Pups at dogparks....

[poodletalk]

I brought my dog who is a year old to the park last night. The park was very busy with large dogs who were very hyper running around, barking and jumping. A lady came into the park with a nine week old doberman pup, when I saw her put the pup on the ground, I called my dog and put her on the leash so did someone else.No my dog is not aggressive with dogs, but she plays rough and she could easily hurt this dog. I told the lady her dog is too young to be at the park with large dogs to come back when the park is quieter and less dogs. I also asked her if her dog was vacinated and had her kennel cough vacination. She was pretty p**** off that I told her to leave, she didn't. I think she's taking a big chance coming to the park at prime time.

What do you think?

[poodletalk]

Bumping this up....very curious to know what people think

[BMDLuver]

I don't really like dogparks period. However, for some it's a needed option. I do not agree whatsoever with a young pup being at one. The risk is far too great of injury or disease. Even a fully vaccinated pup is susceptible to disease until over the age of two.

[Melinda]

my pup is 10 weeks old and I don't even take her to the shore/beach yet, she still has one set of shots to go and they take 10 days to fully take effect. I would be so worried she'd be stepped on or knocked over, she'd have the fear of other dogs in her for life then, I think it's too traumatic for a pup to be with several large dogs.

[Duchess]

I think you gave the woman some very valuable advice. I don't like dog parks at the best of times, but the thought of a nine-week-old pup in this setting makes me cringe. There are safer places to socialize a pup and a dog park would be last on my list (actually, wouldn't make it to my list at all )
Good job for speaking up. Many people wouldn't have said anything at all.

[Beaglemom]

I agree with you. A puppy this young should not be at a dog park. I understand they need to be socialized and all, but a dog park is not the place. A puppy that young is not fully immune to all the diseases (even if current on it's vaccines) that it can pick up at a dog park or any other place that many dogs frequent. A dog this age could also get frightened or even hurt by another dog.

[lezzpezz]

I think that you were trying to do her a huge favour by suggesting this, but seeing as she was possibly a first time dog owner, she took offense. Probably thought that it was a good way to socialize her new pup, which is something that people read or hear about when they first get a dog. Maybe it was the way you approached her. Did you mention how unsafe it would be for her puppy? Did you approach her with a nice tone or did you just start questioning her about the dog's shots and perhaps surprise her with your knowledge and candor? Perhaps she was just overwhelmed with your openness and took offense. Ya never know.....If you cross paths with her again, try to approach her and maybe start over, stating you have her pups best interests at heart :love:

[db7]

My policy is never give unsolicited advice to strangers.

[poodletalk]

I tried to be friendly with her and give her some good solid advice. She didn't want to listen.....she just thought it would be fun for her dog to be at the park. She asked me why I put my dog on a leash when she put her pup on the ground, I told her my dog is friendly but she plays rough. She told me, her pup plays rough as well. I looked at her and said, 'my dog weighs 55 pounds, your dog weighs 10 pounds" It's NOT the same thing! My dog was one of the smallest large dogs at the park last night. I find it very hard to mind my own business,when I see something just plain stupid.

[Luba]

I think perhaps the owner of the pup may have been misguided when someone told them to socialize the dog at a young age. Esp with dobies who most definitely require early early socialization.

I'm sure it was done with good intention, perhaps if you see her again you can explain good/dangerous socialization at that age.

I socialized mine first with pups, then one on one with adult dogs and built up from there. The BEST socialization I found was with a bunch of other pups her age.

[lezzpezz]

On a good note, you DID try to help the pup and educate the owner. Unfortunately, some folks don't want to be advised, as they know it all and take such attention as an insult. Apparently, this was the case with this woman. Too bad that the only way she is going to learn is when her pup is mangled in a rough romping episode and she has to dish out several hundred bucks to get her pup fixed up. Maybe then, in reflection, she will have wished she had heeded your kind concern, and will pay attention in the future. At least you tried.

[Prin]

I always get so sad when a puppy comes in the park and the owner doesn't care. Makes me wonder what kind of life this pup is in for.

As for a 9 week old pup in a dog park, there is a real danger with the vaccines. If all the dogs in the park are social, even if they play rough, they USUALLY don't do it to a puppy. That said, I would never ever bring a 9 week old puppy to a dog park, and on top of that, my friend who just got a little 8 weeker was told by her great breeder not to GO anywhere where a strange dog may have passed. Apparently, being that the dog has been around all the same dogs for so long, exposing him to smells of other dogs can be very intimidating and can make the doggy fearful. I can understand this if a dog was not neutered and was very dominant and aggressive- his pee would be very intimidating. Even Boo won't pee in our yard again because of the intact german shep who pees here at night.

I like dog parks, but safety is paramount. I don't care whose dog it is, if it is in danger, I'll speak up.

[jessi76]

Originally Posted by poodletalk

I told the lady her dog is too young to be at the park with large dogs to come back when the park is quieter and less dogs. I also asked her if her dog was vacinated and had her kennel cough vacination. She was pretty p**** off that I told her to leave, she didn't. I think she's taking a big chance coming to the park at prime time.

First, I AGREE with you, BUT, it's not your problem really. (unless this pup actually came over to you & your dog and initiated anything)

We don't have dog parks here, so I don't know the protocol, but I'd assume instead of telling a park-goer they shouldn't be there, to tell a park official about your concerns.

I also subscribe to db7's policy: don't give unsolicited advice to strangers.

[tenderfoot]

I am terrible at offering my opinion at the drop of a hat - in fact the hat doesn't even need to be dropping and I'm right in there spouting off on one thing or another. Family dreads taking me in public.
I am learning to pick my moments. I figure that if no harm is being done I should shut up. But if a very young pup were are risk I would definitely race over and speak out. What if the pup had been attacked and no one had warned her and then after the fact you all said "what were you thinking bringing a small pup here?" and she said "why didn't you tell me?" Better to side on safety for the pup. The person might not appreciate it but perhaps you planted a seed that will grow later.
Often times it is how you approach someone that makes a difference. She might have felt defensive and could only hear that you thought she was a bad mom - not that she needed to make a better choice for her pup's best interests.

[mafiaprincess]

Tell a park official?

Short of really nice parks like Prin's, there is no one in charge.. at all ever.
Generally it is simply city property, and hopefully it is fenced in.

[Sneaky]

Hi,
Im just wondering, why does everyone object so strongly to dog parks?

[Luba]

I don't object to dog parks but some of the owners are tremendously stupid.

Luckily I found one that has intelligent owners and pets that behave pretty much. The odd jerk shows up now and then but I dont' go there on a daily basis.

Some people forget their manners as do the dogs, and some dogs just should NOT be at dog parks period...for temperment issues.

[nymph]

I didn't even walk my pup around my neighborhood until he had all his shots at 3 months old. This lady was taking a big chance.

Good for you to speak up!

[SarahLynn123]

Originally Posted by sneakypete79

Hi,
Im just wondering, why does everyone object so strongly to dog parks?

I dont, I love dog parks as do my dogs! We generally try to avoid the really busy times though. My dogs know exactly where they are going when we drive and whimper and cry the enire way because they are so excited.

It doesn't help when I say "who wants to go to the park!!" They go crazy!

I will probably never stop going to the parks, I may avoid certain parks if there are misbehaving dogs that frequent it but I am lucky that I have lots of parks to choose from!

[mafiaprincess]

I moved, and there is no longer a dog park close to me. I miss how tired my dog was after playing, but there were so many problems with going.

People bringing breeds that didn't belong in a dog park. Owners who couldn't control their dogs. Dogs that had serious dog agression that were let loose anyhow.

You walked your dog in while muzzled and let it go into a pack of dogs.. there is trouble in the making.

Dog attacked my roomate once when we were trying to leave the park since no one had any control of their dogs.

A good dog park can be great.. but the possibility for problems can be really high.

[twinmommy]

hmmm.

Dogs parks to me are like day cares with all the PARENTS making the rules and regulations. Everyone has a tendency to fend for themselves, and it can be quite dangerous. Most, not all, but most of the people that I know that frequent dog parks no NOTHING about dogs.

With some organization and education I think it could be a good idea, but in most cities these things are lacking.

Sounds like you wanted to help someone and got "sacked" for giving advice.
Sorry that happened to you, Poodletalk, your heart was in the right place.

[MollysMommy]

I don't know about you guys, but the dog park near me has rules about young pups. I can't remember what age it is before they are allowed in, but I think it's around 4 months, if not more. Reason for this is obviously what everyone has been saying...puppies could get hurt or sick, not to mention they are harder to control at that age. Luckily, the park I frequent has well-controlled dogs. I have yet to see one running around like crazy causing problems.

But then again, I'm not there all the time.

[BoxerRescueMTL]

Dogs parks to me are like day cares with all the PARENTS making the rules and regulations. Everyone has a tendency to fend for themselves, and it can be quite dangerous. Most, not all, but most of the people that I know that frequent dog parks no NOTHING about dogs.

Amen.

I find some parks are better than others, but I prefer to socialize my pooches in groups with my more dog saavy friends. I feel safer.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by db7

My policy is never give unsolicited advice to strangers.

Damn good policy...especially when it's really none of my business.

[Prin]

I believe in speaking up when it comes to dogs because the dogs can't speak for themselves. And some people abuse their dogs just because they don't know any better-- and once they do, they change their ways. How will they find out if we don't communicate? I guess you just have to take the good with the bad. If you speak up 15 times in one year and ONE dog benefits from it, at least you have the one dog who is living a bit better and safer. That's my reasoning, and I ain't stopping any time soon.

[sarahandelvis]

Mentioning that the pup is too young is one thing, but telling her to "leave" isn't exactly very welcoming to a new dog owner.

My policy is never give unsolicited advice to strangers.

Mine too, if I voiced my opinion all the time there would be no end to it, besides who am I to tell others what to do?

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by sarahandelvis

Mentioning that the pup is too young is one thing, but telling her to "leave" isn't exactly very welcoming to a new dog owner.


Mine too, if I voiced my opinion all the time there would be no end to it, besides who am I to tell others what to do?

especially with THEIR dog.

[Mockingcat]

Originally Posted by MollysMommy

I don't know about you guys, but the dog park near me has rules about young pups. I can't remember what age it is before they are allowed in, but I think it's around 4 months, if not more. Reason for this is obviously what everyone has been saying...puppies could get hurt or sick, not to mention they are harder to control at that age.

Our park is the same way, and it's self-governing. "Senior" members are encouraged to ask people to leave if they have puppies who are too young in there, or small dogs who are being beaten up by bigger dogs (we have a park for small breeds adjacent to this one). Since it's a non profit, the members have to police themselves, and the rules are stated on the door outside the park.