Romeo and the Park

Romeo is an Australian shepherd. Technically a "miniature" since he's way under breed standard. But he's an Aussie through and through. He sticks a little too close to breed standard in terms of temperament - really really reserved around strangers and VERY protective of his owners. He barks a lot at other dogs with us. Not with his dog walker, not with his Aunty Beth. Just with us. So in an effort to calm him down a tad, we've been taking him to the dog park.

Now, we have been strongly discouraged from taking him to a dog park. But since I don't really know anybody with a dog for Romeo to play with, we were left with two options: go to the dog park and find dogs or let Romeo continue to believe that he is actually a cat. So now I take him to the park near home which has an off-leash area. A lot of owners bring their dogs there at all times of the day. So far, it's been good. And we're really careful and watchful. Romeo gets a bit possessive of me at the park. There was a chihuahua mix there yesterday that got a little offended at Romeo's barking and started growling at him. I separated them since I didn't want Romeo to get into a fight on the doggie playground his second time out. Perhaps this is what the dog park naysayers were talking about? I think you just have be aware of what's going on with your dog. What was really wonderful yesterday was that a boy played with Romeo the entire time. I thought Romeo didn't like boys, and this made me feel very proud. The boy asked him to sit, and he did. He's so well-behaved with strangers. He's got them fooled thinking he's a good dog!

Starring: _Romeo_