Visit to the dog park

[Sandi]

So we recently went on our first ever visit to the dog park. What a pleasure, for me and the puppies. At 14 months can Maxine still be called a puppy? Anyway...

Maxine is socialised as she's been to puppy school, but due to some health issues I was hospitalised and couldn't take Jigga to puppy school and he's now too old for that, so I'll start him off in obedience school next month.

I was very worried that my dogs would be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers. They tend to be that way when I take them for walks, so I was bracing myself for a bad experience of some sort. I've seen dog fights get nasty.

What a pleasure the visit was. I wish I had set aside more time for it. The other dog owners are so friendly, their dogs are so friendly. I had no idea that I was harbouring a social butterfly in Jigga. He just meets and greets everyone and is a really friendly puppy.

Maxine turned out to be more of a mommy's girl. She would return to my side every so often without me calling her. This confirms her protective behaviour she exhibits when I take her for a walk or a drive. Strangers cannot approach me on the street when I'm with Maxine and no street vendors can come near my car at traffic lights. Go Maxine!

[Marco]

Glad you had a great time Sandi. Looks like you have a real sweet girl there. Just be really careful cause things can change quickly as they mature. Also your girl my might be in best behavior but you never know what type of dog will be brought into the park. If you are going to continue going to the parks please know how to read the warning signs that dogs give off, and how to properly break up a dog fight. This will not only protect your girl, but you as well. I hope you never have to stop a fight, but always good to be prepared. The best advice I could give would be to stay away from dog parks all together. They can be a lot of fun, but not worth the risk. Just my thoughts, I hope for all the best.