Dogs in Parks

[Walney]

I've been reading a lot of views about what is/isn't acceptable with dogs in parks.

I take mine every morning to a local park after the school run as part of a very informal doggy playgroup. All dogs are off lead and spend their time playing, chasing balls and running and are under control. I know mine doesn't have the best recall but as long as her doggy pals are around will just play and not run off. I am always on the lookout for on lead or new dogs and call her back until they are gone, and other owners are the same. It is also an area set aside for dogs to run.

I'm a little paranoid now that this isn't acceptable but I'd also hate it if we didn't as all the dogs get so much enjoyment from socialising and exercising.

Gorgeous dog, I love Bassets! ❤️ Does any dog have brilliant recall from day one? It takes time, alot of training, then a few mortifying, embarrassing experiences at the park, then more training, then for your dog to go through it's stubborn 'teenage' stage, when they don't give a toss about anything you've trained it, and then you retrain again. I've got two terriers, who are regularly off lead at the park. I've found off lead is alot easier with two dogs, as they've realised no dog in the park is as much fun as each other, and don't look for other dogs to play with, but are happy for other dogs to come to them. Xx

I'm not sure a basset ever outgrows its stubborness! Mine has recently developed a very typical basset trait known as 'flat basset'. She walks to a wall, rubs along it then lies down on her side refusing to move.

I find it is very similar with my dog when with her pals, she is so busy playing with her friends that she would rather do that than run off, but agree, recall is always a work in progress.