Playing with other dogs can be tremendous fun

Dog Parks

Dog Parks, their perils and benefits are a controversial issue, with numerous arguments on both sides...

Personally, I see no valid reason why any German Shepherd Dog should be encouraged to play and interact on regular basis with other dogs in the Dog Park, or any other place for that matter, in the name of  socialization.

Dogs, especially German Shepherd Dogs are highly group oriented animals.  They need to belong to clearly defined group or pack if you want to call it this way.  All pup's needs should be fully satisfied within his own group. This is what puppy's very strong instincts are telling him and this is what he expects...

Joys of playing together

Those Leash Free Parks, in my opinion, are  frequented mostly by new,  inexperienced dog owners or lazy, lonely individuals who expect other dogs to exercise their dog and the real reason those individuals are there  is to socialize themselves and gossip with other similar dog owners - and has very little to do with social life of their dogs.

While dog owners smoke their cigarettes and discuss the latest reality shows, their dogs learn to be rude, to bully smaller, younger dogs and learn  quick ways to establish pecking order in any group of dogs. Those dogs terrorize puppies and teach those puppies to be dog aggressive when they grow older.

Of course any young dogs should be exposed to other dogs, but ONLY in the controlled situation.  Your pup should know there are other dogs in the world and those dogs are OK. There are plenty of opportunities in any city to see and meet other well behaved, leashed  dogs strolling with their owners.

Of course, if YOU, the dog owner want to enjoy watching once in a while adorable and funny youngsters playing together, go ahead and let them play once in a while... nothing wrong with that...

However, it is YOU, the German Shepherd Dog owner that should be playing with your dog, tossing the ball, having FUN with YOUR dog.  If there are other friendly dogs around who join your fun, it's ok as long as you and your dog continue to be the main players.  All you have to do is watch for any potential problems and simply leave before anything escalates. The most important thing is that it is YOU that plays and has fun with your pup and he has no opportunity to have better fun with other dogs...

If you don't feel that you yourself are able to provide your German Shepherd Dog with the same level of exhilaration and joy that you  see in Lew D'Souza's amazing Dog Park Album, perhaps you should re-think your suitability as a German Shepherd Dog owner/partner...