My Pup, the Socialite

The dog park in your neighborhood might have been part of the reason that you adopted a dog. Look at the pooches catching Frisbees together and all the owners laughing and chatting. You think animal lovers are great and you need to get in on that fun!
 
However, like human beings, different dogs like different activities. Your puppy may not be into the dog park. Shucks, but how do you know for sure? Dog trainer Brad Jaffe told The Arizona Republic that you should definitely never force a dog into a social setting (like a dog park) without having an idea of how he or she may react.

He suggests introducing your dog to others when he or she is 10 weeks old in a safe setting and only with well-tempered dogs. Dog training classes often spend some time on socializing, so this may be another way to learn how Rover will handle the park.

How does your dog behave with other pups? Is your dog the life of the party or a shrinking violet? [The Arizona Republic]