We have been working with my puppy with behaving around new dogs with the intention of going to dog parks with him. I am waiting to let him off leash only when he will come to me when called. We are also working on that now.
I was wondering what do people think is important for a dog to know to go to an off leash area. My dog does get very excited around new dogs and will pull on leash but he has not been aggressive toward any so that is not a worry.

Looking forward to seeing what people think of how a good dog behaves in a park.

Susan

I'd be sure to start by taking him while still on the leash. Let him get to check out the environment, and other dogs, while you still have control at all times.

He should have a very good understanding of the basic commands, and be able to follow them with distractions going on around him.

You might want to check out the park at different times and determine when there are no dogs to start with to practice on your own, and then when there are only a few dogs. Take it in gradual steps.

Also, a good idea to be sure he is up on his vaccinations before you visit.

I would say the number one thing a dog should know while off leash is the recall command.

It should be rock solid.. Your dog should drop the dishes and come to you.

I'm not a big fan of dog parks. A lot of disease and unknown behaviors are at dog parks.

Your puppy is more then likely not vaccinated against a lot of the diseases found at dog parks.

I know it is a very important and very necessary thing to have your dog well socialized both with people and other dogs.. But quite honestly, I don't think it's a good idea to take your dog to a dog park for that type of socializing. There are a lot of different dogs with a lot of different personalities, likes and dislikes. To properly socialize a young pup, it should be done with friends, family, going on walks with other dogs that are on leash and under control (for the most part). Taking a young pup to a dog park where dogs are running out of control will scare him. Dog parks are fun, but should not be used to socialize dogs with other dogs.

Keep in mind, a well socialized dog does not have to be friendly towards people and other dogs. Socialized dogs are dogs who are well behaved in public, that do not bark, whine, pull and/lunge towards people and other dogs.

I would suggest to stick to simple things such as taking your pup on a walk in an area where a lot of people take their dogs. Sign up for obedience.. With puppy classes, a lot of trainers will allow the puppies to interact with one another in a controlled environment.

Good luck!

My dog's recall sometimes fails at home. When he is in the yard he will look at me and keep doing whatever, but the minute we enter the dog park he is perfect. He comes when called, and he knows the "leave it" command, but he won't "leave it" at home, I don't know why but he listens much better at the dog park. If your bringing him on a leash, he may be aggressive towards other dogs, if he is on a lead he will try and protect you more. I once saw a rottie come to the park, when he first got there on lead he was snarling and growling, and just looked mean! When the owner let him off the lead I was sure he was going to eat the first dog he saw but then he walked up to a little poodle and rolled over and started wagging his tail like crazy. It was so cute. So keep in mind, if your dog gets aggressive on leash he may be okay off leash!

Thank you all for your responses. I have seen some very good advice. I just don't want Owen to be known as that bad dog of the park.
He is up on his vaccinations that is one thing I feel strongly about . I don't want my pets getting sick because I was not a good pet owner
Susan

Yes, getting your dogs shots is a must before taking them ANYWHERE let alone a dog park. Also check with your by-law, where I live you have to have a city dog license or you get fined if animal control comes to the park and your dogs not licenced.

The thing is, its not just parvo you need to worry about. There are other diseases your going to have to watch out for, such as kennel cough and canine influenza... Not to long ago, the dog park in my area had a canine influenza threat. A couple dogs got really sick.

If you plan on going to dog parks and other places where a lot of dogs go, you should make sure to get those types of vaccines... Kennel cough is hard to vaccinate against because there are so many strands of the virus that you can't protect against all of them.. but you should still get the vaccine. It will help out and not allow the doggie cold to get bad. If you decide to get that shot, I would suggest the vaccine that is injected through the nose. Its kind of like nasel spray. Its more powerful then the shot under the skin. The canine influenza shot I still think is very experimental, its your choice if you feel comfortable giving that shot. Its exactally like the flu shot with people as in it's the modified live virus being put into the body.

I keep reading about leash aggression... is your pup showing signs of leash aggression?

Leash aggression is a pretty common thing from what I've read, and most times it can't be corrected... One of the parks around here is strickly off leash because of it. Your dog has to be off leash as soon as you het through the gate and remain off leash until right before you leave.

Leash aggression is just another symptom of an unsocialized dog.

It can be corrected... Hours of obedience training while in the presence of another dog and/or person.

Leash aggression should not be acceptable. It can be corrected.

Typically, dog parks will not make it a requirement for the dog to be off leash. Ive read many dog park rules stating if your dog is a jerk, to keep it on leash ;)

Ha ha, I don't know on the sign it says "All dogs must remain off leash at all times". When I talked to the lady who organizes the park (She pays to have everything put there e.g. lights, a small shack, garbages) she said it was because dogs are more likely to attack when on leash. There are three parks here and it is the only one I have seen with that rule, the other ones don't have rules posted.

Every place is different :P If those are the rules, then by all means follow them.

I would say he is not leash aggressive, but may be wrong. He sees a dog or person and will pull on leash to go see them. He then will do the doggy introductions by smelling and wagging tail. He generally does not bark at dogs unless we can not see the dog and the dog starts barking. He will stop that when I tell him stop.
Susan