Follow these simple rules and the dog park will be a perfect get-away for you and your pet.
Leave No Trace…Of Your Dog’s Poo, That is
This should go without saying but, just in case—remember to always pick up after your dog. You will make more friends at the park and ensure that you have a clean place for your animal to romp.
This should go without saying but, just in case—remember to always pick up after your dog. You will make more friends at the park and ensure that you have a clean place for your animal to romp.
Practice Sight and Voice Commands FrequentlyThough most dog parks are fenced in and do not require that your animal obey voice and sight commands, having control over your animal when they are off-leash is invaluable.
Start early when they are puppies by bringing treats to the park. Keep them in your pocket and, when your puppy “checks-in” with you while playing, quickly give them a treat. This will teach them that they can and should come to you frequently.
Later, you can practice the “Come” command either on a long leash or off-leash completely.
Visual cues can also be very effective, such as calling your dog by name and then pointing to your heel for the “Come” command. Some owners will also use a raised hand for the “Come” command in case the animal is out of ear shot.
Lead By Example
Often, people who attend dog parks will complain about the way other owners/dogs behave. Truth be told, you have very little control over how others act but you do have a lot of control over how you and your animal behave.
Often, people who attend dog parks will complain about the way other owners/dogs behave. Truth be told, you have very little control over how others act but you do have a lot of control over how you and your animal behave.
If you don’t allow aggressive behavior from your dog, others will follow your lead. Perhaps there’s a dog at the park who is always jumping up on people because their owner doesn’t correct them. If your animal jumps up, assertively correct this behavior by saying “Down” and holding your hand low so your dog is unable to jump. Others may see this and follow suit.
You may notice that some owners have the “Dogs will be dogs” mentality and allow their animals to get away with any and everything. That might work for them, but it shouldn’t work for you.
True, you may get some strange looks when you require your animal to sit for long stretches of time before being released or you flip them on their back and stand over them after they have shown aggression with another dog but, in the end, showing leadership with your dog will result in a well-trained companion and a better dog park experience for all.
Be the Alpha Always
Some people might stand by and let an aggressive dog pick on another dog when its owner isn’t present. Others might allow a dog to continuously jump up on a child when its master has their back turned.
Some people might stand by and let an aggressive dog pick on another dog when its owner isn’t present. Others might allow a dog to continuously jump up on a child when its master has their back turned.
Whether or not you intervene when someone else’s dog is misbehaving is always your call. However, if and when you do intervene, remember that you are the alpha. If you are timid or aggressive, most dogs won’t respond favorably to you. If, however, you are calm and assertive, you might be able to deescalate a situation for your animal or someone else’s.
Help, Don’t Criticize
It’s very easy to critique how others train or allow their dogs to behave. However, it takes a bit more mindfulness and tact to actually help someone with their animal. Even the best behaved K9s can have their moments, so when you see someone’s animal running away when called, becoming aggressive, or jumping up on a child, help out if you can.
It’s very easy to critique how others train or allow their dogs to behave. However, it takes a bit more mindfulness and tact to actually help someone with their animal. Even the best behaved K9s can have their moments, so when you see someone’s animal running away when called, becoming aggressive, or jumping up on a child, help out if you can.
Note: People can be VERY sensitive about their dog, so it’s up to you to gauge if help will be welcomed. In the end, most dog owners are pretty rad people who won’t mind if you lend a hand.
You Are Always Responsible. Always.
Never forget that your dog is always your responsibility. If he or she bites another dog, damages property, jumps up on someone out of excitement and scratches them, it’s your deal. Don’t blame others for your dog’s actions and don’t expect others to tolerate poor behavior from your animal. Ultimately, you want the people at your dog park to like and respect you. This will only happen if they like, respect, and feel comfortable around your pet. That being said, training and socialization are key. Do it often, and do it well.
Never forget that your dog is always your responsibility. If he or she bites another dog, damages property, jumps up on someone out of excitement and scratches them, it’s your deal. Don’t blame others for your dog’s actions and don’t expect others to tolerate poor behavior from your animal. Ultimately, you want the people at your dog park to like and respect you. This will only happen if they like, respect, and feel comfortable around your pet. That being said, training and socialization are key. Do it often, and do it well.
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