Alex C.
Super Boxer
I think you have to be careful but socialization always happens with strange dogs initially, right? The dog may not be a stranger to you, the owner but at some point they are to your pup
Eileen, you are absolutely right, all dogs are strangers at some point. And yes, I think most owners subsitute the dog park for excercise (that's what I meant by 'irresponsible'). What do you get? A bunch of high strung dogs with energy pent up for days and that creates all sorts of problems.
What I meant to say, as far as socialization, I don't think the dog park is a good idea. You have no control, too many strange dogs (that you never see again) and too many of the wrong dogs & owners. The 3 or 4 times I went, it felt like mayhem. Since I don't take my dog there anymore, I take her on walks at least 3 times a week (rain, sleet or snow), and usually end up at a fenced field where she runs off leash for 10-15 mins. I think my relationship w/my dog is MUCH better now because of that and I don't have to worry about her being attacked by a strange dog for a little bit of a off-leash romp.
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