Do's and Don'ts of the Dog Park
Nothing gets the tail waggin’ more than a trip to the dog park! Dog parks are becoming ever more popular these days and there are some important Do’s and Don’ts that every responsible dog owner should know. By following these simple guidelines, your trip to the doggy playground will be fun, happy, and safe!
DO:
- Know Your Dog: Know your dog’s temperament! If you know that your dog does not do well around unfamiliar dogs and/or people, taking them to the dog park is not recommended!
- Know When it’s Time To Go: Trust your instincts! If you feel that the park is getting a little over crowding and you feel uneasy, it’s probably time to head home. Your dog can sense your anxiety and could potentially become protective and aggressive!
- Have Them Up to Date on Vaccines: This DO is always a necessity, no matter what the situation. It could be doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, or even visiting friends and family. This protects you, your dog, and the people you both come in contact with.
- Supervise: Keep your eyes peeled for any unwanted behavior or sketchiness. Everyone is there to have fun, and keeping a watchful eye out is the perfect way to stay free from doggy drama.
- Clean Up After Your Dog: Cleaning up after your pet is a great habit to get into, regardless of where you are. You probably don’t want to go to a dirty park, and nobody else does either.
DON’T:
- Bullying: Never allow your dog to be bullied, and do not allow your dog to bully anyone else. It’s mean, and there is a potential for much more serious consequences if things escalate.
- Treats/Toys: Giving treats and playing with noisy toys near other dogs has a chance to rile up the masses, and nobody wants a riot on their hands!
- Stress: When you stress over your dog or worry about what might happen, your dog and maybe others will pick up on it and get nervous. It’s important to remain calm and stress-free in a populated environment.
- Unleash Your Dog: If your dog is getting a little too hyper or is unresponsive to your commands, avoid letting them off the leash. The leash is your connection to control, and the only way for you to keep your dog in check.
- Bring A Dog In Heat: Bringing a dog in heat to a park full of other dogs is a recipe for disaster. A playdate in the park can wait until after they are fixed, and you will both enjoy your time out together.
