We have a Dog Park!!!

**critter crazy** · 03-25-2007, 02:33 PM

Awww....I wish I had one!

**Kalei** · 03-25-2007, 02:58 PM

Dog Parks sound like alot of fun. I wish we had one around here. Haha I bet little Dottie was dirty enough to have a bath

I can't wait to see pictures of this dog park sometime!

**Ginger's Mom** · 03-25-2007, 10:38 PM

Sounds like fun. I love going to the dog parks near us. It always makes both of us feel so much better. I don't know about around your area, Kim, but when I have a dog I am not sure of around other dogs I take him/her to the dog park at about between 10:00-11:00 in the morning. The pen is very often empty at that time, so your dog can run and play without worrying about how he might react with other dogs.

**cyber-sibes** · 03-26-2007, 07:54 AM

That's very exciting! If you kep an eye on it, there are usually times wen few or no dogs are there, maybe Kenny would be more open to giving it a try then. once he gets used to it, he'l love it! Plus, it often takes "newcomer" a while to get used to all the sniffing & greeting they get, but after a while, they'll be right in there checking out the other "newcomers"

It's such a good experience for them.

**ramanth** · 03-26-2007, 11:41 AM

I'm so happy for you!

Andy had to work Saturday morning, so I took the dogs to a dog park near his job. It was Chipper's first time there and he did great. He has a bit of a mounting issue,

but the other dogs never told him no. Just me.

**kimlovescats** · 03-26-2007, 01:54 PM

Thanks everyone, I will definitely get pictures next time. We went on Saturday, so I'm sure it was at maximum capacity. I will try Kenny again on a week day when maybe there will be quite a bit fewer dogs there!

Freedom: AnnaBelle has never taken to other dogs, except her buddy Gretta. She is extra defensive now because of her handicap. I'm afraid she would get knocked over in a cart. Gretta might do ok at the park, but I'm not sure. I would hate to take her and leave AnnaBelle at home though ... they are so very bonded.

**shais_mom** · 03-27-2007, 01:19 AM

Keegan is apprehensive when she meets new dogs in a new surrounding too. She gets a bit touchy with other dogs b/c of her hips.
RE: Kenny's weight - have you had his thyroid checked recently? Also - is he free fed? If not, cut back on his food - to what he SHOULD weigh. If he is free fed - feed him twice a day cutting his food back - if he doesn't eat it within 10-15 minutes pick it up and save it for later. I feed Keegan raw and if she hasn't eaten with in 10-15 the food goes away until the next day. She gets fed once a day. Keegan has packed on some weight too so I need to follow my own advice!!

It is very hard to free feed retrievers and it is even harder to keep most of them at their ideal weight b/c they are usually chow hounds!