Like people, dogs need mental and physical exercise. Many dogs enjoy opportunities to play with other dogs. For these social dogs, going to the dog park can allow them to see, hear, and smell new things as they exercise with other dogs. Active dogs are healthier. So, let’s consider if your family should take a trip to the park.
What is proper etiquette at the dog park?
Scout the park. Make your first visit to the park without your dog. Look around, walk the perimeter, and observe the park guests (human and canine). Check for other entrances or hidden openings your dog could slip through.
Avoid rush hour. As a new park visitor, your dog may be more at ease when the park isn’t crowded. Let your dog become acquainted with the surroundings during a less busy time. It will be easier for both of you to focus without the distraction of lots of dogs and owners.
Obey the rules. Your dog may be smart, but they can’t read. It’s your responsibility to read and obey all posted rules. Common rules in many dog parks include: clean up after pets; leave bicycles and strollers at home; ensure you’re confident in your ability to call your dog reliably away from distractions; and keep sick dogs at home. Some zones may be designated for off-leash play, while others may require that your dog be leashed.
Leave human children at home. It’s great to have your children play with your dog, but it’s best to do that without the interference of other dogs. Even though your child and dog may get along wonderfully, not all dogs are well-socialized with kids. And just because a dog loves children doesn’t mean they won’t barrel over a toddler during a game of chase.
Limit toys and treats, but not water. Don’t pack the entire toy box or pantry for a park excursion. It’s OK to give your dog a treat but brandishing lots of toys and treats may create conflict with other park patrons. Bring bottled water and a collapsible water bowl if your dog park does not have a dog-friendly water fountain. Do not give treats to other dogs without their caregivers’ consent.
Observe age restrictions. Some parks do not allow young puppies, for many reasons. Pups under four months of age who aren’t fully immunized are at risk of infection if they encounter a dog harboring a contagious illness. Small pups are more vulnerable to injury, even by well-intentioned larger dogs. And young pups may become overwhelmed and frightened if they are suddenly bombarded by multiple new faces, whether human or canine. Socialize your pup gradually, vaccinate and de-worm them regularly, and let them grow a bit before venturing out into an off-leash dog park.
Control your dog. Bring a leash to restrain your dog as needed. Make sure your dog heeds basic verbal commands. They may get so excited to be around their friends that they temporarily forgets their manners. If you have multiple dogs, consider bringing only one or two at a time so that you can adequately supervise.
Be aware of your dog’s physical condition. Don’t bring your dog to the park if they are sick or injured. This isn’t good for your dog or their playmates. No one wants to share sniffles, coughs, or diarrhea. Also, it’s best to leave female dogs at home when they are in heat.
Supervise your dog (and everyone else’s). Spending time with your dog in the company of others is a joy. It is not an appropriate time for reading or playing games on your phone. While you are distracted, you may miss something fun — or dangerous. Always be ready to call your dog to interrupt inappropriate play.
Be nice. Don’t correct someone else’s dog but notify the caregiver if you observe behaviors that could be dangerous or could frighten a dog or person. If someone complains about your dog’s behavior, keep an open mind, and try to remedy the situation. The park won’t be so fun if you make enemies.
How will I know if my dog isn’t a good fit for the dog park?
Some dogs are not a good fit for the dog park — and that’s ok! Just like some humans love going to the shopping mall for fun and others feel more comfortable at home or visiting with a few well-known friends, dogs have social preferences, too. Play between adult dogs who don’t know one another is not necessarily a “normal” dog behavior. If you visit the dog park, monitor your dog for signs of stress, such as shaking off when not wet, yawning when not tired, sniffing the ground or eating grass when a dog or human looks at or speaks with them, or avoiding other dogs or humans.
If your dog chases dogs who are attempting to avoid interactions, or gets into scuffles with others, your dog may not be a good fit for the dog park and would be better exercised a different way. Going to the dog park can be an exciting outing for your dog and a time for the two of you to bond. By following some simple, common-sense rules, you can ensure that you, your dog, and everyone else at the dog parks have fun safely and courteously.
