Dear Val,
My Shepard husky mix doesn’t like to play with all the dogs at the dog park.
Some days she seems fine with some dogs, and others she gets nervous around hem and the hair rises up on the back of her neck and lately she has gotten into little fights with some of the other dogs. What can I do to get her more social so we can have fun at the dog park?
Dear Dog Park Driven,
I am sorry to say, dog parks are not for all dogs and not for all people.
Dog parks were intended and designed for social dogs to be able to have off leash play time in a safe, contained environment. Social as described for dog parks reasons, can be defined as gets along with 99% of dogs and doesn’t fight with the other 1%. Has been well socialized and is confidant in dog on dog scenarios. Is not a bully and does not run or hide from dogs either.
Besides being social, dogs should be healthy, vaccinated, and altered.
Many people are under the impression dog parks are a place to socialize their under-socialized dogs which is an unfortunate misnomer.
Some people take their dogs to the dog park knowing they are not social enough to enjoy the dog park, but they hope that maybe they wont get into a fight that day or maybe they will be fortunate enough to make a friend that day. If the dog does make a friend, this can create a false sense of temporary social behavior resulting in potential future altercations. This is not safe for the other dogs and social dogs can be traumatized for life by an attack on them in a dog park setting. It can be traumatic for the dog owner as well as lead to injuries, vet bills or worse.
If your dog is uncomfortable at dog parks as you describe, this is creating stress for your dog. When your dog feels uncomfortable as you describe, this creates unpleasant hormones in your dogs brain that creates a fight or flight response.
My suggestion to you would be to make special play dates with the dogs that you know your dog truly enjoys playing with and feels confidant and comfortable around.
Being a social happy dog, doesn’t necessarily mean they have to play and romp with the other dogs off leash. Being in a group of dogs on leash or participating in other dog events while on a leash, in a crate, or a pen, are also social events that your dog may feel less threatened by, and actually find great enjoyment in. Some suggestions are dog walking groups, agility, nose works, flyball, and dock jumping. All of these things can be found in Lake County and surrounding areas.
Socializing your dogs safely at an early age can help develop skills to become a social playful adult dog, but when your dog does not appear to have an interest in off leash play in that way, discover other arenas you both will enjoy as an alternative activity.
If you have a question about training or behavior, please email me at HappyLabLady77@Yahoo.com
Make it a Pawsitive Day!
—Val S Elliott CPDT Behavior Coach
Wags of Wisdom:
“I’ll trade you a biscuit for your thoughts” said one dog to the other.
The Daily Dog:
Jaxon is the daily dog. Newly rescued from animal control he was very shy and reserved. He is sweet to most of the people he meets. Jaxon has a calm disposition around dogs with a wonderful way of communicating things he likes and dislikes. It takes about three months to settle in and acclimate to a new home and Jaxon is fortunate enough to be adopted by dog loving people, actively involved in his acclimation process, and well being towards becoming an even better, and wonderful canine companion. Thank you for rescuing this joyful dog.
If you would like to send a cute photo with a description or short story about your favorite furry friend, please send it to HappyLabLady77@yahoo.com
