Hi All, My boy Tiger is almost going to be 5 months soon. Here in the U.S we do have dog parks. I take him to dog parks and regular parks. I let him off the leash when no one was there (there are TOO MANY touchy owners, especially the ones that have smaller dogs that hate him for being too pouncy), but he just seems to like sticking his nose into everything rather than running around. Sure, he'll run if you run as well and he gets super excited, as all puppies do, when they see another dog! A dog sitter at the regular park showed me how to tame him from being so bouncy so the people who don't care too much for dogs and scared children (from his jumping) won't be too much of a problem. She told me that when there are other dogs around in the dog park to NOT let him off the leash since he is still a baby. I am wondering if this is correct advice. I also take him twice a day to regular parks - once in the morning and once in the afternoon for 40 to even an hour long each. I keep a water bottle in my car and a container so I can pour it in and he can be well-hydrated. He has active spurts of energy and I suppose any ideas is appreciated!
Re: Letting my puppy off the leash.. The sitter told me that if no dogs are there, then let him off the leash (the dog parks are gated areas so there is no way he can escape) but other than that socialize him with a leash.
Re: Letting my puppy off the leash.. Well, there are probably cultural differences here, and it will be important for you how things are done in the US (rather than in the UK). Here, we think one of the first things you should do is let your puppy off the lead: http://www.thelabradorsite.com/let-your-puppy-off-the-lead/ We don't really have dog parks, so we do this in regular parks and fields. For me, I thought that my young puppy meeting hundreds of other dogs off lead in his early months was absolutely essential. The first thing we did in puppy class was let all our puppies off lead! Mountain dogs, labradors, and chihuahuas, all together in a big happy heap. I have no experience about how US dog parks work. Should you consider a couple of sessions with a pro trainer who can give you some tips? Maybe someone from the US will be along to advise... it is as odd as a box of frogs to me to socialise a young lab pup with other dogs only on lead. So you need to hear from people who know how it's done there, really.
Re: Letting my puppy off the leash.. We in Australia have dog parks too. It is not allowed to have your dog off lead here in most public places, and so there are dog parks instead. At 5 months I would definitely be letting your puppy off lead if you judge the other dogs to be well mannered and nice natured enough If they seem like they might be too rough or there are too many dogs then keep your puppy safe and near you but if they seem like they'd be a good match then let him off. I would also be working on a reliable 'come to me' cue so you can regularly get him back to you for a treat. You should do this lots - call him back for a treat and then let him go off again to play. You can also use this to get him out of situations that might be turning a bit rough (or away from non-doggy people). Be prepared to step in to stop (for a brief time) any games that are a bit too boisterous for either your pup or the other pup to handle. Take lots and lots of his tastiest treats.
Re: Letting my puppy off the leash.. So, this thread made me wonder - do we have dog parks in the UK? Enclosed exercise areas where you can let your dog off lead in the city. So I googled "London dog parks" - results were as I thought. All the major London parks are declared "dog friendly" with off lead the rule, and exceptions being listed. Things like dogs must be on a lead in the kids' playground enclosures, round the boating lakes and so on. You're not allowed to take your dog onto the flower beds outside Buckingham Palace. http://www.bringfido.com/attraction/parks/city/london_gb/ Interestingly, dogs are allowed off lead in Paddington park but there are ALSO 3 "dog only" areas where kids and people without dogs are excluded! ;D ;D ;D
Re: Letting my puppy off the leash.. I have only come across one dog park (that I can recall) up here, and that was in Glasgow in Bellahouston Park. I was quite surprised to come across it. It was a bit muddy and only had one dog in it which, to be honest was a bit aggressive towards Lilly, so we didn't stay long. Most of the parks I go to have liberal signposting to pick up after your dog(s) or risk a fine, but aren't totally enclosed. I think I am more likely to come across an enclosed kids play-park where dogs are excluded, rather than a dog-park.
Re: Letting my puppy off the leash.. [quote author=drjs@5 link=topic=5016.msg62988#msg62988 date=1395592190] I think I am more likely to come across an enclosed kids play-park where dogs are excluded, rather than a dog-park. [/quote] I thought that too - more likely to fence in the kids, rather than the dogs! ;D ;D ;D
Re: Letting my puppy off the leash.. [quote author=JulieT link=topic=5016.msg62990#msg62990 date=1395592400] I thought that too - more likely to fence in the kids, rather than the dogs! ;D ;D ;D [/quote] ;D
