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As you might all know we got a puppy, Emmet, a few months ago. He's an adorable F1B Goldendoodle and we just love him to pieces. We do however think he is part bunny because he hops everywhere he goes, but the floppy ears and sad little eyes make it impossible to be mad at that little face! He even has his own instagram account (I know!). Recently he had his last puppy shots so we were finally able to take him to the dog park. FYI the dog park is good for more than just dogs. My kids get a better workout there than the dog I think, hah! My oldest son fetches the ball better than Emmet.
So today I'm going to share a few tips with you on training your new puppy at the dog park.
We got Emmet for a few reasons. My oldest son has somewhat of a hard time expressing his emotions. He keeps everything in and just doesn't know how to let it all out. My hope is that Emmet will be not only therapeutic for him, but that he will pass his good citizen's test and can be a therapy dog in hospitals and nursing homes. When we decided on a getting a puppy it was a family affair and we knew the time we would need to invest in him. I also used my mom brain and knew if we were getting a puppy it would need to be in the summer. House breaking a dog and snow just don't fit together well in my world!
Since he's a puppy, we don't yet have a fence, and we are training, we spend lots of time outside at the dog park : )
Tips on Training a Puppy at the Dog Park
- First and foremost, prepare yourself! Be sure to apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to you and your kids’ entire bodies 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Our first trip to the dog park resulted in a few sunburns. Sometimes it's easy to forget about sun exposure when you aren't doing something that isn't usually related to sunburns. I think of sunscreen when I'm going swimming or on a boat, not really when I'm just headed out to the dog park. I learned my lesson! Our favorite to use at the dog park is Banana Boat® Sport Performance®. We are running and chasing a dog so the sweat is inevitable! For my little one there eyeing the bottle I used a baby sunscreen though.
- Treats, don't forget the treats! You will be working hard on sit, stay, and definitely getting him to come to you, you will need treats. Dogs respond well to getting rewards (go figure). I like to carry a Treat Pouch 
(like a total dork), but it really does make dishing out the treats easier, especially when you've got stuff in your hands and are chasing three kids around!
- Don't forget the water bowl! When you spend a while running up and down the field as fast as you can, your doggy is going to be thirsty! A thirsty dog makes it harder to train, when all he can do is thing about how dry his tongue, he probably won't be to into sitting for you. We like to bring a small cooler full of water. This makes carrying easy, it doesn't spill over and no pouring necessary! Don't forget water for you too! You will likely be just as thirsty ; )
- Bring Toys. You can't make it all about learning. You have to let your doggy play. Our new favorite thing to do is the Tennis Ball Launcher
. Emmet doesn't really get it yet, but he will chase it. When he doesn't bring it back my oldest son does. This is why the dog park is great for kids 🙂
- When training at the dog park it is important to remember that just because everyone here loves dogs doesn't mean your frisky little puppy gets to do whatever he wants. If he jumps up, you can't make exceptions if you are trying to teach him not to jump. Go get him and tell him off, no matter how many times the innocent victim says "it's ok, he's so cute, he's just a puppy" in a high pitched voice. Puppies have to learn just like kids, and consistency is important!
Most of all you are here to have fun! So wherever you choose to train your puppy and have some outside time, remember to stay safe from the sun with Banana Boat®.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Banana Boat® . The opinions and text are all mine.
adrian
What a cute doggy. I've sworn off puppies for life, so I like to enjoy other people's puppies. They're like grandkids. You enjoy them til you're tuckered out, then you send them home to Mom & Dad. It is great to see kids 'n dogs though and you're right that the dog park is a great way to get the kids some outdoor time too.
adrian
What a cute doggy. I've sworn off puppies for life, so I like to enjoy other people's puppies. They're like grandkids. You enjoy them til you're tuckered out, then you send them home to Mom & Dad. It is great to see kids 'n dogs though and you're right that the dog park is a great way to get the kids some outdoor time too.
Daniel Rose
I am a fitness trainer in Australia and I was a dog trainer for last 10 years. I love dogs and fitness. Your dog is so cute and dogs training tips you are providing here is really very helpful for your users.
Great job keep it up!!
Ashley
Aww thanks so much!!
Daniel Rose
I am a fitness trainer in Australia and I was a dog trainer for last 10 years. I love dogs and fitness. Your dog is so cute and dogs training tips you are providing here is really very helpful for your users.
Great job keep it up!!
Ashley
Aww thanks so much!!
Charly Rich
You are absolutely right!
Charly Rich
You are absolutely right!
Cyril
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Maria from dogseeks
Bring a toy or a biscuit with you to the dog park. Before you enter the park, call the attention of your puppy and throw the toy or biscuit in the middle of the park. Now teach your dog to fetch the toy by throwing it and calling him to bring it back to you. The important thing is to call him every time and to make him tire himself with the chase. This way, he would obey your command even when he is too tired to chase after the toy.
Maria from dogseeks
Bring a toy or a biscuit with you to the dog park. Before you enter the park, call the attention of your puppy and throw the toy or biscuit in the middle of the park. Now teach your dog to fetch the toy by throwing it and calling him to bring it back to you. The important thing is to call him every time and to make him tire himself with the chase. This way, he would obey your command even when he is too tired to chase after the toy.
lisa
Dogs see their master coming home from work they rush to them and jump on them to show their love. Dogs are honest friends who are always ready to die to save a friend. It can bite a thief or stranger when they ignore its barking and try to mischief. Dogs always give security to the owner day and night.dog niche with breeds
lisa
Dogs see their master coming home from work they rush to them and jump on them to show their love. Dogs are honest friends who are always ready to die to save a friend. It can bite a thief or stranger when they ignore its barking and try to mischief. Dogs always give security to the owner day and night.dog niche with breeds
lisa
Hi,
Dogs are often referred to as canines, which is a term used to describe animals that belong to the family Canidae. This family includes various species of wild dogs, such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes, as well as domesticated dogs.
As you mentioned, dogs have earned the nickname "man's best friend" because of their loyalty and affection towards humans. They are known to be great companions and can provide emotional support to their owners, which can be particularly helpful for people dealing with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.giant maine coon
lisa
Hi,
Dogs are often referred to as canines, which is a term used to describe animals that belong to the family Canidae. This family includes various species of wild dogs, such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes, as well as domesticated dogs.
As you mentioned, dogs have earned the nickname "man's best friend" because of their loyalty and affection towards humans. They are known to be great companions and can provide emotional support to their owners, which can be particularly helpful for people dealing with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.giant maine coon
maria
it was a thoughtful decision aimed at supporting your oldest son emotionally and potentially helping others as a therapy dog. Planning the timing of getting a puppy as a family and considering the practical aspects, like house training during a season without snow, shows how much care and thought went into this decision. It's wonderful to hear how much consideration went into Emmet joining your family!
maria
it was a thoughtful decision aimed at supporting your oldest son emotionally and potentially helping others as a therapy dog. Planning the timing of getting a puppy as a family and considering the practical aspects, like house training during a season without snow, shows how much care and thought went into this decision. It's wonderful to hear how much consideration went into Emmet joining your family!
Emilia
Regular dog care is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Before a new family member arrives, set up a personal space for play, rest, and feeding. Remove any dangerous things that could harm the puppy. After that, it’s time to take care of your pet. This site https://poochamp.com has a lot of useful tips for all dog owners.
Emilia
Regular dog care is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Before a new family member arrives, set up a personal space for play, rest, and feeding. Remove any dangerous things that could harm the puppy. After that, it’s time to take care of your pet. This site https://poochamp.com has a lot of useful tips for all dog owners.
Tom
Training a puppy at the dog park is a great way to socialize them but requires patience. Begin with basic commands in quieter areas, gradually introducing them to other dogs. Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, and watch for signs of overstimulation. Consider using fun names, like Raccoon Names Ideas as cues to make training more engaging.
Tom
Training a puppy at the dog park is a great way to socialize them but requires patience. Begin with basic commands in quieter areas, gradually introducing them to other dogs. Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, and watch for signs of overstimulation. Consider using fun names, like Raccoon Names Ideas as cues to make training more engaging.