Going to the Dog Park

[kjwarnold]

We're heading south to Florida this week and while there, we'll be back visiting at the dog park we found last year. With Packy last year, we weren't at all concerned about his ability to get along with other dogs. He was 3 yrs. old and had been through several Obedience classes. We went into the small dog section and just let him go as suggested by one of the owners that was already there. He was fine and did his own thing for a while, then raced up and down the fenceline with a Boxer on the other side. He eventually got down to some serious digging and chasing with a little Bichon girl.

This year with Kirby at 7 mos., we're less sure of how to go about it. Kirb hasn't been to classes yet (they start just about when we're leaving), so he doesn't have the socialization of meeting lots of new dogs. He's great with dogs he knows and loves to run and play with them, but when he first meets a new dog, he growls a little until he gets closer and meets (sniffs) them. I'm not sure how other dogs will react to that. What are your suggestions on how to introduce him to the park? I think after the first day there, or even after meeting the first few dogs he'll be fine, but should we leave him on a leash at first or just let him go and work it out? The person that helped us last year said not to put new dogs on a leash because it makes the other dogs feel superior and lead to some aggression. What are your thoughts?

[Nikki]

I've seen a couple people put their dogs on a leash at the dog park...it seemed to just fustrated the dog b/c it couldn't play with the other dogs like the other dogs were playing with each other.... I wouldn't keep a leash on him I would just let him work it out I would probably just keep a close eye on him in case he gets to fiesty then you can just step in.

[Idaho Cairns]

I think the person that suggested that unleashed dogs "feel superior" to leashed dogs is a bit over the top with their dog psychology.

Turn him loose--he will socialize with other dogs--particularly if the park is segregated into small and large dogs, where social faux pas have less dire consequences if your dog makes a mistake.

My experience with dog parks is pretty good--seems like people who take their dogs to these facilities generally don't bring vicious dogs.

[jimnconnie]

Keeping your dog on leash at the dog park will make him more aggressive because he will not have the ability to escape from a dog he might be afraid of, and that puts him in a defensive mode right away. I would suggest taking him off the leash as soon as you enter the small dog area, and just staying nearby so you can observe his reaction. Don't be alarmed if there is some snarling & snapping along with all the sniffing that goes on. Most times the dogs will work things out themselves. If Kirby doesn't like what the other dog is doing, he will let him know with a snarl, or by snapping at him, and that's not unusual. Of course if things escalate, and involve biting, you should remove Kirby, and try again another time. No doubt he will be more comfortable with some dogs that with others, plus having Packy with him should help too. Good Luck!

[dianer]

We have been visiting the dog park now that they have a fenced small dogs area. I'm so happy we went this weekend because we met another cairn owner with two cairns and they all played together with a little westie and had a wonderful time. Better weather helped out too making it a little less muddy than our first visit. Cassie acts like she would rather hunt and dig but I don't let her, so she gets that she is there to interact with other dogs. This isn't easy because there are signs of active moles or gophers and I can just see her forming a hunting party.

[Jetti]

I very much do agree with jimnconny about dogs meeting when they are on leash. I feel much more comfortable when

both (or more) dogs are off leash when they meet I too think that they can get away when things get rough and that they feel much more comfortable.

Glad I am not the onle one who thinks that way

[Idaho Cairns]

"I very much do agree with jimnconny about dogs meeting when they are on leash. I feel much more comfortable when

both (or more) dogs are off leash when they meet I too think that they can get away when things get rough and that they feel much more comfortable.

Glad I am not the onle one who thinks that way "

I agree with the leash thing with one caution. We found out the hard way that leashed dogs, particularly if there is more than two, can be a real problem. We were in a campground and our neighbors had an Airedale and Wire Haired Terrier so there were three terriers, all leashed meeting and greeting. All went well until the leashes became entangled amongst all three dogs. My Cairn suddenly was restrained too closely with the Wire Haired and she became came really anxious and snapped viciously at the dog--the first time I had ever seen her react to a dog in that manner.

Subsequently, we have seen the start of the same behavior under similar circumstances.

Make sure if you use the leash when meeting and greeting (and I like that idea--gives me control) that you don't let the dogs get wrapped to closely to each other, where there is no freedom of movement--I think my Cairn feels like she is being held at the neck by the other dog and she reacts.

[dinib]

If I see a dog leashed at a dog park, I usually assume that there is a reason they are on leash (i.e. not friendly, doesn't have solid recall, shy, etc.). We often go into the park unleashed and leashed on the way out (mainly because Buckley isn't ready to leave and I am). I can usually tell by the dogs' body language if they want to meet Buckley or not. However, if we are walking around the neighborhood, I always ask the approaching dog and walker if the dog is friendly before I let Buckley approach.

[Sandi16]

I say unleashed as well. They'll work it out, and the times I've been I have never seen a skirmish of any kind (not that I'm saying it doesn't happen). I think people who take their dogs to dog parks are the kind of people to make sure their dogs are friendly enough to handle it, so I think your little one will do fine.

I wish I could go back to the dog park. They won't allow my son in there since he;s only five, and I can't take Louie alone.

[kjwarnold]

UPDATE: We took the boys to the dog park today and what a lot of worrying for nothing! Kirby ran in there with his tail wagging like he was saying, "I'm here now so the party can start!" They both ran their little legs off and had a ball. We'll be going fairly often, so they'll be having lots of fun in the weeks to come.

Just read where they're planning to build a dog park near our home -- Yippee!