Do you think that because your dog is a dog, he (or she) should enjoy being with other dogs? Dogs, like people, have different personalities and preferences. They don't necessarily like another dog just because it's a dog.
Think about it: do you like people just because they're people? Not really. What if I dragged you along to every neighborhood picnic, to every baby shower, wedding, and graduation celebration and expected you to (1) have fun (it's a party!), and (2) like everyone you meet (they're people!) and (3) want to hang out with those people every time I brought you along (enjoy yourself!).
Do you think it would be fair to expect all that from you just because I think the event is fun, I think you should enjoy it, and because there will be other people there?
Yeah, I didn't think so. Yet so many people think that their dog should enjoy the opportunity to play with another dog. Expecting your dog to appreciate the presence of another dog just because it's another dog is unrealistic and actually unfair to your dog.
Give him some credit: your dog has his own preferences. He may enjoy smaller dogs more than larger dogs (Talos, the Great Dane had a best friend at daycare — a miniature Dachshund), he may enjoy chasing or being chased, and may hate to be body-slammed during play. He may prefer to play independently (Tango, my yellow Lab much prefers to retrieve the tennis ball than to play with another dog). Or he may not really be into playing at all (Lily, my black Lab, prefers the company of people over dogs any day, thankyouverymuch).
Next time you get the urge to take your dog to the dog park, think twice. Does he really enjoy being around other dogs? Or do YOU enjoy taking him around other dogs. Watch your dog's body language, he'll let you know.
Great post! So many trainers slam dog parks entirely and say that dogs don’t need anything but human companionship.
I’m also not too fond of dog parks but I find Honey likes to play with (some) other dogs. We only go early in the mornings when there are few people there. And, if Honey doesn’t appear to be having fun, we go home. After all, we’re there for her, not for us.
Our dog park divides into an area for small dogs and large dogs. I’d love it if it were possible to divide into rough players vs. gentle players.
Definitely. Though it is my experience that most dogs love the company of other (particular) dogs. But even with very dog-social dogs it doesn’t mean that they will enjoy the company of ANY other dog(s).
Jasmine will get along with all other dogs, but will consider playing only with select ones.
Hey, I don’t wanna play with any other people either! 🙂
Then there are dogs who are just not into it at all and prefer the company of humans. Our late Roxy was like that.
I think it is important to KNOW one’s dog and not to force OUR ideals on them.