Proud parent, and I want to tell everyone

[melaniejane84]

My 11 week old puppy Toby is coming along in leaps and bounds and today I feel like a proud parent

He's not biting so much, he mostly stops destroying things when told to, he's learnt how to entertain himself with his toys when we're busy, and last night he slept through the night without needing to pee.

Sunday was his first big day out to the dog park. He met a tiny Chihuahua puppy, a staffie, and an old cokcer spaniel and behaved perfectly. He also encountered skateboards, loud kids and pushbikes, walked through mud (looooots of mud!) and did some recall training.

The whole day went great (luckily... no thanks to the owners of the Chihuahua. Is it just me, or was this really irresponsible? This puppy was barely any bigger than a gerbil, and he was very excited. The owner handed the leash over to, I assume, her son, who was about 8 years old, and he came over to socialize the puppy with Toby. The kid immediately dropped the leash and stood laughing while the puppy pawed and jumped at Toby. Toby just watched the Chihuahua, but he is a very big puppy and I wasn't sure how he was going to react. Does anyone else think maybe an adult should have been there to supervise their dog, rather than leaving it to a child?)

Anyway... ya, very pleased with Toby today, he's doing great, and I want to tell the world!

 

[Harrygto]

good job

 

[Jakesmum]

Great job! And yes I agree that child should not have been given the leash without supervision. I don't care how small the dog is, an adult needs to supervise the dog.

 

[cinnamon roll]

so many irresponsible owners in this world!! Esp the owners of ankle biters.

You might want to avoid parks though until he has been fully vaccinated.

 

[DennasMom]

Great job Toby!

I agree - a parent should have been right on top of the kid and the other dog.
But... you have to be prepared for all those sorts of events at dog parks.

Make sure you ALWAYS leave on a good note to avoid lasting traumas (a real risk with a young puppy at off-leash parks - dogs especially like to target puppies of big breeds for some reason, too). If you run into a very impolite dog, be sure you protect your puppy and move him away from anything that he may start to react badly to (not necessarily pick him up, but put yourself between him and the instigator). Then, go somewhere to relax, walk off the experience and end everything on a happy, happy note. He'll take his cues from you - so as long as you react in a calm, confident manner, he should, too.

I had to do that with Denna today - and she's 2 years old! The park we were at only had 4 dogs in it at the time (it's not a big park)... but there was one that was totally infatuated with Denna's flew's.... he would NOT stop biting at her mouth and her ears. She handled it well, but finally got tired of the attention and came over to me so I could fend off the other dog... and we left shortly after that. She seems to be getting old enough to not really need to play with other dogs. She still enjoys meeting them, but she's not much into games of chase anymore. I enjoy walking and having her off-leash, so we go more for that reason than any real doggie play time, anymore.

 

[melaniejane84]

I think that dogs that consistently harass other dogs should have to be kept on a leash. If the other dog gets angry and snaps, it's him that's going to be in trouble. It's annoying when people just stand by and find it entertaining that there dog is going crazy. Plus I get the feeling that if Toby ever shows ANY kind of dog-aggression, even if it is provoked, being a BM, he's always going to be to blame.

I've got a question actually. Toby loves new people when I'm holding him, but when he's on the floor (like he has been since his vacs were completed) he's a bit nervous and backs away from people. How should I deal with this? I guess I don't keep picking him up?

 

[musicdeb]

I've got a question actually. Toby loves new people when I'm holding him, but when he's on the floor (like he has been since his vacs were completed) he's a bit nervous and backs away from people. How should I deal with this? I guess I don't keep picking him up?

That's normal for a puppy. Do not baby him when he exhibits the behavior. While on leash, bring him away from the person(s) that he his afraid of, walk away and bring him to a sit. Slowly introduce him to the person(s) telling him that it's ok and if he becomes afraid, turn around and walk away and bring him to a sit. When he gets closer than previous attempts, reward with motivational treat and praise.

 

[melaniejane84]

I had a go at the 'gradual introduction' thing, but strangers in parks tend to be a be grabby with puppies. I hear people behind me sometimes saying 'oh, I've just got to go and pet him!'. Toby's getting better. He that sort of 'apprehensive' dance of jumping forwards, then backwards, like he really wants to play but isn't quite sure. He met more people and dogs yesterday, and I have another question. What should I do if I encounter a dog who's a bit aggressive? He was on a leash, and the owner was saying he wasn't being nasty, he just 'likes to play rough'. I beg to differ. Anyway, Toby immediately went into a submissive stance and this dogs attention was taken by a old english sheep dog. What should I have done if the sheep dog hadn't been there to distract him?

 

[musicdeb]

If you can tell by your dog's body language that he does not like the dog, then move your dog away and ask the owner of the dog to remove their dog as well.

There are flags or vests you can order that tell others to ask before petting or dog in training.

Dog Flags

Dog In Training Vest - The Pawsitive Dog

Titan wears a flag on his leash, "Ask before approaching."

I would recommend keeping your dog on leash at all parks and would stay away from dog parks because some dog owners are not responsible dog owners.

 

[melaniejane84]

Titan wears a flag on his leash, "Ask before approaching."

That's a good idea, I'll have a look, thanks