Dog park etiquette
Our furry friends need physical and mental stimulation and as much as a walk can be a rewarding and constructive activity, most dogs need more.
One solution is taking your dog to a dog run or dog park. These wonderful parks not only allow you to have your dog run freely in a safe area but they encourage socializing which is a crucial factor in raising healthy and well adjusted dogs.
So then comes dog park etiquette, yes there is an expected code of conduct while at the dog park and we’re going to delve into that here.
Take the time to read through this information before taking your dog to a dog park for first time or if you are taking her to a new park.
Dog park basic rules:
• Do not take your intact (not neutered) dog into a dog park. Other dogs will know your dog is not neutered and this can create challenging circumstances with other dogs.
• Remove your dog’s leash while in the park. With all the other dogs in the park not tehered it can make your dog feel vulnerable and it doesn’t allow your dog the ability to react accordingly to a situation with another dog, like moving away or reacting instinctively.
• Avoid bringing your pups favourite toy to the park, conflicts may arise from other dogs moving in on your dogs ball or toy, some dogs tend to resource guard such items that can lead to complications.
• While entering the park, always ensure the proper use of the “two door system” at the entrance by making sure the first door is closed behind you before opening the second door. This prevents dogs who will act as the greeters at the door getting out.
• Pay close attention to your dog’s messes, it is displeasing to step in another dogs poop or to have your dog either walk in or be attracted to poo on the ground. If you happen to be picking up after your dog and notice another poop in the vicinity, clean up both messes as a good K9-Samaritan.
Dog park etiquette involves many things from knowing your park and your animal to following the rules any dog park will have posted usually in many places. Not all dogs are “dog park friendly” that is fine and to be expected, if you take your dog to a park for the first time and notice either aggressive or abnormal behaviour from him, your furry friend may just not be a “dog park dog”.
As mentioned above, the majority of dog parks will feature a double door area to prevent any of the dogs already in the park to leave, this area also allows you a safe place to remove the leash from your dog before entering the park.
Read your park: Take the time before entering the double gate enclosure and look at the other dogs and people in the park. If you see there is a dog that seems to be aggressive or confrontational with the other dogs in the park that may be a red flag for you.
Dog owners who don’t seem to be taking responsible actions to correct unwanted behaviour from their dog may also be a warning for you regarding entering a dog park, incidents happen very quickly and can be more complicated to deal with once they’re happening.
Pay attention to your dog: You have a responsibility to ensure that you observe your dog’s behaviour around the other dogs in the park. Leave your book at home and your phone in your pocket, after all this time should be a shared pleasant experience for both of you.