Dog social groups & dog parks

The following content is from our very own puppy training handbook - "Puppy Pathways" by Mayleigh Manners

Dog parks might, at first, seem like a lot of fun for your dog. However, they come with many risks.

Not all dogs love every other dog; in fact, most of them don’t! Do you love every other human you meet?

Dog Social Groups

Dog Friendly

Enjoys the company of almost every other dog.
Ideal for puppies starting out in socialisation.
Actively seeks out and enjoys interactions with other dogs.
Tolerates and even encourages rough or rude behaviour from other dogs.
Rare for adult dogs to remain in this category.
As dogs mature, most move beyond this stage to the next social group.

Dog Tolerant

Gets along with most other dogs.
Can be neutral or playful with other dogs.
Has a generally ‘long fuse’ and solid communication skills.
Usually behaves well on a leash around other dogs.
Needs basic supervision and guidance from humans.
Puppies who may later become more selective or aggressive might begin here.
This is a common stage for adult dogs as they mature.

Dog Selective

Prefers a smaller circle of approved dog friends, often based on specific types or groups.
May experience infrequent and quick scuffles.
Often has a ‘short fuse’ or lower tolerance for certain dogs.
Dislikes certain play styles, ages, or breeds.
Less comfortable on leash around other dogs.
May act as the ‘fun police’ or instigate conflicts in group settings.
Requires frequent supervision and positive guidance from humans.
Rare in puppies, but concerning if they've only had positive dog interactions.
Quite common for mature dogs.

Dog Aggressive

Has a very limited number of dog friends, often just those they’ve grown up with or live with. They may have no friends at all.
Exhibits poor social skills.
Can be quick to react, especially when on a leash.
They may appear social initially, but become aggressive when in close proximity to other dogs.
Requires constant supervision around other dogs and the guidance of an experienced owner to avoid dangerous situations.
Highly unusual in puppies.
Uncommon in mature dogs unless they’ve had negative experiences with other dogs.

Given these social groups, it’s crucial not to place our dogs in an enclosed space with unfamiliar dogs. Doing so can teach them inappropriate behaviour, lead to trauma, and increase the likelihood of fights breaking out. Dog parks can also promote passive ownership, where owners sit and chat with others instead of actively supervising their dogs, reinforcing recall training and addressing undesirable behaviour.

It’s much safer to arrange playdates with other dogs who are compatible with your dog’s play style and have owners who understand dog behaviour.

Once your puppy has a reliable recall, you can take them to an off-leash park that is not enclosed and large enough for owners to maintain their own space. It’s safer to allow your dog off-leash this way, or to explore with a long line attached.

After your puppy is fully vaccinated, you may want to enroll them in a professional doggy daycare with qualified trainers once a week. This setting provides a controlled environment where your puppy can learn to interact appropriately and safely with other dogs.