Dog Park Socialization

Sit Means Sit in Waukesha is dedicated to helping families and dogs have the positive, lifelong bond that enriches all our lives. Our process starts with an in-home evaluation and then a private training. After that, we offer group dog obedience classes. All Sit Means Sit families have unlimited access to group dog training classes as well.

Last week we started talking about how to socialize a young puppy. We will continue that theme this week but focus in on dogs that are old enough to go to a dog park.  Firstly, it is very important that you not take your puppy to a dog park until your vet says it is ok to do so. You can not trust that everyone there has had their dog fully vaccinated, and there is no reason to put your puppy at risk.

When you first go to the dog park, plan to make it a short visit. After that, make your visits increasingly long. Most dog parks have an area for shy or small dogs, and it is our recommendation that you start there. Your puppy will get the chance to see all the other dogs and sniff all the smells without getting bowled over by a pack of running, playing dogs. They can sniff other dogs through the fence. If there are people there with small, calm dogs, you should invite them over to interact with your puppy to give them their first dog run social interactions.

Check back next week for more on this topic. In the meantime, don’t hesitate for basic dog obedience classes or help with troubling behavior.