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Can see that maybe discouraging dogs from only interacting with one specific group of dogs that play in a specific way might possibly be worthwhile advice, but the idea (if I correctly understand what the behaviourists said) that you should always keep moving and not stop to let dogs play seems absolutely terrible.
I mean there's good dog play and bad dog play - I find 3 dogs playing often doesn't work that well, but bigger groups are fine if all the dogs are happy and if they're not, it's usually pretty clear. I guess it cuts down on risk/complication so can see why a behaviourist might suggest it, but I still think that's bad advice.
Am a bit dubious about behaviourists though. I talked to some guy who said his dog's whole personality had changed, was really stressed about it, they'd got a behaviourist in, etc. Discussing it a bit more, it seemed pretty clear the dog was around 10 months and was just a teenager. Ada's whole personality changed for a month or so around that age and she stopped listening, went and sat on her own in evenings and didn't want anything to do with us. She grew out of it shortly after. Was a bit horrified the behaviourist had agreed to take their money.
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Edited my original remark as it was too vague and wrongly suggested there was something wrong with people letting there dogs play in parks together. No behaviourist or anyone else for that matter has suggested i shouldn't let my dog stop and meet other dogs. What i was pointing out (perhaps not very well) was that some of the best behaved dogs i've met are still very playful however those interactions were generally briefer, and more transitional. That might be due to my dog or the relationship i want to have with her but it was intended as a suggestion of keeping the dog engaged with the owner whilst still giving it freedom.
I agree there is some crap out there when it comes to professional help. However the two we have worked with have been great and my unclear comments are a disservice to them.
jono84
Interesting, thanks for taking the time to respond! We've only spent a few mornings with this particular circle group, but def don't recognise the suggestion that they're reactive with other dogs - Owen was that other dog very recently and everyone greeted him very nicely and they all play well. As seemingly happens every time a 'new' dog walked past. I can get that if someone has a reactive dog a big circle of playing dogs probably isn't a great place to be but I'm not sure I see (yet) any detriment to the dogs who are enjoying it. I certainly prefer these dogs being encouraged to engage with other dogs vs the ones who are so ball-focused they will refuse any canine interaction and eyes unmovingly fixed on the ball in the hope of another throw.
As the owner of a silly sweet goofy dog I love to see him play with other dogs (he loves it more than anything else) and the idea of calling him away every time he went up to say hello doesn't seem like it would be in his interests but maybe I'm unknowingly sabotaging his future happiness?