As dog owners, we do everything we can to keep our pals happy and healthy. What better place for them to get a healthy dose of exercise and make new dog friends than a dog park? A visit to the dog park can be your pup’s best day ever, but if you don’t plan ahead..it can get stressful for both of you.
Want your day out to be a walk in the park? Make sure you and your pup are prepared by following these tips for proper dog park etiquette:
Pay Attention To Posted Rules
All dog parks have rules. These rules keep dogs and humans safe and help everyone have a good time. Most parks will have signs displaying these rules posted at the entrance, and probably several other places around the park. Disregarding these rules may result not only in a bad experience, but in a fine or removal from the park. Look up your park’s rules before you head out. You won’t regret it!
Always Clean Up After Your Dog
This isn’t just good dog park etiquette of course. It’s something dog owners should be doing wherever they take their dog. No one—human or dog—wants to step in poop of any kind. More practically, dog feces is full of germs that can make both humans and other dogs sick. Some dog parks have plastic bags available. But you can bring your own just in case they run out. Clean up after your dog as soon as you see them go to the bathroom and dispose of the bag immediately. Have some hand sanitizer on hand for yourself as well.
Don’t Bring An Aggressive Or Reactive Dog
You know your dog best. We usually think of dogs as being social, but the truth is, not all pups play nice with others. Or your dog might do fine one‐on‐one with another dog, but if they are prone to anxiety, all the stimulation at a dog park might be overwhelming. If you know your dog has not done well in large groups in the past, it’s probably best to skip the dog park.
Keep An Eye On Your Dog At All Times
Accidents can happen in a blink. And they often do. Whether your dog gets into a scuffle with another dog or puts something they shouldn’t in their mouth, there’s lots of ways your dog could get hurt if you’re not paying attention. Stay close to your dog and watch them the whole time you’re at the park—that way, you’ll be more likely to spot trouble before it starts.
Pay Attention To Your Dog’s Body Language
Even if your dog is normally friendly with other dogs, sometimes they’ll meet a dog they just don’t get along with. This is why it’s important to always watch your dog. If you notice stiff body language, hard stares, pinned back ears, or raised hackles, remove your dog from the situation and bring them close to you.
If You Notice Your Dog Getting Uncomfortable, Leave Sooner Rather Than Later
Anxiety can escalate to aggression. If you notice your dog getting stressed—tucking their tail between their legs, avoiding eye contact, making “whale eyes”—it’s better to be safe than sorry and call the dog park quits for the day. Especially if that anxiety starts turning into aggression. Following good dog park etiquette keeps everyone safer.
Don’t Give Treats To Other Dogs
Dogs can have food sensitivities and intolerances just like humans. Only dogs can’t let you know what they’re not supposed to eat. Even if well intentioned, sharing snacks with a dog you don’t know could make them very sick. Some dogs can also get possessive and aggressive about sharing food. Giving a snack to one dog could lead to a fight that ruins everyone’s day at the dog park. If you are going to bring treats—like our Sweet ‘Tater Fries or Real Meat Pork Jerky—only give them to your dog when there are no other dogs around so no one gets jealous. It’s also better to keep your human snacks at home.
Don’t Bring A Puppy To The Dog Park (Especially If It’s Not Vaccinated)
While it’s important for your puppy to socialize with other dogs, it’s better to do so one‐on‐one or in a controlled setting like a training class. Having a puppy around a bunch of bigger dogs who might become annoyed or not play gently can put your puppy in danger. Most dog parks also require dogs to be fully vaccinated, so you shouldn’t be bringing your dog until they’ve had all their shots anyway.
Bring Water
Especially on warmer days, dogs can quickly become overheated or dehydrated when they are running around and having fun. And heat related illnesses are no joke. Some dog parks might have a communal water source, but it’s always best to bring your own. This can also prevent dogs from passing around germs and making each other sick.
Make Sure Your Dog Knows To Come When Called
There’s a reason we train our dogs, and it’s not just so they can show off for our friends and family. Everything goes more smoothly when your dog listens to you, from walks to vet trips to dinner time to visits to the dog park. Making sure your dog can reliably come when called is essential before you try a day out at the dog park. This way you can bring your dog back to you and away from trouble, and when it’s time to leave you’re not sprinting after them trying to get the leash back on.
Before you plan a trip to the dog park, practice coming when called with Blue Ridge Naturals’ Alaskan Salmon Jerky Topper‐Trainer Treats. And don’t be discouraged if they don’t immediately obey at the park. They’ll likely need to “re-learn” obedience training there. Just expect it and be ready to re-train your pup the first few times at the park, and you’ll be good. (It shouldn’t take nearly as long as the first time.)
Once You’re In The Park, Take Your Dog’s Leash Off
Keep your dog on their leash while you’re walking in and wherever it says to. But once you’re in the “leash off” area, you can remove your dog’s leash. If your dog were to become stressed, being on leash can prevent them from being able to move away and can escalate their anxiety to aggression.
That said, if you’ve leash-trained your dog, you may both feel more comfortable keeping the leash on until you’re ready. It can be a “security blanket” of sorts for some dogs, and more control for you. It really depends on your specific situation.
If Another Dog Is Misbehaving..
If another dog doesn’t have good dog park etiquette, remove your dog from the situation by calling them away and then address the behavior with the other dog’s owner as needed. Never try to grab a strange dog—you don’t know how they will react, and you or the dog could get injured.
Always Keep Your Dog’s Collar On
Dog parks are built to keep dogs contained, but there is always a chance your dog could get loose. Keep their collar on so that in the event this happens, they can be identified and returned to you.
Don’t Bring Small Children
Even if your fur baby and your human baby get along great, not all dogs are used to or fond of children. Some dogs may become aggressive around children. Other dogs might just play too rough. Either way, your child could get seriously injured, causing problems for both you and the dog’s owner. Depending on how old your child is, they might not understand that not every dog is like theirs or know how to recognize when another dog is getting stressed. In general, it’s just better to leave the kids at home and spend some quality time with your pup.
Your Dog Is Counting On You To Make Good Decisions For Them
Keeping your dog safe and healthy is a big responsibility. From following good dog park etiquette when you go out to what goes into their bodies, you want to know you’re making the right choices. When it comes to feeding them treats, choose Blue Ridge Naturals. Our nutrient‐packed treats are made in the US with wholesome, locally sourced ingredients. Your dog will love the taste, and you’ll love knowing you’re taking the best care of them you can.
