Homeland K-9 Dog Training Academy

Today was the first time we took our 15 month old cocker, Pudge, to the dog park. He did go to Mike's obedience classes, we practice the commands,and  is turning into the best little dog; he had lived in a crate the first five months of his life which probably helped contribute to the length of time for him to mature.  Now I am second guessing taking him there.  As soon as he gets inside the small dog section another dog comes running over and jumps all over him.  We went to the other side of the park and played ball with Pudge.  Pudge is a happy, friendly around strangers but was kind of frozen in place with this excited dog.  Now I'm wondering if taking him is a good idea, what if the other dog bit him?  I was worried about Pudge's reaction but he just stood there and looked at me.  Is taking a dog to a dog park a good idea?          

i think this is an excellent topic...  a few years ago, i was a fan. 

the problem i am seeing now is, we have no control of everyone elses dogs. 

i gaurantee you, had any of my dogs been in the situation your puppy was in, the outcome would have been totally different.

not to say that my dogs would have bitten, just that they would not have allowed another dog to step up and posture as i can imagine the scenario.

should things escalate, i am immediately to blame simply because of my dogs breed.

pay attention to the dynamic of the humans at the dogpark.  many people use this as an excuse to let there dogs run wild.  not saying that letting your dog run wild is a bad thing, but with stimulation overload, your commands have no meaning.  you watch others that have a dog that is the borderline bully of the group.  this is the same parent that there child in elementary can do no wrong. 

try playing with your dog in this setting, play a game of fetch or tug.  are you still the focus of your dog's world?

i am only a 10 min drive from several nice dog parks.  i have probably not gone to one in about 2 years

i try to look to other avenues for creative outlets and socialization.

five rivers metro, ceasars creek and pets mart have taken the place of dog parks.  yes petsmart.  take your dog there and practice ob on there shiny floors and a million smells. 

i would love to hear everyones opinion on this.

Joe-thank you for your response.  The big dog side was really unruly and the first thing we saw were two dogs being "amorous."  Then a guy left from the big dog side and said it was getting a little rough in there.  The small dog side was pretty serene.  Pudge did great for all the noise and big dogs.  I think I will socialize him in a diferent way.  He will be around people more than dogs.

I was so proud of him and thanks to Homeland for the obedience training.

Julie

I completely agree w/ all Joe said!  When we first moved here, I was so excited to find out there were dog parks (we didn't have any where we were in TX).  Granted, we only went to two dog parks here a handful of times, but it was such an unpleasant experience each time, so I don't think we'll be back.  

I'm sure my anxiety about what my dogs are going to do doesn't help, but (in my experiences) there tend to be a lot of people that don't necessarily welcome 'outsiders'.  Their dogs all know eachother & they let you know it.  And then like Joe said, there's 'bullies' & others just let their dogs run rampant & don't even pay attention to what they're doing.  

I'm sure lots of others have had many pleasant experiences, but I just don't think my dogs & I are cut out for it!   

Kristine