Dog Parks - What You Should Know Before You Go

OVERVIEW

A day at the dog park is like a dozen walks on a leash in terms of physical and mental benefits for your pet. Taking your dog on a fun trip to the dog park has numerous benefits for your four-legged best pal, including a healthy boost of socialization and exercise. You and your dog will experience all sorts of different dogs there, from large dogs that love to run to fluffy dogs that can’t help but roll around in the grass. As great as the dog park sounds, there are a couple of things to keep in mind, including your own dog’s behavior and, of course, the dog park etiquette rules both you and Fido need to know. However, for some, a dog park might be an anxiety-provoking or even dangerous prospect. To help make your trip as safe and fun as possible, here are some things to know before you go and once you get there.

BEFORE YOU GO

Don't take young puppies to the park. They can be hard to control. People find them cute, but older dogs often think they’re a pain. Plus, those who haven’t yet had all their shots can be exposed to life-threatening diseases. Depending on maturity, wait until your pup is 6 to 9 months old before you go. While young puppies should socialize with dogs of different sizes and ages, it’s safest to do this initially through one-on-one interactions or puppy socialization classes before they go to the dog park.

Know when to go. Basic good manners should help you avoid most problems. A little extra effort on your part will help. But don't go to the dog park if your furry pal:

  • Isn’t vaccinated or doesn't have flea and tick protection;

  • Isn't spayed or neutered; a female in heat or coming into season can be very problematic;

  • ·         Is what the ASPCA calls a "dog dork." These are dogs that just don't know how to interact, no matter how hard they try. Other canines may find them just as annoying as young puppies;

  • Is showing signs of illness .

Fido should know and obey basic obedience commands – such as come, down, and stay – in distracting environments prior to going to a dog park. If your dog is tuning you out when they’re having fun, you won’t get his attention at the dog park.

Socialize your dog with other compatible dogs before you go. Start with individual play dates or meet-ups with a small group of dogs that are compatible. If your dog is shy or nervous, the dog park may be a nightmare for them.

Know your dog’s personality before taking them to the dog park:

  • A dog who has a history of playing well with other dogs can be a good candidate for a dog park visit.

  • Reactive or aggressive dogs may not welcome an onrush of strange dogs anywhere, including a dog park. If your pup shows any reactivity like barking, teeth baring or growling, he’s not ready for the park. Also, if your dog gets overexcited, this could cause another dog to react, which could lead to a fight.

  • Resource guarders, depending on what they guard, may not do well in a dog park. Dogs that guard their owners, their water dish, or even a ball or stick may not interact well with other dogs.

  • If your dog’s social history with other dogs is unknown, try introducing them via a private play date to one other very social dog first, and watch their body language closely. The dog park is not the best place to test the social skills of a dog with an unknown history.

Bring water.  Pack water and a bowl (or even a portable dog water bottle) so your dog has access to clean water. Along with keeping your pup hydrated, you’ll give your dog a chance to touch base with you.  Also, the water facilities in parks can sometimes be a way for dogs to transmit illnesses like kennel cough.

ONCE THERE

Being aware of common-sense dog etiquette rules will help keep everyone at the park safe and happy, ensuring a pawsitively wonderful experience. The following are some of the most common etiquette rules to remember once you are at the dog park, ensuring you both are kind and courteous guests.

Take charge. Your dog needs to know that you're the alpha animal all the time. That’s key when other canines are around. Teach your pal to come to you when called. Use a word or phrase they are not likely to hear at the park. Reward them with extra-special treats during training.

Pause before you enter. A well-designed park will have a double entrance with two gates. Don't whirl through both gates at once. Enter the first gate with your dog on a leash, then pause to look around. If there are 20 dogs swarming the gates or if there’s a scuffle going on, this isn't the time to barge in. A pause will also allow other pooches to get used to yours and not go hyper when they do come in, as well as disperse and reduce the excitement of the initial contact.

Don’t keep your pup on a leash. Although you should leash your dog while walking to the park, never leave that leash on your dog in the park. Before entering the play area, remove the leash while in the double-gated air lock. The presence of a leash can be a major stressor. It prevents them from moving away from other animals and can result in a feeling of being trapped, which can lead to aggressive or defensive behavior.

Pay attention. Once inside, it's your job to keep an eye out for the dogs, not other humans. Dog parks are primarily for the dogs - human socialization should take a back seat. Also, if you see a lot of people standing around and talking, or even just looking at their phones, proceed with caution. They could be missing warning signs that play is getting too rambunctious or specific dogs might not be getting along. Also, if you see somebody bringing in several dogs, you may want to skip the park until they leave, as it’s difficult to watch the behavior of so many dogs at once. Always know where your four-legged friend is and what they are doing. If you see trouble brewing, call them back right away. Know when your dog has pooped so you can scoop, too. Many parks provide plastic bags, but it can’t hurt to take your own.

Read the signals. Not only should your dog play well with others if you plan to take them to the park -- you need to be able to read canine behavior, too. Dogs at play have relaxed ears, wagging tails, and may "play bow" with their front end down to the ground. Upset hounds hold their tails at half-mast or between their legs. Their ears are pinned back, and their pupils shrink so you can see the whites of the eyes. A dog that’s ready to rumble will be tense, hold their head high, and will lean forward. Their ears will point up or forward, too. While growls are common in play, snarling with lips curled back isn’t. If you see these danger signs, redirect the dog with treats, toy or loud noise. Use treats and toys only when needed in a dog park, in case they spark trouble. If your dog seems uncomfortable or overexcited, or she’s simply not enjoying the park, it may be time to leave so that nothing bad happens. Do the same if your dog is being aggressive or getting too wound up.

Don’t give treats to other dogs. If the park does allow treats, give them at appropriate times, and only to your dog. You don’t want to hand them out in the presence of unfamiliar dogs, as it could lead to aggression and guarding. Plus, some dogs may have food allergies. And while you may occasionally spoil your pooch with human snacks, there are some common foods dogs shouldn’t eat, no matter where they are.

Keep your first visit short and sweet. You want your dog to have positive associations with the dog park, which is why it’s best to keep that first visit short (30 minutes or less). Go at a time when the park is quieter, and let your dog get used to the setting. If there are other calm dogs around and your pup is interested, let them casually interact.

Always (yes ALWAYS) pick up your dog’s poop. This should be a no-brainer no matter where you are, but it’s especially true at the dog park. “Beyond being a courteous and respectful gesture, picking up after your dog also prevents the spread of common bacteria and parasites. Many dog parks provide dog poop bags, but it’s best to pack your own, just in case they run out.

Avoid the 3 Ps: packing, possession, provoking

  • Packing. When gauging if your dog is doing OK at the park, three variables can come into play: The first is “packing,” which is when multiple dogs are together. While we want our dogs to play, we want to make sure they’re not packing, as it can be intimidating to other dogs that aren’t part of the pack. Dogs can also become very excited in a pack, and that could lead to fights. If packing is happening, lead your dog away to a more neutral area.

  • Possession. If your dog is possessive or protective of you, or of a stick, then any dog or person who approaches could cause your dog to react badly.

  • Provoking. If your dog is provoking (consistently going after other dogs or causing trouble), it’s a good sign your pup is too excited and should leave.        

Don’t interrupt positive play. If your dog loves to play with other dogs, be encouraging of this positive, healthy behavior. Just keep an eye on the play so you can spot and prevent any issues from happening. Well-mannered play includes bouncy movements, play bows and taking turns while wrestling. If you see excessive barking or stiff body language and raised fur on any of the dogs at the park, that means things probably aren’t going too well, and you should take your dog out of the situation as a precaution.

Know what to do if a fight breaks out. Is it a ‘fight’ or a ‘scuffle’? A brief scuffle with growling or barking, with little to no physical contact, can be an opportunity for dogs to learn from each other. However, it could turn into a fight. The following may provide guidance on how to respond to a confrontation:

  • Give it a moment. Most doggie duels end as quickly as they started.

  • If they go at it for more than a few seconds, try to squirt them with a hose or water pistol, or use a long stick to push them apart. Don't step in with your hands or body.

  • If they’re still fighting after about 3 seconds, you and the other owner should approach the dogs from the rear. Gently grab their back legs at the top of the leg and lift them up like a wheelbarrow then start moving back. Don't reach for the collar. Your dog could bite you by reflex.

Kids. If kids are allowed, it’s never a good idea to take small children to a dog park because they can get scared, knocked down, or hurt by dogs running around and playing.

Small dogs. Very small dogs should go to special parks only for dogs their size to keep the play safe. Make sure the fencing is secure for the size of your dog.

Accept that the park isn’t for everybody. If you’ve got a pup that doesn’t do well at the park or prefers not to be around other dogs, there are other ways to challenge your furry friend physically and mentally, such as hiking in more remote areas, dog sports and/or obedience classes.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD DOG PARK?

Good dog parks are well-maintained and have secure fencing and air locks (enclosed entry/exit areas between two gates). The very best dog parks also have posted rules. It’s a good sign when a dog park requires that all dogs entering are licensed and vaccinated. Some dog parks even require that dogs are pre-registered (in other words, you need a pass to get in) and are spayed or neutered. Although the rules might seem onerous, the better-regulated dog parks are usually safer.