Dog Park Tips

A dog park can be a wonderful fun experience for your dog or a stressful and even dangerous one. It’s a good idea to become aware of what might become a problem so you can keep things safe and happy for your dog. Not all dogs enjoy dog parks. Some may when they are younger, some for short amounts of time, others may out grow their desire to come, or some may just be more introverted with other dogs and it isn’t their idea of a fun activity. It’s OK if your dog doesn’t want to participate, remember this is supposed to be fun. It’s not a test of your dog’s temperament or the defining line between if he’s a “good dog” or a “bad dog.” Here are a list of things to keep in mind to help you and your dog.

1) When you enter the dog park it would be best if you entered first. The reason, in this case, is so you are blocking the rush of dogs that come to the gate as you enter.

2) When you leave you should have your dog go out first so you can block other dogs from following you out.

3) Before you leave put your dog’s leash on. Don’t try to put it on after you are out of the gate.

4) Don’t keep you dog’s leash on when in the park unless you can block the other dogs or you risk making your dog will feel unfairly restrained.

5) Be aware of bringing balls or other toys in the park. It is common for dogs to hoard or guard toys. Just because your dog shares doesn’t mean other dogs will and it can lead to problems.

6) It is not a good idea to give treats in the park for the same reason. Some dogs become aggressive around food with other dogs around.

7) Be aware of your dog playing too roughly and of other dogs playing too roughly with your dog. Different dogs have different styles of playing. Just because it’s meant to be a game doesn’t mean another dog will see it that way.

8) A good rule of thumb is to notice if dogs are taking turns being in the upper hand position. Is one dog always chasing or pinning, or do they reverse roles?

9) Dogs have a limit to how long they will want to participate playing with other dogs. Some dogs are good for 5 minutes others can stay in a social group for an hour. It depends on the type of interaction (Too intense, vs playing then relaxing)

10) It’s better to keep it shorter than longer so you don’t overexcite your dog and you keep the experience from becoming stressful. Some dogs will continue to “play” even when they’ve had enough.

11) You may find that dogs form cliques and will gang up on a new dog or one who they consider not part of their group. If your dog is part of the clique block your dog from the new dog and wait to see if we can get them all calm enough to become comfortable with each other.

12) Never allow a group of dogs to chase a single dog.

13) If your dog acts aggressively he may simply be saying “I don’t want to be here.” Don’t reprimand him, just take him out.

14) It’s a myth that dog’s always know best and always work things out. Don’t be afraid to block or intervene as you see fit and if in doubt just leave.

If you have any questions about any of these suggestions or any other aspect of your dog’s behavior please feel free to contact me.