How old should my dog be before I start bringing him to the dog park?
absoluthanks asked:
My dog is currently 4 months old. How old should he be before I start bringing him to the dog park to socialize with other dogs?
More details: He’s had all of his vaccinations and is scheduled to be neutered in December once he’s six months ago.
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My dog is currently 4 months old. How old should he be before I start bringing him to the dog park to socialize with other dogs?
More details: He’s had all of his vaccinations and is scheduled to be neutered in December once he’s six months ago.
January 7th, 2010 at 5:05 am
He should have had all his vaccinations… which occurs at 6 months I believe. o0pixy_stix0o
January 10th, 2010 at 10:51 am
He should have all his vaccinations around 4 months, but around here (Chicago) females need to be spayed by 6 months to go, Amanda K
January 10th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Dog parks are a bad idea.. I only go when it’s empty. best to get a play group together wuth similarly minded people/pups because there are too many out of control dogs at the parks! I’d wait, though, until he’s atleast 6-7 months. But, be prepared for him to become dog-aggressive because another dog attacks or bullies him. Zephyr is the Shiznik
January 12th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
If he hasn’t had his first checkups, a while then. Usually the vet will tell you how long until he can be out and about, but no less than 3 or 4 months old. marisa o
January 16th, 2010 at 12:34 am
umm i wouldnt say much longer. Mabe u should wait just a couple of months though. If he is too little bigger dogs will pick on him. But, I wouldnt wait until he got 1 year unless he was too small its good for him to socislize with other dogs just like its good for us to socialize with people. sassyj
January 18th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
after your dog has had all vacinations - see your vet - but you should have had them by now.
socialisation should start as soon as possible. the longer you leave it the more problems are likely. it is best to socialise your dog when they are still puppys. older/larger dogs don’t see them as a threat because they, in most cases, will realise they are very young.
so long as your dog has had its vacinations you can go right away. a puppy training class is the best enviroment to socialise your dog. lick_my_decals_off_baby
January 20th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Yes, once they have received all vacinations, don’t worry about what the other person said about not taking your dog to the dog park. People won’t allow you to be there if your dog is to aggressive. I take my 5 dogs there every day. They are mini dachsunds and they love it. drehmy
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:00 am
he needs to be at least six months and be fully vaccinated, also have the vet give him the bordatella vaccination, it prevents kennel cough wich is quite common at dog parks, kennels and the vet office at times, its an upper respiratory infection, can be very nasty. bean
January 25th, 2010 at 6:55 am
Most parks recommend that the dog be 5 months old, I’ve seen people take in younger puppies. Make sure he has had bordatella before going, you always want to make sure that your dog is fully vaccinated just incase someone elses dog isn’t. I’ve seen people with intact male dogs at the park, it’s not required that they be fixed, but an inheat female is not permitted inside the park.
Have fun hj_thorne
January 28th, 2010 at 4:54 am
If he is up to date on his shots, he is ok in the dog park. You can always call your vet just to make sure.
I agree about using caution at dog parks. Not every dog or owner in the park will be well behaved and careful.
Male dogs’ testosterone levels begin to rise at about 4-5 months and they may get harassed by adult males. It doesn’t always happen but it is something to look out for.
Good luck, I hope he has lots of fun. APHID
January 28th, 2010 at 5:24 am
I’d say 1 year, depends though. On walks if you see other dogs I think you can tell by the way he acts if he’s ready. Lily62
January 30th, 2010 at 1:24 am
Look I know everyone is giving you a lot of different answers but it depends on what you think it good to do. I started bringing my puppy @ 4 months old and only let her go around the small dogs that were there. I didn’t baby her when we went there because she has to get used to other dogs and socializing with them. She has a good attitude and goes a long with just about anything. My thoughts were that I needed to socialize her starting early in her life so she starts learning how to interact with dogs she doesn’t know. She hasn’t become wild and uncontrollable or even any different. She is now 6 months old and she still loves going to the dog park to play and run. I bring a soccer ball that she loves to chase. She is getting better with her socialization skills and never has started any fights. Try it out now, just stay away from any crazy wild dogs and go to a quiet area, let other dogs come up to your puppy to smell it. Good luck beach_chica02
January 30th, 2010 at 10:40 am
He could probably go now and see how he does. Socialization is something that can never start too young. Keep him on a leash for the time being unless he is trained to come when called. Even then, with other dogs around and the excitement, he might forget. But now would be great!!! MANDYLBH