Socialization / Dog Park at 15 Weeks

[mamamia1]

My girl is now 15 weeks and I would love to get her to the dog park for a good romp with some other dogs. She's only really hung out with 2 or 3 other dogs at his point and I would love to get her socializing more. We do go to a very basic obedience class but the dogs aren't allowed to socialize there. She gets her last set of shots tomorrow and the vet said she should be good to go after that. Is it too early to bring her there? What is your view of dog parks in general? Should I be looking for a different outlet to get her socialized with other dogs?

[jlhnokc]

No, I would not take my dog to the dog park no matter what age, and no matter what breed of dog I had. You have no idea what type of training other dogs have much less what type of vet care they receive. Your dog is at a very impressionable phase in her life right now, her getting tromped on or pushed around by a bully right now could cause you months to get her confidence back if ever. 15 weeks is the time be working on confidence building and letting her know the world is not a scary place and you are there to protect her and work with her. Don't set her up to fail.

[AngelBunny]

I also take a dim view of dog parks and would never advise anyone to take his or her dog to a dog park.

Frankly, I don't understand the feeling owners have that their dog needs to socialize with other dogs. Your puppy was born with an affinity for other dogs--she doesn't need to get socialized with other dogs. It's much more important for dogs to have an affinity for people. I see nothing wrong with classes where the dogs are there to work with their owners and not run around with each other.

Why not just keep going to class and leave it at that?

[mamamia1]

Thanks for the quick response. I've just done a search through the site for this topic and answered my own question. I've never had any experience with a dog park but from what I've read I should really keep it that way.

Any suggestions for other places for dog socialization. We only know 3 people with dogs, and there's only 2 dogs in my class.

[mamamia1]

Originally Posted by mamamia1

Any suggestions for other places for dog socialization. We only know 3 people with dogs, and there's only 2 dogs in my class.

AngelBunny: So would you say that what I'm doing is adequate?

[brunie's mom]

Can you take your pup to Petsmart? or your local small 'mom and pop' petfood store?
Maybe you can ask your obedience instructor if they know of any young, social dogs that need play dates. Baxter had a couple of friends come over for play dates that he met in Puppy K classes. An hour of romping and chasing...had him worn out for the evening.

I am also not a fan of dog parks. You can take her for a walk (on leash) to the park....let puppy meet and greet people, and any friendly dog that looks interested....but running around willy nilly with strange dogs...is not the best way to socialize your puppy.
P.S. Where are you in Canada? There may be some rott.net people in the city or area you live in. You could meet up with them.

Gina

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by mamamia1

AngelBunny: So would you say that what I'm doing is adequate?

I sure do!

Seeing dogs in class is enough.

The reality is it's far more important for dogs to learn to accept all sorts of people than it is for dogs to be "socialized" with other dogs. In most places in this country, dogs don't run around the street in packs with other dogs. I honestly don't understand the concern people have about making sure their normal, happy dog is socialized with other dogs.

Continue taking your girl to class and don't worry about letting her run around with other dogs.

[moondog]

Originally Posted by AngelBunny

Seeing dogs in class is enough.

I honestly don't understand the concern people have about making sure their normal, happy dog is socialized with other dogs.

While I completely agree that there is no need, and in fact it can be quite detrimental, to take a Rottweiler to a dog park, I must take exception that seeing dogs in class is enough.

Since we all know dogs don't generalize well, seeing dogs in class is completely different than seeing dogs elsewhere (out in the neighborhood, at Petco, on a hike in the woods, etc, etc.) - and it's just as important for a dog to learn to be blasé about dogs and other animals in those environments as it is in class.

So, while interaction with other dogs isn't essential, exposure to other dogs in different environments is, in my mind.

[mamamia1]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

P.S. Where are you in Canada? There may be some rott.net people in the city or area you live in. You could meet up with them.

Gina

Gina: I'm in Sarnia, Ontario. I kind doubt there's anyone on here from there, but I'd sure love to meet up with anyone that was.

[brunie's mom]

Originally Posted by mamamia1

Gina: I'm in Sarnia, Ontario. I kind doubt there's anyone on here from there, but I'd sure love to meet up with anyone that was.

I think we have a few members from Sarnia! I actually know someone that lives in Sarnia with a dog...but the dog is getting older, and not all that happy to be romping with a puppy.

Hopefully we will have some members read this? You should also join the RCC, Rottweiler Club of Canada. You don't have to be showing your dog or anything...it's for pet people too. You may find some RCC people in Sarnia....we are always looking for new members.

Gina

[MikeT66]

Well, I guess I am going to get hammered on this this but we take our Rott (Ryker) to the dog park a few times a week. He is 18 weeks old. He is current on all his shots and we have had no issues with him as far as being dominated, bullied or feeling inadequate etc and he has a great time going. He runs and plays with the other dogs with no issues at all. It is a very small park and there are a regular group of owners/dogs who bring their dogs there and Ryker and the other dogs get along great. Not once have any of the dogs got into fights or anything. They just run around playing and fetching balls/frisbees etc. Didnt realize it was such a no no. Ryker is in obedience class socializing with other dogs there, he goes to Petsmart and Petco with us regularly to meet other people and socialize all with no issues from going to the dog park on a regular basis. At NO TIME since I have had Ryker has he ever growled, snapped, jumped up on etc to anyone he has ever met, adult or child. We recently took him to a pet expo and he was the hightlight of the place. People do have a bad impression of Rotts sometimes and we were given such great praise on how nice and well mannered he is and some people just couldnt believe it. I guess they thought being a Rottie he was going to rip there throat out if they wanted to pet him LOL. I read this forum and take alot of the suggestions etc and have learned so much on here and Ryker is definitely doing better because of it. But I guess I have to disagree on how bad it is to go to a dog park with your dog. I am sure there are some that are out of control with owners who let there dogs do anything they want but this dog park is not like that and all the owners are very responsible with their dogs. So I guess I will have to go against the norm here and agree to disagree.

[Shelby427]

Originally Posted by MikeT66

Well, I guess I am going to get hammered on this this but we take our Rott (Ryker) to the dog park a few times a week. He is 18 weeks old. He is current on all his shots and we have had no issues with him as far as being dominated, bullied or feeling inadequate etc and he has a great time going. He runs and plays with the other dogs with no issues at all. It is a very small park and there are a regular group of owners/dogs who bring their dogs there and Ryker and the other dogs get along great. Not once have any of the dogs got into fights or anything. They just run around playing and fetching balls/frisbees etc. Didnt realize it was such a no no. Ryker is in obedience class socializing with other dogs there, he goes to Petsmart and Petco with us regularly to meet other people and socialize all with no issues from going to the dog park on a regular basis. At NO TIME since I have had Ryker has he ever growled, snapped, jumped up on etc to anyone he has ever met, adult or child. We recently took him to a pet expo and he was the hightlight of the place. People do have a bad impression of Rotts sometimes and we were given such great praise on how nice and well mannered he is and some people just couldnt believe it. I guess they thought being a Rottie he was going to rip there throat out if they wanted to pet him LOL. I read this forum and take alot of the suggestions etc and have learned so much on here and Ryker is definitely doing better because of it. But I guess I have to disagree on how bad it is to go to a dog park with your dog. I am sure there are some that are out of control with owners who let there dogs do anything they want but this dog park is not like that and all the owners are very responsible with their dogs. So I guess I will have to go against the norm here and agree to disagree.

Your dog is not matured yet. Yes, as a puppy, this may be fun for you guys, but once he matures, it may be a different story. It's not about how well mannered your dog is, it's about other dogs that don't have manners. How would you feel if something were to happen and your dog is to blame? If a fight breaks out, your rottie will be blamed unfortunately.

There are much better places to take your dog other than a risky dog park.

[debbiej]

my dog is fine in class. it is the unexpected that throws him. a dog needs as many situations as you can put him in to be well socialized. but a situation where humans are ignorant about dog behavior and dogs are out of control is very likely to teach a dog some lessons you'd rather he not learn.

[Urika]

I had two dog parks in my neighborhood in Monterey, CA. The first time we went in Diesel was jumped by two boxers. I learned a lesson. Prior to entering, I did ask the owner if the dogs were friendly. Of course the answer was yes. After that, I set play dates with dogs that I knew were friendly. They would play inside the dog park. While there, if another dog attempted to come in, I would politely ask the owner to give me a moment to get Diesel out.

[psychosid77]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

I think we have a few members from Sarnia! I actually know someone that lives in Sarnia with a dog...but the dog is getting older, and not all that happy to be romping with a puppy.

Hopefully we will have some members read this? You should also join the RCC, Rottweiler Club of Canada. You don't have to be showing your dog or anything...it's for pet people too. You may find some RCC people in Sarnia....we are always looking for new members.

Gina

gina are you anywhere close to toronto...within a 2 hour radius? i thought i saw on a post somewhere that you do boarding for the pups! I would so much rather have my pup with a Rottie person......if I ever need to use boarding.
=)