Should I bring my Shih Tzu to the dog park?
It would be awesome if a dog park were a safe place for your Shih Tzu puppy to socialize with other dogs. Unfortunately, there are a lot of risks when it comes to taking your Shih Tzu to a dog park. First of all, puppies should never go to a dog park until their vaccine series is complete. It’s simply not worth the risk. Puppies have a weak immune system and are at a high risk of illness if they spend time with a sick animal on their outing. Also, make sure you talk to your vet about how often to deworm your pet. Parasites are usually more frequent in places where there are a lot of dogs.
The next concern I have is the possibility of your Shih Tzu being bitten by another dog or possibly worse. There are stories on the internet from time to time of these horrible encounters. Furthermore, If your Shih Tzu were to survive a dog attack he or she would probably have long-lasting fear because of the negative experience. All Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program are taught to be resilient but I cannot control negative experiences that take place after the puppies leave my home.
On a more positive note, there is another option besides a dog park for your Shih Tzu puppy! Invite a friend or family member over who owns a dog that is completely done with puppy shots. Also, make sure that the dog has an even and friendly temperament. Most Shih Tzus are social creatures and will appreciate the company!
