who takes there dogs to dog parks is it a good socialization method?

Question

i have a puppy and hes pretty good with people already i just want something fun to do with him

Answer 1

Yes, I take my dogs to the leash free all the time, but you have to be careful. It is a great way to socialize your dog, but, be careful of other dogs there. There are some very irresponsible owners who can't or won't control their dogs, and some get very aggressive. I would also make sure you get your dog the kennel cough vaccine because it runs rampant through dog parks, and is really, really contagious.

Answer 2

We have taken our dogs for a couple years and helps socialize them a lot. If your dog is dog aggressive, don't take him, but don't be alarmed if there are a few growls or nips here or there, as it helps establish the relation in the pack (which of course changes every time you go to the park, since there are always different dogs there). We have found that where we go, most people keep an eye on their dogs and keep them in line if they get too rough. Do not bring any treats to the dog park, that is the only thing that I have seen that causes a real problem. When someone gives their dogs treats and other dogs who are very sweet get food aggressive, it can cause more problems.

I have also found that my dogs get much more tired running at the park for a half hour than they do on an hour hike, because they can run to their hears content.

It is also a great way to meet people, we have made a lot of dog park friends - though most of them I only know by their dogs' names (i.e. - Jake's mom or Copper's dad). dog people tend to be super nice!!

Answer 3

It can be but usually is not at all. People do not exercise their dogs before taking them there so when they get there they are extremely excited which is dangerous. Also people who have aggressive dogs feel that they have a right to be there too and don't really watch their dog when it is terrorizing the others. I took mine there a couple times and had to RE socialize them from the trauma it caused. I would try to make play dates with your friends who have dogs instead. Or even better look for a kennel that lets the dogs play out in the open. Ours is on 100 acres fenced in with lakes and stuff. My dogs hate coming home.

Answer 4

I have not taken my dog to a dog park yet. She is still very "puppy-playful" and very excitable, something that older dogs may not like, I don't want her to get in any confrontations.

Right now, my puppy is getting regularly socialized in 3 ways:
1) I take her to the pet store with me every weekend.
2) I take her to training class.
3) She goes to "doggy day camp" once a week. (The dogs get supervised play all day. They also must all have had their shots, and pass a temperament test, to be allowed to come.)

Answer 5

I would not suggest dog parks to most dog owners.

Dogs learn undesirable behaviors very quickly in dog parks. Fights are very common in dog parks. Owners are usually not watching there dogs closely and are instead socializing.

Dogs quickly learn, fear aggression, dominance aggression, not listening to people and many other negative behaviors.

Remember not all dogs in the dog parks are as well bahaved and friendly as your dog is!

Socialize your dog on leash with one dog at a time. If the dogs are comfortable with eachother than allow off leash play but supervise. If play becomes to rough and escellates, stop and give a time out. Dogs learn how to fight once and it sticks with them for the rest of their lives!

Doing training outside of the gate of a dog park is great way to teach your dog that you are more important than other dogs!! And that you are are the center of there world and not other dogs!

Answer 6

yes you should but wait until they are around 5-6 months old. I have a 7 month old Weimaraner pup and he started going at 5 months (after all of his shots). The first few times he did not go off leash and we just walked around letting him greet other dogs but obey me. Now when I take him we walk around and he plays but he makes sure he knows were I am. You do need to be watchful of aggressive dogs but my dog park is pretty good. Now when we see another dog on the trail it is no big deal to him.

Answer 7

Oh no I dont take my dogs to the doggy parks cause of the incidents that happen there . first off some ppl that take their dogs to the park dont have their shots and they have umptee fleas . They also take off if their dog bites another dog without so much as a sorry . My dogs used to come home loaded with fleas because some owner thought they need not spend the money for flea treatment . No thank you no doggy parks for us.

Answer 8

if you think about it, it is not really a good thing because before you take them into the park you should walk them so that they are tired which also makes them more submissive, which most owners do not and second most people do not keep a close eye on there dog, therefore making your dog a easy target for a dog fight. plus a dog park easily turns into a unstable pack! so my vote is no!

Answer 9

I love the dog park. When I first got my dog from a rescue group she was very timid and scared of everything (she had been beaten and tied up in a backyard) and going to the dog park really brought her out of her shell.

Answer 10

It is the best way to socialize dogs with other dogs, however, be careful at 1st that your dog is not dog agressive. If it raises its hackles or looks like it is walking on tip toe, be careful. We take our non agressive dogs to the park for fun, not fights.