Socializing the pup

One of the best discoveries since we got Crockett is the Broadneck Dog Park. The park, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, looks like most surburban recreation complexes with the usual soccer & softball fields and playgrounds. It also includes a 2+ acre fenced area created just for dogs. The rules are posted and most people follow them. They include cleaning up after your pet, watching them at all times, and no aggressive behavior. That last rule is obviously open for interpretation. Crockett was intimidated on his first couple of visits. Some of the dogs picked on him because of his size. But he's now learned to hold his on with the big dogs. He's even made some friends that he likes to play with more than others. We try to go most evenings. As soon as I pick up his leash he starts jumping and barking happily. Once we get there he goes nuts trying to get out of the truck. We usually stay 30 minutes or so and he runs until he's tired, then walks up to me as if to say, "I'm ready to go home now." One of the fringe benefits is that I'm meeting some of the other dog owners and enjoying the conversation. -S