Out and About With Your Dog by Sue Sternberg

Author:Sue Sternberg
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Dogwise Publisher
Published: 2012-04-18T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THREE:

Assessing Your Dog Before Going to the Dog Park

Young dogs (under a year and a half) generally like to play, and generally get along well with many other dogs. As they get older, many dogs enjoy playing less, or they enjoy playing with a few familiar friends, but lose the patience to meet and greet lots of new friends, and tend to get grumpier or grouchier with dogs as they mature. It is not unusual for a dog to mature into a dog that doesn’t get along well with other dogs in a play group. He certainly shouldn’t be in a play group, but just because he can’t get along in that setting doesn’t necessarily mean he is a “bad” dog or an “aggressive” dog, or somehow dysfunctional.

A good dog merely has to tolerate, ignore, or mind his own business when encountering other dogs, and as long as your dog isn’t a heat-seeking missile intent on injuring another dog, your dog can be a great canine citizen. You’ll just have to find ways) of exercising him other than taking him to a dog-dog play group.

Remember, there is nothing wrong with you or your dog if your dog doesn’t want to go to the Dog Park.

1. Does your dog weigh less than 20 pounds?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

Small dogs, in particular dogs less than 20 pounds, should play only with like-sized dogs, unless the dog skills and behavior of the larger dog are well-known. Many larger dogs, especially when aroused or in a group (more than one) of dogs, will consider small dogs as prey. It is not uncommon for a high-speed game of chase to ignite into a predatory pack hunt with injuries to the targeted dog. The risk of serious injury or even death to small dogs in a mixed play group is too great. There is no room for error.

One-on-one play between a gentle, appropriate larger dog and a smaller dog is fine, but larger play groups, particularly when made up of unknown dogs, should be avoided. Do not wait for a problem. Don’t mix sizes.

Some terriers under 20 pounds are robust, physical, tough little dogs and may be safe playing with appropriate larger dogs. Many of these same terrier type dogs may also look at smaller, lightweight dogs as prey and may not be so safe with them.

2. Is your dog younger than seven months of age?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

The younger your dog is, the more vulnerable both behaviorally and physically. A traumatic event for a dog younger than seven months can potentially have a more lasting ill effect than the same single traumatic event for a more mature and experienced dog. It is therefore important to be extra-protective of younger dogs, and pick their play partners carefully.

Younger dogs have fewer “good and fun” experiences to fall back on in case of a fright, so the ratio of good experiences to frightful experiences is smaller, making those frightful events that much more memorable.

On

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