier lover!) group on Facebook or MeetUp that does play groups and social events
4-Look on Bringfido.com. There's loads of fun events and places listed there you can bring him to
5-Playdates with friends' dogs who you know are vaccinated and friendly
6-See if there are any puppy play groups in the area that allow dogs up to his age/older. Places like that also do basic obedience, and he would definitely benefit from some lessons, and it'll help your bond with him and help make him a dog that you can take lots of places.

You are off to a great start with your new dog! He sounds like a sweetie and I'm sure he'll make lots of doggy friends.

 

You have to know your dog and and dog park. Pax has been going to the dog park...actually a beach...but just as many dogs with no segregation...since he was four months old. Some dogs do great, other not so much. Some dog parks are great, others not so much. You have to decide what is safe and acceptable for your little one.

But early socialization is critical in my opinion.

 

Hi Nick,

Congrats on your new puppy and welcome to the Dog Forum!

Since you've just brought your puppy home, I'd like to suggest that you slow down a bit on all of these new experiences. Right now, your focus should be on building a bond with him, introducing him to his new home, and establishing routines. Owning a dog is like a marathon, not a sprint. There's no need to rush out and do everything at once, and you run the risk of overwhelming him.

I really like this article:

Three Ways to Confuse a New Dog

It takes not days, but weeks and even months for a new dog to settle in. I know that you're excited about your first dog, but please give him a chance to settle down and relax a bit.


Also note that the key to socialization is having positive experiences, not tons of experiences. Dog parks are, in my opinion, highly overrated. Lots can go wrong at a dog park, and it can take just one rude dog and one rude owner to cause a lot of harm to your dog. I used to have a dog that I took regularly to my local dog park, but the more often I went, the more I realized the downside of it. The last time we went there, we missed a dog fight involving a dozen big dogs by about 45 minutes.

I never take my current dog to a dog park. Instead, he likes meeting some of the neighborhood dogs when we take walks, and we have a neighbor with a very compatible dog. We frequently meet together, and both dogs are happy and relaxed together.


To close, I just want to add that this is a terrific forum. I hope that you'll stick around, read lots of threads, and participate in the discussions.

 

I wouldn't take a dog of any age to a dog park. Too many variables beyond your control. A dog at this age is especially vulnerable to developing behavior problems caused by unpleasant experiences.

Find a few people with dogs of similar size, age and temperament and get together for play dates now and then. A good place to meet people like this is in a puppy class. Find a good trainer who does not use punishment. Dogs don't need to interact with other dogs every single day.

 

I also have to add, the dog flu is expanding. It is highly recommended that you keep your dogs from where dogs gather.
But I have to agree with @Grabby.
A good trainer that uses PR, you will succeed.