Zosh Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Hi there, this may sound like a very silly question.. but i am looking at taking out my dog to do some socialising with other dogs/pups, and i heard there is a lot of dog parks .. I am located in Sydney South West.. I am not just looking for a park which is off lead, as i can find those details on my local council website.. and there is quite a few.. but i am looking for a park where there is a lot of other dogs/pups for the sole purpose of socialising/play. thanks and again sorry if i sound silly!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvus Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Try to pick one that dogs and their owners walk through rather than one where dogs and owners hang around in the one area. The latter can be full on for a dog not used to it. Also try to avoid fenced parks. There's always a bit of tension at the gates. I hope you know what you're doing! Dog parks are pretty intense socialisation. You don't want your dog to get scared, and it can happen pretty easily. I'd pick a quiet time with at first, and work up to "lots of other dogs/pups". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmkelpie Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 (edited) Firstly do you have a puppy or older dog? What you are describing is sort of what an off lead dog park is for, however many refuse to use them as they can be quite dangerous. Perhaps a training club would suit your needs? Dogs don't really get a chance to play (or at least mine don't until AFTER training) but they get use to being around other dogs and learn (hopefully) to follow directions with a lot of distractions. You will also find that you meet people there who you can arrange 'doggy playdates' with. That way you choose what type of dogs your dog is exposed to and it is more controlled then a dog park. Not really sure if that answers your question Hope it helps Edited January 18, 2011 by cmkelpie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paganman Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 If youve got a pup be careful you carnt always trust the dogs you meet in these parks and one nasty experience could scar your pup for life.Theres a lot of idiot dog owners out there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staranais Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 (edited) Sounds like your dog is a puppy? If so, then I'd personally only be taking her/him to meet other dogs that you know are friendly & polite, not strange dogs of unknown temperament. If you want to go to the dog park with your pup, I reckon it's better to save that until after your dog is adult. As some other posters have said, puppies are very impressionable and just one bad experience with another dog can result in them developing fear or aggression issues that take a lot of work to resolve. Well socialised adult dogs are usually not affected as much by encountering an aggressive or rude dog, so it's less of a risk to take them to meet strange dogs (although there is always some risk present when taking any dog to a dog park). Hope you can find lots of nice dogs for your pup to socialise with. ETA - perhaps if you post where exactly you are, some DOLers sters from your local area might be happy to let your pup meet their dogs? Just a thought. Edited January 19, 2011 by Staranais Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adza Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 Depends where you are? We get together at our local park with a few other dogs most nights I'm in South West. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zosh Posted January 19, 2011 Author Share Posted January 19, 2011 Thanks everyone for your reply. He is just about 7.5 months old. I am located in Blacktown but happy to travel out to a decent park (trying to avoid people who bring their aggressive dogs) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jagersmum Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 Mmmm honest answer I wouldnt go. Too many meatheads at dog parks these days and we've been everywhere from Kirrawee, Liverpool, Minto, Castle Hill, Mosman etc. Our oldest was attacked twice (once still on lead when we walked through the gate) and I was very upset over it. I am their protector and I felt like I failed them. We cannot relax at dog parks just wondering when the next moron will enter the park and clear it out after attacking every single dog. We only socialise our pups at obedience and with friends. Ask your friends and neighbors for an afternoon to bring your pup over? On walks ask if you pup can sniff another when you pass - all these things would be safer in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvus Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 On walks ask if you pup can sniff another when you pass I trust dogs off leash more than dogs on leash. Leashes create barrier frustration. Normally friendly dogs get over-aroused and it's hard to say what they will do on leash. I have had several people tell me their leashed dog was friendly only to have the dog snap. I now assume leashed dog doesn't want to say hi regardless of his body language unless the owners say otherwise. We've been to Holsworthy dog park a few times. It seemed all right. But even there I've seen fence running and gate crowding just with one or two dogs! Fenced dog parks are troublesome IMO. Give me an off leash beach or walkthrough park any day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 I would avoid dog parks too, most are full of idiots who let their dogs run riot and can't read body language. I live near you, i walk mine at Glenwood on huge oval near the lake late mornings when no one is around, and evenings, although bit busy then. What sort of dog do you have? entire? how is he/she around aother dogs atm? Mine are very sociable, and avoid conflict, but one herds, and the other one is in your face play, and the old guy just ignores everyone while rabbiting. We could possibly meet up if they are suited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ons Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 why don't you try obedience training? Your dog would get lots of socialisation there with other dogs in what would be hopefullly a fairly controlled environment. And it would be fun for you and him as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilyandjazz Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 I definately think the one in crestwood reserve is the best one i have ever been too....i love how it has a small and large dog section Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skruffy n Flea Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 I definately think the one in crestwood reserve is the best one i have ever been too....i love how it has a small and large dog section +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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