Enjoying the Dog Park in a Safe Way
Dog parks are a great way for dogs to socialize, run around freely and breathe in the fresh air. Seeing your dog get excited in the car ride over only adds to the experience. However, it is important to make sure that the experience is good for both of you. Here are a few tips to make sure that you both have a safe and positive experience.
1. Visit the Dog Park Ahead of Time Without Your Dog
As a pet parent, going to a dog park can be a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals and interesting canines. Visiting the dog park ahead of time allows you to see if you feel comfortable with the people and dogs that may frequent there.
If you don’t like the way that the owners handle their dogs or the way that the dogs are interacting with each other, it might be best to move on to your next option.
Keep in mind that if you have recently adopted a dog, take him or her to the dog park at a time when there aren’t going to be many others there. This will allow your adopted dog to calmly explore its environment without a lot of distractions.
2. Choose to Visit Smaller, Less Crowded Dog Parks
Keeping a close eye on your dog is much easier at a smaller park with fewer people and dogs in it. The busiest times to visit dog parks are on the weekend, and the least crowded times are generally early in the morning.
Plan on keeping your dog off its leash when it is playing inside of the dog park. This is important because otherwise, several dog leashes can become entangled. When this happens, it creates confusion and the dogs can get hurt.
3. Be Certain That Your Dog Obeys Commands
Make sure that your dog is ready to visit the dog park by teaching your dog basic commands first. Particularly if your dog has a lot of energy and not a lot of training, taking him to the dog park may be challenging for you both.
If you have trained your dog on the basic commands, that is a great start. Speaking in a calm but firm tone when you tell your dog a command will help to keep your dog under control when playing in a dog park.
4. Exercise Your Dog Before You Go
It might seem a bit silly to take your dog out on a walk before you take him to the dog park, but here is why it is a good idea.
If he has been inside of the house all day, he is just waiting to run around. If his first opportunity to do so is when he gets to the dog park, he might be too energetic for the other dogs in the area. Let him get some of his energy out of his system before being around new dogs.
5. Keep Your Eyes on Your Dog at All Times
It is of the utmost importance that you watch what your dog is doing and how he is interacting with other dogs at all times. Pay attention to the body language of your dog and other dogs nearby.
Should another dog act aggressively towards your dog, don’t hesitate to go ahead and leave the park. Your dog’s safety and your peace of mind are not worth the risk.
6. Clean Up, Everybody Clean Up
It should go without saying, but it is important that you always, clean up after your dog, wherever you go, including the dog park. Stepping in dog poop could really ruin someone else’s day.