Chula Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 What is your opinion of dog parks? We went to a big one today and I have to say I wasn't overly impressed. Most of the dogs were well behaved but there were a few who ran pretty wild. It seemed more like social hour for the owners and not a lot of time spent monitoring the dogs We did meet a male husky and a 3 month husky pup so that was fun. But when Chula was playing chase with the male husky about 10 other dogs joined in and she was absolutely terrified, yelping and hiding under the table. She's fine with 2-3 dogs at a time but that was just too many for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 What is your opinion of dog parks? We went to a big one today and I have to say I wasn't overly impressed. Most of the dogs were well behaved but there were a few who ran pretty wild. It seemed more like social hour for the owners and not a lot of time spent monitoring the dogs We did meet a male husky and a 3 month husky pup so that was fun. But when Chula was playing chase with the male husky about 10 other dogs joined in and she was absolutely terrified, yelping and hiding under the table. She's fine with 2-3 dogs at a time but that was just too many for her. At first dog parks can be overwhelming for any dog. However the more you take Chula the more she will get used to it and realise that chasing around in a huge pack is fun. You can never socialise your dog too much, but you can do too little. Keep taking her, it will make her a better dog on walks and out in public. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mobezilla Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 I was a fan of dog parks when the pups were younger. Now, not so much, simply because my dog park is snobby and people consider my huskies aggressive. We travel to different dog parks and do husky meets once a month though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chula Posted June 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 We have been to smaller parks with fewer dogs, I think she was just overwhelmed. I also felt a little embarrassed because she was soooooo dramatic you'd think she was being eaten alive by wolves. I think I'll try going earlier in the morning when there are fewer dogs and then work up to 10 am on Saturday when the whole world is out. Ive never seen her react that way I was a little surprised. I expected her to be more aggressive, but she was definitely the new girl at the park. I think the other dogs all knew each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elyse Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 It's always intimidating for a dog to enter a dog park - especially one that is still a puppy! I agree some owners can be...well...you know, but the majority of people I've met (and their dogs) are well behaved and friendly. Personally, I'm a huge fan of dog parks... I take mine atleast once a week - its a great way to let them interact with other dogs, run around, and have a little bit of freedom. The only thing you have to watch out for is poo - some owners don't pick it up even when poo bags are supplied. I've figured out roughly what times the 'bad owners' come around, so I just don't go to the park during those times. I've had a few issues (one owner let their dog mark on my leg, didn't apologize...), but generally my experience there is always good. Great time to take pictures too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 You can't socialise too much but you can socialise your dog the wrong way and you can build too much value (either too high a positive value or a negative value) for other dogs and things your dog will find more rewarding than you. I don't use dog parks, I feel personally they are an accident waiting to happen. I have seen many fights break out at dog parks and dogs joining together and making a "pack" can be extremely dangerous, I know of dogs who have been killed at the dog park for this very reason. Forcing a scared dog to be run down and clambered on by a large number of strange dogs can make them develop a negative value for other dogs, they can develop aggression this way, we see it all of the time. If you choose to use dog parks my advice is to be extremely cautious and I would avoid going at peak times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 I also love taking mine to dog parks. They all do pretty well. I am sure if you take her there she will get used to it. It can definitely be intimidating at first. The dog park that I am a member of never has many people there. In fact, every time I have been there so far we were the only ones there, so they just got to run around. But I have been to other dog parks with many other dogs and they did great. Nikko is obnoxious though and usually pushes other dog's buttons so I have to keep an eye on him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkers23 Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 never heard of any being available near me. dont think they have taken off yet in the uk or am i wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 When my Sibe was a puppy he was attacked several times by other dogs at the dog park. The owners there kept saying keep bringing him he needs to get over it and socializing him more will make it better. It didn't, he developed aggression and started attacking other dogs and puppies. This was over ten years ago and the damage was never fully undone even with behaviour modification. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chula Posted June 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2013 I just want to clarify that she wasn't being attacked. She was being chased and none of the dogs were aggressive once she got under the table. She thought she was playing chase with one dog, then realized it was 10 - and she panicked. We stayed at the park for about an hour after the chasing, just staying at the perimeter and letting other dogs come sniff her. She didn't seem scared of the approaching dogs, but she didn't want to venture far from my side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine0925 Posted June 16, 2013 Report Share Posted June 16, 2013 We used to frequent dog parks dexter my nervous husky is great he just runs around la la la Meeka however thinks she needs to control every dog. I've seen people have vet bills over 5 grand from one time at a dog park- in my opinion it's just not worth it- there are other great ways to socialize your pup. Every area is different I personally will only let my dogs play with our friends and family dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted June 16, 2013 Report Share Posted June 16, 2013 I just want to clarify that she wasn't being attacked. She was being chased and none of the dogs were aggressive once she got under the table. She thought she was playing chase with one dog, then realized it was 10 - and she panicked. We stayed at the park for about an hour after the chasing, just staying at the perimeter and letting other dogs come sniff her. She didn't seem scared of the approaching dogs, but she didn't want to venture far from my side. if it's scaring her tho it could still have a negative effect on her which is a problem as u don't want it making her defensive around other dogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bec Posted June 16, 2013 Report Share Posted June 16, 2013 I just want to clarify that she wasn't being attacked. She was being chased and none of the dogs were aggressive once she got under the table. She thought she was playing chase with one dog, then realized it was 10 - and she panicked. We stayed at the park for about an hour after the chasing, just staying at the perimeter and letting other dogs come sniff her. She didn't seem scared of the approaching dogs, but she didn't want to venture far from my side. One thing that confuses a lot of owners is that behaviour by other dogs can still have a negative impact even if the dogs aren't showing obvious signs of aggression. Those situations where dogs are running in a group highly aroused can turn very bad very quickly. Not trying to scare you, but Definitely something to be super cautious about! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luda kuca Posted June 16, 2013 Report Share Posted June 16, 2013 the best thing is to get friend with owners whose dogs are playing nice to your pup and your pup love to play with them, then have play dates at park at hours when there is not so many dogs.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chula Posted June 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2013 I didn't force her back out there but I also didn't want to leave on that note. Which is why we just sat quietly for an hour after. I'm not going to force her to be there if she is terrified, but she seemed content to just sit and sniff around and watch. She played with the little puppy in the water bowls and was happy to say hi to people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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