Free to Roam

So yesterday Bryan and I took Zelda to the park, because she was doing so well on the leash, we thought it would be nice to take her to a more enjoyable environment than the streets of New Brunswick.

We got there and started walking down the jog path. She was doing so wonderful for about 5 minutes, then she saw a goose, and lost all focus completely! She became such a terror, pulling, struggling, little tantrums because she wanted to go chase the goose. It was very frustrating, but we kept calm, knowing that the frustration would transfer to her. After about 20 minutes, it became completely useless. She just had too much energy and was all riled up. We got into the car, and decided to check out the dog park. It was only 5 minutes away in another park, I just wanted to see where it was. Bryan had to get back and do some work, so we weren't planning on staying.

When we got there, there were only 2 other dogs there. They were running around, playing, having so much fun. I knew Zelda had to get in there and work off some energy, because she wasn't getting any exercise the way she walks! Pull stop, pull stop, pull stop..... you get the idea.

We decided to stay a few. As soon as Zelda saw the other dogs, she was so excited! I was so amazed at how polite she was. She usually bats dogs in the face when she sees them, which usually causes the other dog to get annoyed and back away...lol. Maybe it was because she was off the leash, but she was very polite, just sniffed their butts and wagged her tail. It was such a joy to watch her! Many dogs showed up shortly after, there were probably about 10 or 12. And I've never seen her run like that! I had no idea she could run that fast, it really was amazing. She was out-running dogs twice her size. Some people asked if she had greyhound in her!

When we brought her home, she was so tired, she just plopped down and barely moved the rest of the day. I knew that was exactly what she needed, being in an apartment and not getting long structured walks.... I think she was getting bored and frustrated.

We took her again today, and once again she had the best time! My favorite part is not only watching her have fun, but I get to play with the other dogs too :) Today she met her soulmate, Dexter, a 10 month old Parson Russell. I though Zelda was fast, man Dexter could run! Zelda spent the whole time chasing him. It looked almost as if Dexter would taunt her and take off, and she was happy to chase. It was great! Dexter was definitely faster than her, but she is 6 months younger, and she kept up pretty well. I can't wait until she's 10 months, she'll outrun them all!

We plan on taking her there a lot until we move. Once we get the townhouse, she'll have a little yard, but it won't be big enough for my little track star. Luckily, there is a privately-owned dog park 6 miles away in Princeton. I saw the pictures on the website, and it looks great. they have little pools for them to cool off in, and even a separate puppy section, large dog section, and small dog section. The membership fee is very reasonable, so I think it will be great for her.

I'm so happy we finally decided to take her to the dog park. I've never seen her have so much fun. I highly recommend dog parks to everyone!