Since we came back to DC, Beau hasn’t really had a chance to play with other dogs and this is something I desperately want for him as it is great exercise at his own pace, good for his development and expends a surprising amount of mental energy. But, his overly enthusiastic vocalizations make him terrifying to the average dog owner on the street and the dogs we know personally (with the coolest owners, my friends) aren’t big enough to play with Beau as his heavy feet and pony-sized goofiness would accidentally hurt their tiny feet. There is a Great Dane in our building but her human doesn’t seem interested in hanging out with me. I wonder why? 🤣🤣🤣

Anyway, at the recommendation of a friend, we headed to Guy Mason Park for a cruise by the dog park, in hopes it was empty and we could play fetch. It wasn’t empty but Beau gave perfect play posture to the two pups inside AND with the owner’s permission, we went inside.
Quick note: I DO NOT advocate going to dog parks and never plan to take Beau to a dog park with the intention of letting him run loose amongst lots of dogs. This was a special circumstance based on his reaction, the reaction of the other dogs, conversations with the owners, and everyone being hyper-vigilant and in control of their dogs.

Both owners were calm and knowledgeable dog people who knew their dogs temperament and body language and all three boys had a great time! It was so nice to see Beau getting to be a goofy puppy and running around with other dogs. He chased Archie and Mocha and got chased in return. They spun, and ran, and wrestled and everyone had a blast!

Much like an overstimulated child, Beau got a little wound up towards the end, but he was pretty responsive to my commands, so we suited back up and said goodbye to our new friends. We had a great leisurely walk home and this big boy was out like a light the rest of the evening.

A huge thanks to Mocha and Archie and their awesome humans!!