[b0ricua]

Hey all,

At what age did you start taking your beagles to dog parks? We have recently started bringing Bianca (5 month old) and naturally she has been very timid, submissive, etc. to the other older dogs. She lets them smell her while her tail is between her legs.

I hear its a good idea to socialize her young and get her acclimated to the dog park to be used to it, but can it also work the other way around? I would hate for her to be too overwhelmed and associate the dog park with negative.

Let me know! Thanks.

 

[RosCole]

I believe I first took Roscoe at about 6 months and the same with Cole. They have to have all of their shots.

I would take him when I knew it wasn't too crowded and kept him on the small dog side for awhile. He was never really scared (after the first 2 times) and actually preferred to play with the big dogs. Use your judgement and just make sure it is not an unpleasant experience.

I don't remember when we took Cole but he was scared the first few times as well but now LOVES it and we have a hard time getting him to leave

Take it slow and let Bianca decide.

 

[Brien]

I think 5 months is fine. We started taking Bodie as soon as he finished his shots. Bodie does very well at dog parks and gets along with almost everyone.

My only bit of caution is make sure your dog is also taking a worm prevention med. Bodie got worms after one of his first few visits. It was easy enough to treat, but if you can prevent it do.

 

[mandydancer]

I think its personal preference. We took Shelby at about 6 months and honestly, i didn't even think about age. She was timid and preferred playing with dogs closer to her size but I think the more we take her the better she'll do. She loves other dogs and even if they're bigger, she'll just take a minute to get used to them and then has no problem playing with them!

 

[Tucker]

What I have heard is to wait until all their shots are done. Then watch them close at the dog park. Tucker is an old pro, but we took the new girls to the park for first time this Saturday. There wasn't too many dogs and three other beagles so there was some familiar faces to look at. We did have to pick up Niko a few times and give her time outs because she would growl at the other dogs. We made sure we were always close to her so we could intervene if needed. Yuki was just fine. Niko did growl at a pitbull. Good thing he was a very good natured pitpull and just wanted to play. One of the other beagles was having a hard time playing nice too.

 

[araine]

The rules of my dog park they have to be 6 months, nuetered if a male, and up to date with shots. They can start off shy, and eventually get used to it. It just depends on them and the socialization that they get at home as well.

 

[Smeagle]

I don't like dogs parks for a few reasons.

I don't like running my dogs in a free for all with strange dogs - I don't trust other owners to do the right thing or read their dog's body language appropriately.

Realistically, at five months she is in her first fear period and socialisation should have been started well before now. Keeping in mind that socialisation is about so much more than letting her meet and greet other dogs, too.

I would opt for more controlled socialisation in the form of obedience club, play dates with dogs you know, training classes etc.

 

[b0ricua]

Thanks for the advice folks!

Let me clear some things up. Bianca is 5 months, but she has all of her shots, is spayed, and is on a de-wormer pill that she takes monthly. She has been socialized before now, as we took her to puppy kindergarten which she graduated with honors

She also has play dates with a much older yellow lab who she LOVES to play with. And she plays well with her.

I've definitely kept a closeful eye on her when she's there but at the same time allowing her to experience things on her own (don't want to baby her too much).

We'll see how it goes in the future. I'm sure she'll get it!

 

[RosCole]

I have had both good and bad experiences with dog parks. Since we've moved (2 years now), the new dog parks we go to up here are much better and the people seem much more responsible and quite nice!
In any public area like dog parks you have to use your judgement and if it is uncomfortable for either you or your dog, high tail it outta there