Visiting the dog park is like walking through the halls of a high school. So many characters, so many personalities. Just like us humans, each dog has their own personality and tolerance level. Some are social butterflies; some are bullies and some are wall flowers.
Since moving to Florida, Ruger and I have explored the local dog parks and taken strolls everywhere dogs are welcome. We are both loving the dog friendly environment we now live in. Most businesses provide water bowls at their doors for thirsty dogs walking past. Many allow dogs to accompany their owners on a patio or beach bar. Dogs here are generally relaxed and behave in public settings because they are used to being allowed.
Every visit to the dog park has a different dynamic. Some days there are lots of other dogs, large dogs, the kind he loves to interact with and run with. Some days there are many little dogs, the ones that bark at him and confuse him as they assert dominance from their 10 pound bodies. His favorite thing in the world is to find another dog willing to chase him. Being chased endlessly around the palm islands is somehow the one thing that satisfies his energy.
We have learned to avoid a pair of Goldendoodles, walked by their elderly female owner. The female Doodle has decided, that for whatever reason, she does not like Ruger. She will immediately charge and bark at him. And not in a playful manner. Despite what her irresponsible owner thinks. It has been the only dog to date that I have had to get between so that my dog could escape. If my German Shepherd were to react and nail that Doodle for what she initiated, he would be the one to blame. He is after all the aggressive breed, and Doodles can do no wrong. Insert eye roll.
Some people come to the park and walk the trails briskly, with headphones on, their dog trying to keep up. No stopping or interacting with anyone. Some people come with an entire family, and continue to call their dog, not allowing him to stop and sniff. Some groups of people meet up specifically to socialize, and allow their dogs to socialize in a pack, while getting their steps in for the day. I’ve met some very friendly people who engage in conversation, and some who are busy on a cell phone and in their own world. The human personalities vary as much as the dog breeds here.
Recently Ruger and I visited a dog friendly bar, that not only allows dogs, but caters to them. Set in a lush garden, the Hawaiian tiki themed patio immediately offered him a large bowl of water and his own dog themed menu. While I sipped a cocktail he dined on carrot and peanut butter muffins. I have always taken my dogs to places and shared my life and experiences with them whenever I could, but this takes it to another level. And it makes me miss my old boy Rooster so much. He would have loved this and been the most perfectly behaved dog everywhere. Now that Ruger is getting a bit older and is exposed to so many more dogs and experiences here, he is already becoming such a more well behaved and laid-back boy. He was a difficult pup, but is turning into Rooster a little bit more every day. Living in a place now that does not isolate him to a yard surrounded by woods is definitely shaping his behaviors for the better.
Just like in Michigan, we have found a ‘Chuck E Cheese’ here as well. A place where you can take your dog, sit and enjoy a beverage while your pup plays with other dogs for hours. There are TV’s with sports games for the humans, and splash pads and pools for the dogs. The dogs are allowed everywhere with you, including the bathrooms, and the indoor bar. And unlike the real Chuck E Cheese, where other peoples kids may run up to you, this is a place where I don’t mind if someone’s dog choses to suddenly climb on my lap.
This morning I walked Ruger through our neighborhood, greeting people with a ‘good morning’ as we pass. Some are exercising, eyeing the large dog suspiciously and waiting to see if he will bark at them. Some walk other dogs and cross the street, only to find out that my dog will actually ignore their dog completely while we continue on our way. A man in a truck stopped to tell me how handsome my dog is as we watched three peacocks cross the street. Ruger watched them intently and backed up in surprise as they flew on a nearby roof. Balancing a coffee mug in one hand, and holding his leash in the other, I am so glad we taught him not to run after squirrels or birds.
Socializing our dogs is so very important, and I am so glad I get to do that now in such a dog friendly place.
