I had a lovely conversation with a new dog owner in the park today, where she has a nervous dog. She brought her dog to the park today because she wanted her dog to socialise and play with other dogs, (she had done lots of training to get to this point). We were discussing how great it is to see dogs just being dogs, they learn from each other, so they can tell other dogs off or just have a wonderful time playing, running and just being friends.
It’s wonderful that these dogs are able to recognise when they need to be gentle and distinguish that with their normal pals where they chase and do rough and tumble play.
I fully expect horrible replies to this as it seems that its the normal thing to not let dogs play or be introduced to new dogs, its just a shame because they do get huge enjoyment and social benefit from being allowed to play. Goes without saying that all dogs are under control and have responsible owners so we don’t let them run off. I just find it hard to see this lovely behaviour and playing and then constantly read posts about dogs being reprimanded for wanting to play. Dogs are social animals and I don’t like how it is normal to separate them and not allow introductons to new dogs happen.