This email came from a Citizen Canine Reader:
Hello Citizen Canine,
I like to take my rescued Pug to the dog park. My dog LOVES people, but I want him to have dog friends that he can visit with and I would be so happy if enjoyed playing with other dogs. “Bosco” will sniff other dogs when he meets them on leash on our walks, but he is the wall flower of the dog park. I think he is missing out on the fun. Help–how do I teach my dog to have canine friends?
-Sarah
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Here’s the reply that was sent to Sarah:
Hello Sarah,
Sometimes what seems to be a “problem” with a dog really isn’t a problem at all. It may be that as Bosco’s loving owner, you just need to think about things in a different way.
Did you know that the breed standard for Pugs says, “The Pug’s reason for living is to be near their people”? Bosco is living up to his fine heritage.
There are so many dog owners who would change places with you in an instant. They would very much like for their dogs to be more focused on them and people they meet.
Wanting our dogs to play with other dogs is an idea that we humans came up with all the way down to scheduling play dates and having birthday parties for dogs and their canine friends.
Is there any chance Bosco could be intimidated by the action and bigger dogs at the dog park and stays with you so you can keep him safe? If you wanted to test out this theory, you could invite one dog owner with a similar size dog to come and play. If he enjoys playing with one dog, you’ll have your answer.
Since Bosco is so people oriented, maybe you’d want to look into an activity that involves you and Bosco working together (e.g., earn the new CGC title, or Rally), or to share Bosco’s loving personality with others, you could look into therapy dog work (www.akc.org/akctherapydog)
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CITIZEN CANINE readers, would you have any other advice for her?
AKC's Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy Director, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Great advise CGC! Not all breeds are alike, just like people! That is why there is a breed out there for everyone who loves dogs.
I would have the same advice. The first time I took my 2 dogs to the dog park, my schnauzer was “running with the big dogs”, trying to steal their tennis balls with no fear of retaliation! My Kerry Blue on the other hand was traveling along the fence to all the owners for a treat and perhaps a pat on the head! This is why she did earn her CGC Award and does do pet therapy. They’re both terriers, but very different.
I Just loved this response to Sarah. Though dog parks are essential especially in regions of the country that lack open space and have leash laws, dogs do not have to interact with other dogs to have happy lives! Dogs that are more focused on their owners are found be less reactive around other dogs, don’t suffer from leash reactivity and frustration, and are wonderful candidates for many off leash sports and outdoor activities.
And another way to look at it is this. She mentioned that her dog might be a wallflower. That might not mean the dog isn’t enjoying itself. I have 2 kids–one is a social butterfly, in the center of everything. The other is quiet and sits and listens and watches. They are both grown now and I asked the quiet one if she didn’t like being around lots of people. She said no, of course not. She thought it was fun to listen to and watch everyone else and that she wasn’t necessarily not doing anything, but sometimes just chillin’.
As long as the dog isn’t fearful, I would still take them to the dog park. And if there is a small dog section, stay there. Play fetch, chase, doggie games, not just with your dog, but with some of the others also. Your dog might not realize it is okay to play with them and not just focus on you.
Not all dogs enjoy bouncing and playing with other dogs. I started taking my English Cocker boy to local dog parks at a young age; and I believe the exposure helped him grow up to be polite with most other dogs (of course his temperament, created by his sire and dam and breeders, also played a role). He played with other dogs when he was a puppy and young dog; but in his maturity, while he is usually polite with other dogs, he prefers trotting around with his nose to the ground or soliciting attention and treats from other dog owners.
Is your dog happy to go to the dog park? Does he wag his tail and act excited? Does he sit and tremble at the park or is he calm and content? I would pay attention to the cues the dog is giving out. Will he play one on one with another pug or dog away from the park? A dog park can be intimidating so perhaps he doesn’t care so much for it, or, he might be like one of our pugs. We call him Socrates because he loves to just sit very still and watch. It is just who he is. Rescues are always a bit of a puzzle to figure out. Good luck to you!