Dog-Friendly Events?

SandPiper · March 2009

Hey! Anyways... I have a few questions. but lemme... explain this some stuffs first. Okay, I've gone from 4 to 3 to 2 dogs in a year. which is pretty bad, but in a way I think its a bit of a good thing in a certain, sad way. But, anyways, I have a 14mo. Great Pyrenees and a approx. 18mo GSD. My GSD is mean. He's not going anywhere. Unless I feel like getting sued. x.x But for my GP, he's still young. and he's the SWEETEST thing ever. ever. ever. i love him. He's big, fat, and lovable. -snuggles. However, I'm a bit scared that he's not getting out and socializing enough. The other day I took him to Petsmart and usually, I have no trouble with him. He's a fairly soft dog and listens well to me [although when he sees a chihuahua, you better dig your heels in >.>]. When we got near a little... er... lab? puppy, they sniffed noses but all of a sudden he bared his teeth and growled. A 120lb GP growling is not a friendly sight. yet, the lab hadnt done anything to him. I scolded him and for the rest of the day he was great. We didnt get near the lab puppy again. Now I'm kinda nervous that he's gonna grow up and act like my GSD [who we're taking classes and training with, but apparently to no avail. x.x]. So. I was wondering if any of you knew of any good and dog friendly areas/events that I could take my dog to? I would prefer to keep my dog out of the pet stores [petsmart, petco, neighborhood petstores] because some of the owners/dogs arent too well mannered. And the beach is out of the question b/c there arent enough dogs there. Just lots of ppl and my dog is good w. ppl. Any suggestions?

NickelbackLuver · March 2009

Yes, petstores are sometimes an issue if you're having problems with the dog. Uhm... Do you know of any dog sports in your area? The only sport you would want to avoid probably, is Flyball... since dogs just run all over the place sometimes xD But... agility and obedience events or training programs might work ^.^ Im sure if theres a facility, even if you dont want your dog to actually play the sports, you could talk with them and just do a sit in so your dog is in the area of other dogs and whatnot. Uhm.. we sometimes have dog gatherings around my area, so you could maybe look up "Dog events" or something, and see if there's anything. We have a park gathering thing a couple times a year, people jsut bring their dogs and there's all kinds of stuff (agility, dock jumping, etc.) as well as dog rescues, and just general walking around with your dog. I thought it was fun. THere are lots of dogs at that type of thing though, but... you could always find yourself a spot away from the large crowds and whatnot

SandPiper · March 2009

Thanks. Well, there's the Pet Expo coming up and I really wanted to take him to that. Except on the homepage they said to refrain from bringing more pets to the expo cause there'll be a LOAD already. As for sporting events... I'm not sure. I would prefer not to take him to something with a ton of dogs -running- around. He gets excited and he tends to pull like... well, like a semi. But you know, those are good ideas. I'm sure there are places around here... somewhere. Thanks Nickel ;D

Silversketches · March 2009

Well, if you live in a well populated area, there are always dog parks. Some dog parks I've seen are just fenced in fields, where everyone lets there dogs off leash. Maybe, to avoid your GP being overwhelmed, (if there are a lot of dogs there) keep him on his leash for the first few times, and if you're confident he'll listen to you even when there are other dogs around, let him off. Try googling your city with 'Dog Park' or 'Dog Walks' or something along the lines of that. Also, ask around at a pet store/vets/boarding/groomers. Other dog owners in your area can probably help a lot more..that's how I learned about my city's dog friendly places.

reina__ · March 2009

If you're worried about what people think about your snarling dog, who is probably just doing some dumb dominance thing like most puppies, just put a wire muzzle on him. If you go into a dog park, be sure not to let him off leash. He needs to learn manners if he thinks he can snarl at dogs that don't do anything. I don't personally enjoy dog parks because puppies can get a bad taste from other dogs if they get in a fight and can't really defend themselves. If you keep 100% attention to your GP's body language and stuff, on leash, you should be fine. If you live in a city, go to its website and they usually have addresses where dog parks are.

Or you can take him to an obedience class. People do it all the time!

Berton · March 2009

See if a local outlet mall always dogs The nearest outlet mall by us does, we always used to take Karma, the people loved her xD

SandPiper · March 2009

whoo. thanks guys. There's supposed to be a mile long stretch somewhere along the beach near my house that's just for dogs. o_o but its usually packed and I'm too lazy to take my massive bear home and give him a bath after he soaks in the salt water for 2hrs. but thank you. I'll look into dog parks. as for the outlet thing, wheaty. i tried. o_o like. yesterday. There was one CUTE kid like... 4yrs old. and when he walked by he goes really loud "MOM MOM! Why does that girl have a PONY?!" and then... "MOM PLEEEEEEEZ. Can I ride it? Please. Please. Please!" That was worth the drive. ;]

saved09 · March 2009

lmao that's funny. I love great pyrenees dogs. My friend has one that is similar to that, only she barks at every person that comes near the yard. then when my friend comes out she is just fine with people. It could be that your dog is worried about a threat to you. Thats what my neighbors dogs do too, and my dog nearly bit the UPS Man one time because he thought he was coming to hurt us or something, and he tries to run the cattle off every time they come over, but he loves the cats LOL

SandPiper · March 2009

maybe. its possible. my gp LOVES little dogs. A neighbor has this little chihuahua that's about 8lbs. He loves that little thing. They play... and play... and play... and I get antsy because he can fit the WHOLE thing in his mouth. Well, nearly literally. But yah. ;] He's weird. But he is very protective with little children... so maybe. ;] Thanks.

Berton · March 2009

SandPiper wrote:

 as for the outlet thing, wheaty. i tried. o_o like. yesterday. There was one CUTE kid like... 4yrs old. and when he walked by he goes really loud "MOM MOM! Why does that girl have a PONY?!" and then... "MOM PLEEEEEEEZ. Can I ride it? Please. Please. Please!" That was worth the drive. ;]

Dude lol... We used to take Karma into the coach store, the workers loved her xD

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Dog-Friendly Events?

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