How can I encourage my boys to play at the park?

Question

I have started taking my 3 boys to the dog park nearby.  I don't take them regularly, and I probably should.  We have a very large fenced backyard, it is about as big as the park, so they get lots of outside time.   

But when we go to the park, my golden and my yorkie chi x don't socialize too much.  My dachshund is a little social butterfly.  My golden with check other pups out and he is getting up there in years (10-12 we think) so he just does his thing.  But my yorkie chi is terrified of people, will sometimes sniff another dog, but if a dog sniffs him, he will snap at them.  And if 2 larger dogs are playing and barking, he will run up and snap at them.  Most times they don't even notice, but their owners think it's hilarious.  Most of the time, he stays by me or with Lucky (golden). 

How can I get him to enjoy being there and enjoy the company of other dogs?  All of the dogs there are super friendly and love to play.

Does anyone else have the same problem?

Erika348 · Accepted Answer

Wow, I wouldn't think that the snapping was cute or funny. If your golden did that - it wouldn't be considered cute would it?

I think your Yorkie needs to be socialized slowly - not with all of these dogs playing around him. 

Consider not taking him to the park but to a smaller setting with one or two dogs his size who are calm and slowly increase the number of dogs and their sizes.

Linda_Doxiegal · Answer

Think about it - he's super small and the other dogs are huge compared to him.  do you really want him playing with them and being hurt by accident??

I would see if there is a Chi/Yorkie Met-Up in your city and get him more socialized by being with dogs his own size.  Perhaps he will feel less threatened and maybe he will be less aggressive.  Also - lots of dog training schools also offer organized dog play time (like $5 a session).  Again it is limited to small dogs.  My old school even had some play times for specific breeds (there was Pugs only session as well as Terriers only session.)  

Try reintroducing your dog to smaller playmates.  And reflect on why you want him to play with such large dogs.  Is it for him or for you??  He may be just find playing only with the other members of your family pack.  GOOD LUCK!

Lacey UD, RE · Answer

Snapping in any sized dog is not cute.  The snapper can become munched if it were to do that the wrong dog.  You might want to try and get him around a friendly outgoing small dog.  Discourage any snapping or aggression.  Your dog may never get over his dog shyness until he gets over of being terrified of people.  Sounds like this dog needs socialization and training all the way around.

Liz H · Answer

Seen it a hundred times.  Some dogs don't get all the socialization as a puppy, especially if they are rescues/abandonment cases.  You may not be able to reform the tiny one but please correct him when he is rude.  Always treat a dog like it were a huge dog, like a Rottweiler.  If you don't object, because his size does not make him threatening, he will always be a loner.  
Tell people he is nervous and please ignore him, not to stare.   Encourage the nose to tail sniff even if it means picking him up and making him go nose to tail with another dog.

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How can I encourage my boys to play at the park?

4 Answers