A Big Day For Our Little Girl

Today, Aaron, myself, my sister and my mom took Harley and Tucker to the dog park. Aaron and I were VERY nervous because Harley always seemed aggressive toward other dogs; she barks, jumps toward, hair up, etc. So we have been very leery to take her to the dog park. When she was a puppy, she went ALL the time and she LOVED it! But one dog, a German Shepherd, always tried to hump her and it really bothered her and she would get mad; ever since then she has shown aggressive behavior to other dogs, but especially toward German Shepherds.

We decided to try and take her to the dog park because lately on her walks she has been very calm, listens well and not distracted or easily upset by passing dogs. We thought maybe now that Tucker, my sisters puppy, has been around for a while, she is getting more used to other dogs being around. And also since she is getting a little older now (3 tomorrow!) that maybe she has calmed down a bit.

Anyhow, so we all jump in the car to head on down to the dog park...I am excited, yet nervous. My mom and sister took Tucker right into the park and Aaron and I decided we would take two laps around the outside of the park to see how she would react and handle it all. We were really nervous and there were 30+ dogs at the park and I just wasn't really sure how she would do with a few dogs, let alone more than 30! She did her 2 laps, walked calmly next to our side, passed other dogs without a growl, heavy breathing or jumping. We were feeling pretty good and thought maybe it would work. We started to head into the park and as we are heading in, a big German Shepherd is heading out! Harley's nemesis!! The German Shepherd and Harley start sniffing each other; and actually this is a HUGE deal as Harley doesn't usually let other dogs that close to her...she usually starts barking and lunging forward. The keep sniffing and Harley's tail is wagging, and then out of nowhere, Harley jumps up at the dog! I was scared! But I guess she just wanted to play...but it is hard to tell and I was nervous on top of that.

Aaron was very nervous too, but we tried not to show her that because we didn't want her to feel that from us. We finally, reluctantly, brought her inside the park and decided to keep her on her leash to see how she would do and that way we would still be in control of her. Many dogs came over and sniffed her, and she sniffed back. She showed NO aggressiveness! We did this for about 10 minutes. She seemed to be doing really well and she actually was starting to walk to other dogs, wanting to play, and since she wasn't showing any aggressive behavior, we took her off the leash. I was SO nervous that I was nearly shaking!

She's off her leash...and guess what? She did AWESOME!! She played with the 30+ dogs and had a great time for 2 hours! She especially loved playing with these 2 pit bulls and a Doberman. She truly did amazing playing with all the dogs, coming when called, etc. I was so very proud of her!! Actually, so proud that my eyes got all teary! Aaron and I hugged, watched her and felt incredibly proud of our little girl! We are going to take her again tomorrow! And tomorrow I am taking my video camera!! I know, I know, but I am very proud of her and she is like our baby to us and I want it on tape! Here our a couple of pictures of her at the park from Aaron's cell phone.