Comment

Comment by Susan Stanton on March 9, 2009 at 7:14pm

I've lived in NYC and am now in rural NW CT. Dog parks in both places would not allow unvaccinated pups under 4 months, bitches in heat, and "aggressive" dogs -- something nearly unenforceable. When I lived in NYC, there was a vet's office that would have "not quite vaccinated puppy night" for socializing with dogs you knew were at least healthy and not carrying any viruses. We also signed up for puppy kindergarten at a local dog school (not PetCo or PetSmart, they aren't near here), and were able to arrive early and stay late for puppy playtime. Although I do go to the dog park with my adult dogs, as for little puppies, they make me nervous -- feels like I'm sending my little toddler into a varsity football game.

Comment by Trenton and Denise on March 9, 2009 at 6:56pm

I live out out in sunny (well sometimes) Northern Ca. We ave a great dog park in town. They too have two side a small and big side both fenced in. The small side is for dogs under 25 pounds and dogs over the age of 7. Once dogs are over 4 months and have received their shots. The only downside is that all dogs need to be spayed or neutered. This hits me in a core as I will be showing my new puppy so he will be intact. I know that I will be a responsible owner and should be allowed in with my intact dog. While in the park I have control of my dogs and they do not stray off. I do understand the rule. I do not see anyone enforcing the rules at out park as I see tings that should never go on. The say only 3 dogs per person but there are multiple people with more than the 3 allowed. I know that a fixed male no longer have testies but the new trend is to replaced them with fake ones so they not feel like they a missing a pair,LOL. Those are some of our rules. I would suggest finding other corgis in your area for meet ups. Good luck

Comment by Sam Tsang on February 9, 2009 at 3:13pm

Have you checked with other park and county rules? Here in Florida, every county even park have different rules, generally they want to make sure that the pup have the shots, strong enough to not pick up cootie :) Some dog parks here have attendants and check county tags, if it is your first time, you'll need to bring your shot records, some dog park have a small entrance fee. Dog park rules change as well, 6 months ago, one of our dog park still have an attendant with a small fee, today due to the bad economy, the county can no longer afford to have one, so enter at your own risk.

Comment by Marion and Vern on February 9, 2009 at 3:01pm

Actually we saw the Animal Humane truck at one of the parks near our house on Sunday. I don't mind the rules so much but I was worried that 4 months without any contact with another dog well you know....I understand about shots, leashes that type of thing but man 4 months without any contact with another dog might be a bit much. Hopefully we will be getting a puppy from an upcoming litter. So we would not actualy have the pup until mid April or so. Tedi NEVER liked other dogs, he just flat ignored them or would go in the house. Believe he thought he was just a short furry person with a speach problem lol. Believe me our new baby will be very protected. I appreciate everyones comments on the issue. Thanks.

Comment by mosesbotbol on February 9, 2009 at 2:53pm

How do they know how old your dog is? Is there someone at the park enforcing the rules? Rules are rules, but are subject to interpretation to some degree. You should do what is best and safest for your dog be it going to the park against the rules or waiting.

Camber is not into the dog parks, so it's hard to get in through the fence door. She usually sits looking away from the all dogs or just sniffs not noticing any dogs. I feel bad as I want her to have doggie friends. She is only friendly with other dogs if it's in our yard or street. I guess she feels safer there?

Comment by Nancy Geddes on February 9, 2009 at 2:08pm

Dear Marion and Vern: I live with my three Pems in James City County, Virginia. There is a dog park here that is divided: one part for dogs 20 pounds and over and the other section is for the smaller dogs. In order to use this county owned and run park you must be a citizen of James City County, your dogs must be up-to-date on all vaccinations and be licensed by the county. After that, you go to Waller Mill and pay a fee for the year and obtain a badge that must be worn at all times when you are using the park. Actually, that is a pretty fair way of doing business. All dogs must be six months or older here as well. Bitches in heat are forbidden and intact dogs are permitted.

The one point that was made to me by a much respected corgi breeder and also by my vet is that it is potentially dangerous to permit a puppy - while in the stages of growth and establishing firm growth plates - to be knocked around by older and larger dogs. While you may find a park with a place for the smaller dogs, you will still have to be vigilant.

Consider looking for a corgi Meet Up group in your area. We have found a wonderful group on www.meetup.com in Richmond, Virginia where all the dogs are corgis, all the people equally considerate and concerned about having a happy and healthy time socializing. This may or may not be true in all dog park scenarios. Local obedience classes are a great way to begin introducing your dog to healthy behavior skills and other dogs in a controlled environment.

My corgis and I have done obedience, adventure classes, agility, herding and other activities. I hope that you will find lots of fun "stuff" to do with your puppy. All the best,

Nancy (Bear, Tasha and Linus)