Dog Parks can be great fun for you and your dog, they are a great way for everyone to get outside and enjoy the weather. They can be great for socialization purposes and a way to blow off that extra energy that many dogs have. There can also be negative experiences associated with dog parks but these could be easily avoided. Here are some dog park tips to making a good and fun trip for both your dog and everyone else.
1. Avoid letting your dog mob other dogs that enter or may already be in the park especially if you do not know the dog. It is important to watch how the other dogs respond to your dog’s greeting and keep an eye out for signs of fear or anxiety.
Basic training can help avoid some very unfavourable situations while in the Dog Park. Having a well-established recall will be very useful.
2. Toys: If your dog has a tendency to steal toys or really likes playing fetch having your own balls or your re-call can come in to play when avoiding this situation. Keeping in mind dogs can become aggressive over toys it can be a good idea to indulge your dog in other activities and keeping them away from these scenarios.
3. Watching how other dogs are interacting and how they respond to your dog, they may not want to involve your pup. Dogs can get irritated with pushy behavior and calling your dog away to engage him in more appropriate play with you or a toy will avoid any confrontation.
4. Playing can quickly turn into bullying where one dog may be having fun but the other is getting trampled, or both dogs can get too excited and fun play all of the sudden can turn into a fight. Calling your dog to stop the play can give them a nice break to calm down and relax before returning to controlled play.
5. While most people at a dog park like dogs they do not like being jumped on or body slammed. Train your dog to greet people by sitting politely or quickly call away before they have the chance to jump on anyone.
6. Unfortunately the number one reason why dogs get into trouble is because their people are ignoring them. Keep an eye on your dog to help avoid any small altercations.
By following these small and simple steps you, your dog, and everyone else can enjoy all the benefits of the dog park while keeping everyone safe and happy.
