“But I thought the dog park was good for him!” ??
Yes, maybe, but not always.
Caroline here from CLEAR Dog Training. Let me be clear upfront – dog parks can be great for some dogs, and the social aspect for owners can be a huge positive. For calm, sensible dogs who don’t get over-aroused, they can be a lovely outing.
But… they are not suitable for every dog, and they are especially risky for young, highly driven, excitable puppies.
A young owner once came to me with a very active, very bright kelpie pup.
They genuinely cared. They’d even employed a trainer. They were trying to do the right thing, but despite my advice to be ultra-cautious re dog parks, they continued taking this young dog almost every single day.
From as soon as she was old enough, it was:
➡️ running with other dogs
➡️ chasing
➡️ barking
➡️ wrestling
At first it looked great.
“She’s being socialised!”
“She’s having so much fun!”
But slowly, she became more reactive, more anxious, and less able to cope around other dogs.
By the time she came to structured training, she was so highly aroused around other dogs – so used to nonstop chaos – that she couldn’t settle and it was many months before she could think clearly around other dogs.
Not because she was a bad dog.
Not because she was stubborn.
But because she was naturally very high-drive and excitable and had learned that other dogs = maximum excitement and his human = background noise.
This is why at CLEAR Dog Training we focus so heavily on:
ENGAGEMENT. ENGAGEMENT. ENGAGEMENT. ?
We want you to be the most important thing in your dog’s life.
More important than other dogs.
More rewarding than the environment.
More valuable than distractions.
Because when running amok with other dogs becomes the highlight of your dog’s world, your training – and your relationship – can start to suffer.
Dog parks are not “bad” – but they must be used selectively and thoughtfully. Many puppies and many adult dogs simply do not have the emotional regulation to cope with that level of stimulation, and the fallout can be reactivity, anxiety and loss of handler focus.
I’m not saying don’t give your dog an active, fulfilling life.
I am saying be intentional.
Think about what you’re building.
Think about what you’re reinforcing.
Think about what your dog is learning is most important.
Because if you want a dog who listens, who engages and who works with you –
you have to be the best game in town. ?
?
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#PuppyTrainingBrisbane #DogTrainingAdvice #EngagementFirst #RelationshipBeforeRecreation
#DogParkReality #ReactiveDog #Overarousal #CalmDogs #TrainTheDogInFrontOfYou
