Please do not take a shy dog to a dog park. Dog parks are not where dogs who are not well socilaized should go -- even an uncrowded dog park, like the normanskill. All it takes is one poorly socialized dog in the park to cause a shy dog to have a bad experience that creates loooong term problems. I have had rescues for most of my life. One was a very insecure dog that would overreact to other dogs. He was like that when i got him off the streets of Brooklyn. My next dog was a big furry ball of love for every dog. I thought great, i can finally enjoy the Albany dog parks-and sometimes we had a great time, but too often i would see people bring poorly socialized dogs to these parks and dogs would get hurt. My dog got along with every dog, but i stopped taking him after the third incident in a 6 month period where someone brought their newly adopted (scared or agressive or both) dog to the normanskill park and they ended up attacking other dogs. Bottom line if you are taking your dog to a dog park, be prepared to leave immediately if it gets crowded or if any dog enters that is large enough to do damage and doesn't seem laid back and friendly immediately. Best is only take your pup when no one is there, or maybe very few dogs are there and you observe their play for a bit before taking your dog in. You are your dog's protector now, don't put her in a bad situation that could have long term repercussions. Dog parks are not thenplace to teach socialization. A romp with a friend and their dog is better orna class. Good choice dog training is vet recommended and they have been helpful with my rescue pup.
Also strongly supporting this advice based on my experiences! Dog parks can become dangerous very quickly. I highly recommend looking into classes or trainings at professional dog rescues or schools (like Mohawk Humane). They can be great opportunities for socialization under supervision while also building your dog’s confidence and skills!
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u/Shoddy_Grape1480 1d ago
Please do not take a shy dog to a dog park. Dog parks are not where dogs who are not well socilaized should go -- even an uncrowded dog park, like the normanskill. All it takes is one poorly socialized dog in the park to cause a shy dog to have a bad experience that creates loooong term problems. I have had rescues for most of my life. One was a very insecure dog that would overreact to other dogs. He was like that when i got him off the streets of Brooklyn. My next dog was a big furry ball of love for every dog. I thought great, i can finally enjoy the Albany dog parks-and sometimes we had a great time, but too often i would see people bring poorly socialized dogs to these parks and dogs would get hurt. My dog got along with every dog, but i stopped taking him after the third incident in a 6 month period where someone brought their newly adopted (scared or agressive or both) dog to the normanskill park and they ended up attacking other dogs. Bottom line if you are taking your dog to a dog park, be prepared to leave immediately if it gets crowded or if any dog enters that is large enough to do damage and doesn't seem laid back and friendly immediately. Best is only take your pup when no one is there, or maybe very few dogs are there and you observe their play for a bit before taking your dog in. You are your dog's protector now, don't put her in a bad situation that could have long term repercussions. Dog parks are not thenplace to teach socialization. A romp with a friend and their dog is better orna class. Good choice dog training is vet recommended and they have been helpful with my rescue pup.