There was a time when our dogs were able to roam neighborhoods, playing with kids and carousing with other dogs. Dogs grew up with finely developed social skills, kids weren’t bitten and there were hardly ever dog fights.
Times have changed, as has the law. Dogs are now required to stay locked up and don't have a chance to develop those social skills.
To help overcome this, we conduct Large Field Socialization sessions on Sunday mornings at 8 am at South Park in Denham Springs.
Dogs are released into a fenced area where they run, shoulder bump, jump over one another, scoot under one another and challenge one another to play. They come away better able to read other dogs' body language, and became truer to their nature as a social creature.
Parks are outlets for recreation and leisure. People bring toys for their dogs, play fetch and lounge at benches while their dogs are at play. Large Field Socialization gatherings are instead therapy sessions for dogs to learn how to be a dog within a pack. We ask for as little human interaction with the dogs during the session as possible. Toys are not permitted and we do not practice commands during the session. What’s more, we constantly walk laps around the edge of the field to help reduce any issues with territory. You will get a bit of cardio work along with your dog.
In order to help the dogs establish and maintain an optimal pack, it is crucial for them to begin and end the session at the same time. Please arrive ten minutes early and plan to stay in the field for the entire hour.
Obedience training is very helpful in establishing you as your dog’s leader, but in order to have a relaxed, confident pet, whom you can take anywhere you want without them becoming frightened or defensive, there is nothing more valuable than Large Field Socialization.
When you enroll in the obedience course, you receive access to Large Field Socialization at no additional charge.
Come join us; your dog will be a better pet because of it.