Dog is man's best friend, but did you ever stop to think that maybe your precious pooch may need something more?
No, this article isn't about finding your pup a life partner or even a soul mate. It's simply about getting your dog out and about in Sydney and socialising with other canines – something which is very important for your pet. Sometimes, dogs just need to be with other dogs; and if the alternative is having a dog sniff your behind instead of one of their four-legged friends, then we're all for it!
School's in
One of the easiest ways to socialise your dog in a safe and controlled environment is at an obedience school. If you have a puppy, taking it to obedience classes will not only socialise it with other pooches but also teach it vital obedience skills that will come in handy for your as pet owner throughout the dogs life. Some of the larger dog training institutes include the
Sydney Dog Training School in Leppington,
Mutts With Manners, which services the Inner West and City areas and
dogLOGIC which services the Alexandria, Chippendale, Chatswood, St Leonards and Coogee areas.
Of course, classes aren't just for the young. There are dog training schools available for more experienced and mature canines, too. These classes often focus on a particular sport, such as flyball or agility. While many of these are relaxed affairs designed to entertain and socialise your dog while stimulating their brain, these classes can also be a breeding ground for potential Australian champions. Who knows? While taking your pooch somewhere like the
Parramatta International Canine Sports Inc you could be socialising your pet and training them for World Dog Games Gold at the same time.
Dog parks
If you're after a more casual form of socialisation for your dog, fear not – there are heaps of dog-friendly parks in Sydney, including:
Alexandria Park, Alexandria
-Beaconsfield Park, Beaconsfield
-Victoria Park, Camperdown
-Cook & Phillip Parks, CBD
-Green Park, Darlinghurst
-Charles Kiernan Reserve, Darlington
-Beare Park and Macleay Reserve, Elizabeth Bay
-Harry Noble Reserve, Erskineville
-Bicentennial Park, Glebe
-Munn Reserve, Millers Point
-Waterfront Park, Pyrmont
-Redfern Park, Redfern
-Sydney Park, St Peters
-Wentworth Park, Ultimo
-Waterloo Park, Waterloo
Or, for a complete list, visit the
City of Sydney website.
These parks are all great for your dog as they have off-leash areas within them, allowing your canine to really get to know its fellow four-legged friends. And you want to know the best bit? Walking your dog in an off-leash park is absolutely, 100% free – so you have no excuse not to pick up a lead and get out there!
Also, thanks to the good people at the Sydney City Council, many of these parks come pre-equipped with plastic bags and bins for your doggy's do – although it's always best to bring your own, just in case.
On the beach
The beach adds a new level of excitement to dog socialisation and is a great option for those hot summer days. That way, if Fido gets a little too hot after playing with his new pooch pal, he can quickly jump into the oncoming waves and cool off. The important thing to remember here is that not all dogs are confident swimmers – make sure you supervise your dog around water at all times and ensure that they don't bite off more water skills than they can chew! Sydney's dog friendly beaches include Silver Beach in Kurnell and Yarra Bay in Port Botany.
It's all about manners
Of course, there are certain unspoken rules of dog socialisation that owners should adhere to. These include:
-Picking up your dog's mess. Not only is not doing this bad form (how would you like to step in someone else's dog's poo?) but it also carries a hefty fine if you get caught. So don't do it.
-If your dog has displayed aggressive tendencies or isn't well-socialised, keep it muzzled and on a tight leash at all times. If your dog attacks another canine, you will be held responsible.
-Only take your dog off leash if it's well-behaved and responds to your commands. Different dogs have different levels of energy and may or may not be interested in playing. Judge the other dogs energy level and mood and call your pup off if the other dog is not looking happy.
-Make nice with the other dog owners. Who knows? Maybe meeting a fellow dog owner in the park will be the new way to blind date.
