Dog park help

Koko loved the people park too. Like Glenn's poodle, he would go from group to group of owners and schmooze for pets and treats. Most of the owners are very senior citizens who welcomed the quiet attention Koko showed them. Sadly his park days are over as he now gets disoriented and has panic attacks resulting in uncontrollable shaking.
 
My Asta and Ally, while BFFs, had no interest in other dogs either besides a polite greeting. They had each other, but they didn't play together either! They only played with us. They didn't mind hanging out with other dogs (like at a BBQ) but really would not interact with them. It would be an interesting experiment if he could meet another Sheltie, but they sound like they are rare where you are. So, as everyone has noted, I think Monty is perfectly happy with his human pack.

A trial of some kind of class as mentioned, where he's working with you and/or the girls might be something he would enjoy when that becomes available.

You've done right by Monty, Darren, so don't worry if he's not a social butterfly. :)
 
Margi said:
Koko loved the people park too. Like Glenn's poodle, he would go from group to group of owners and schmooze for pets and treats. Most of the owners are very senior citizens who welcomed the quiet attention Koko showed them. Sadly his park days are over as he now gets disoriented and has panic attacks resulting in uncontrollable shaking.
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Margi, my heart goes out to you and Koko. It is so hard to see a little one you love struggling with old age issues and knowing there is no way to turn back the clock. Hopefully just being able to be home with you and in his comfort zone will let Koko have a lot more quality time.
Trini
 
I've taken mine to the dog park occasionally. Dixie just does perimeter patrol along the fence. Cran just wants someone to play frisbee with him. Destin also loves to play with a toy. Jocu wants to chase Cran who's chasing the toy. they will play with some other dogs but mostly they play with each other..
when we've been with other shelties, they've run and chased each other....
 
Calliesmom said:
I've taken mine to the dog park occasionally. Dixie just does perimeter patrol along the fence. Cran just wants someone to play frisbee with him. Destin also loves to play with a toy. Jocu wants to chase Cran who's chasing the toy. they will play with some other dogs but mostly they play with each other..
when we've been with other shelties, they've run and chased each other....
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Same, - while Meadow is a social butterfly, greeting every dog, she only really comes alive when she's playing with Faith and Eli, or her Sheltie girlfriends Willow and Becca. I don't know what it is, but they just "get" each other.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone! I've been feeling guilty that he has no dogs to play with so thought I'd try to get him some friends. I thought I may have been doing something wrong but it's actually a relief to see you've had quite a few dogs not really interested in other dogs.
I think I'll try for another week or two just in case he needs a little time and if he doesn't take to it then we'll not worry about it and move on. He does love to play chase with us etc but doesn't look like he wants to do it with dogs. You are right though, I have no idea about his previous life so there may be something there that makes him not want to so I'll make sure I don't force him into anything!
I've actually tried booking a few classes and some are not open yet due to covid and the ones that are have a huge waiting list.
I don't know what it was about the Jack Russell but it made me laugh with him kicking dirt all over him everytime he came close :lol:
I wish I could try another Sheltie with him but there's just none here, they are really rare now (which is why they are now selling pups at over £3000.....)

Margi, it's so hard watching them grow old, at least he has you to schmooze for treats still :winkgrin::hugs


pomshe said:
I think Monty does not consider himself a dog but a little furry person, and therefore sees other dogs as beneath him.:)
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:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: I love this lol.
 
One thing that I didn't see much emphasis on in this thread is the fact that dog parks can present situations that are detrimental to your dog. There are some dogs that are too rough, there are some dogs who are too frightened. As much as Willow enjoys running in the park, playing chase, we skip the park more often than we go in.

When we get to the park, we stand outside the fence and watch the dogs inside and how they play and if they are new or dogs we've met and loved previously. Many times that's lead to our leaving. Willow used to have a hard time being denied the opportunity to go in but she takes it in her stride these days. A bad experience in the park can cause behaviour changes that even impact home life. If things start to sour while we are inside, we leave right away. You can't control others even if your dog is perfectly well behaved. So keep in mind that every visit does have some risk associated with it. I want the number of smiles Monty's antics have given us all to go on and on. :)
 
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