Puppy Park

yellerlab · 03-28-2007, 07:01 PM

I'm not sure if anyone here has ever experienced a dog park, but they are the greatest things ever. I just got back from taking my pup there and it was so great to see all the different breeds of dogs running around playing with each other.

RonE · 03-28-2007, 07:16 PM

Since our county dogpark opened here about 12 years ago, I would guess I've spent on the order of 6,000 hours there. I guess you could say I'm a fan.

It depends on the particular park. Not everyone has had good experiences. I've seen very few aggressive dogs at ours and usually only once. It probably also helps that I have had dogs that don't make very attractive victims.

Just pay attention. Don't let your dog out of your sight and be ready to bail if bad owner shows up with a bad dog.

WaterFowler · 03-29-2007, 05:11 PM

It's important to be aware of your surroundings as always. Keep a watch out for aggressive dogs and aggressive owners.

big dog steve · 03-29-2007, 05:16 PM

I wish we had one close to me

Amitiel · 03-29-2007, 05:22 PM

have not been to ours yet (will soon) but ours is divided into 2 areas - 1 for smaller dogs and the other for larger breeds - I have even heard of citations being issued if you abuse this (honest mistakes are forgiven)

briteday · 03-29-2007, 05:26 PM

All of ours are gross. The owners don't clean up after the dogs, the dogs are ill-mannered, and I've seen evidence of parasites on dogs and in the feces laying around. I didn't even let my dogs into the fenced area after standing back and observing at each one.
Be aware that not every dog at the dog park is flly vaccinated or in good health. So be sure that your dog is protected.
I wish someone patrolled ours and enforced the rules.

Amitiel · 03-29-2007, 05:32 PM

we are a senior retirement area - with seniors you get dogs, many of them seniors themselves - also many of these seniors "wear diamonds to the grocery store" - so our parks (all kinds) are highly petroled any infraction is dealt with - and harshly if the person is a repeat offender

CaseLogic · 03-29-2007, 05:41 PM

How old would you say a puppy should be before you take him to the dog park? I ask this more of a question of the possibility of getting an infection/sick because of their under-developed immune system.

sillylilykitty · 03-29-2007, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaseLogic

How old would you say a puppy should be before you take him to the dog park? I ask this more of a question of the possibility of getting an infection/sick because of their under-developed immune system.

I would think to wait until they are fully vaccinated.

Gracie Doodle · 03-29-2007, 05:50 PM

I have not taken our dog to a dog park yet, been thinking about it though. Thanks for the insights into possible problems. Any one know of a good way to find parks around where you live. A website that you can put in your zip code or something. I would like to make an educated choice on which park to go to.

Weebles · 03-29-2007, 06:04 PM

I don't know of any websites for all cities, but your official city or county website may be a good place to start. Also, we found ours just by walking around and word of mouth. It's not an official dog park, but it's enclosed and the people there are great.

yellerlab · 03-29-2007, 08:53 PM

Just asking other pet owners I found is very helpful. Then you can really get the scoop on whether or not they are clean and worth going too.

Jaylie · 03-29-2007, 10:09 PM

GDA FORBIDS dog parks for our puppies-in-training. They're just too unpredictable. I LOVE having other friendly dogs for Jaylie to play with, but I always try and keep it down under two other dogs, and I always make sure, I either know the human, and that he/she would not say her/his dog is nice if it's not, or I know the dog, and know that he/she is nice. My favorite thing to do is to set up "Playdates" with other nice puppies, or other puppies from GDA. Today I went to "Parkday" (A day that my school sets aside, and that pretty much EVERYONE goes to) And one of the moms there had brought her puppy. I know this mom pretty well, and she said that her puppy LOVED to play. So, we let them play for a bit. Jaylie has been sleeping ever since!!

Gracie Doodle · 04-07-2007, 10:53 PM

Thanks for the advice on the dog parks. I'll have to start making some inquiries about the parks in our area.

Ginny01OT · 04-08-2007, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaseLogic

How old would you say a puppy should be before you take him to the dog park? I ask this more of a question of the possibility of getting an infection/sick because of their under-developed immune system.

I would say once the puppy has received all their shots. I also believe that after 8 weeks they don't have any immunity left that they received from the mother and this can last until about 16 weeks, which is about the time they have received all their immunizations. I might also consider bordatella if your dog is going to frequent crowded dog parks.

skelaki · 04-08-2007, 08:27 AM

I would be extremely leary of dog parks especially for a puppy. All it takes is one bad experience caused by an aggressive dog with an ignorant owner to potentially ruin your dog for life (i.e cause it to become fear aggressive or dog aggressive).

If you are lucky enough to have a park that is monitered that's great. But atmost dog parks you and your dog are on your own. If you must go at least go at times the park is least used and watch your dog 110% of the time.

Captbob · 04-08-2007, 08:30 AM

Read the Free E Book which is Book # 19 on this page.

http://leerburg.com/pdf/dogparks.pdf