Want to take your dog to the dog park? Learn what to watch out for and how to have fun while there
Dog parks can be a great spot for your pup to run free and socialize with other dogs. But as with any good thing, it can also come with some potential setbacks that you’ll want to avoid as best you can.
When it comes to choosing a dog park for you and your pup to play at, you’ll want to make sure it’s up to standard to keep you and your dog safe while there. That’s why it’s important to be discerning: check that other pets and their owners are following rules, ensure there aren’t any hazards lying around, and understand what the vaccination and aggressive dog rules are. But even the best dog parks can have a few hiccups here and there, so we’ve got a few handy tips to follow to ensure you and your pet have the best time every time.
Rules can sometimes feel like a drag, but they’re there for a reason. When figuring out what dog parks to frequent, you’ll certainly want to go to one where the rules of play and use of the park are clearly stated. Why? Dogs are animals and as such, they can act like it at times. Posted rules preventing aggressive animals, size restrictions, and more help to mitigate any dangerous or unsafe conditions at a place that’s meant to be fun and enriching for you and your pet.
A good list of rules can vary, but many focus on tips and tricks that can benefit your pet in the long run, such as getting them familiar with the space before letting them off leash, keeping drinking water on hand, and recommending that owners keep dogs within voice range should they need to recall them.
Think of a trip to the dog park like a field trip from when you were a kid. It’s best to bring what you might need, just in case. For the bare minimum, we recommend bringing fresh drinking water. Even if it isn’t a hot day, rough playing can work your dog up to a thirst and you’ll want to keep them hydrated.
Snacks and treats are beneficial for getting your dog’s attention or rewarding them for good behavior, but dog parks can be pretty unpredictable when it comes to food. Some other pets might smell what you’ve got on hand and so we recommend leaving those in the car or at home as often as possible.
And while going light on what to bring is recommended, we can’t stress enough that having supplies on hand for emergencies is useful. Now, you won’t need to carry around a first aid kit while playing fetch with your pet, but having it in your car can be useful. After all, accidents do happen and being prepared is always better than being caught off guard.
The dog park is, unfortunately, not a place to relax and turn off your mind completely. Vigilance is important, especially with a handful of dogs that your pet has never interacted with before in a relatively unregulated and uncontrolled environment. While you can only truly control your own dog’s behavior, many incidents can be avoided by keeping a watchful eye on the body language of other dogs (as well as your own)!
While some dogs are naturally nervous or exhibit certain behaviors that aren’t exactly favorable, one or two don’t necessarily call for you to pack your bags and head home. However, if you notice a dog that’s excessively panting, licking their lips, tucking their tail, or giving the whale eye, you may want to pay special attention to that animal and keep your pet away from them.
Incidents or attacks can happen fairly quickly. It’s why it’s so important for owners to be watchful at all times. If you notice an animal — either your own or someone else’s — that is excessively drooling, lunging, growling, or fleeing then you should remove your dog from the situation. It’s not ideal when the fun has to end sooner than you’d like, but protecting your pet is the top priority.
🚨Learn how to safely break up a dog fight.
If you notice a dog vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, remove your pet from the dog park immediately. Even if your dog is vaccinated, there’s still a chance they could get sick from other dogs. It’s better to be safe than sorry in these scenarios.
Something else to remember when at the dog park is that not only should you be watching out for signs of aggression or illness, but also the difference in size of dogs. Not every dog park has different areas depending on dog size. Some lump every dog into the same fenced area. Most times, this should be fine, but big dogs sometimes don’t know their own strength and size, which can sometimes lead to accidents with smaller dogs.
“With most small dogs, I recommend going to a small dog specific dog park. While some small dogs and large dogs play well together, it is best to be cautious. Larger dogs may not be used to small dogs and may inadvertently play too rough and injure them. There is also an increased risk of injury to smaller dogs if a fight does occur.” - Dr. Jennifer Schott
Generally speaking dog parks aren’t safe or unsafe. The safety factor depends on the specific dog park and the pets that are playing there. With vigilance and research, pet owners should be able to find local parks that they feel comfortable taking their pet to.
“I think dog parks can be great for a lot of dogs- I take my own dogs to one and they love it! Being cautious of which parks you go to and closely monitoring your dogs as well as other dogs is key. Often fights can be avoided by catching signs early, such as a dog being too aggressive with play or acting more nervous (whale eye, hackles raised, or whining or barking).” - Dr. Jennifer Schott
There are a few things to note. Illnesses can be a major factor to consider when wanting to take your dog to the dog park as well as the potential for experiencing an aggressive or fearful dog. Some pet owners may not pay as much attention to their pet as they should, which can also contribute to a stressful environment for you and your pet.
Yes, but with a caveat. You should essentially use your time at the dog park for reinforcing training as opposed to starting from scratch. Initial behavioral or socialization shouldn't be done while at the dog park because it can be overwhelming and stressful. Instead, use it to proof-train your pet—proving obedience in the midst of distractions.
