Dog Park Tips – How to Stay Safe and Have Fun

Photo: RoadkilleR

Dogs can have the time of their lives at the park.

In most cities and many small towns, parks are springing up that are labeled “dog-friendly,” places where you can take your pup off leash to romp around with all his favorite doggy friends.  These parks can easily become your dog’s favorite place for a play date, but there are also a number of things to think about to keep Spot safe.

Before you bring your dog to a new park for the first time, it is a good idea to take a trip there by yourself to scout it out.  Dog parks come in many shapes and sizes, and it may not be the park you expect.

Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:

Is the park fenced in?

Some parks don’t have fences and it is expected that your dog has been trained not to run far and come when called.  For some dogs like herding dogs, who have been bred to understand their territory as a vast tract of land instead of just your home and yard, it may not seem like anything bad to go wandering off down the street.

How many dogs are there?

Consider asking another dog owner at the park how many dogs are there on average or what the best time to come may be.  Too many dogs could make controlling your pet difficult, while too few dogs could be boring for your dog.

Are small children around?

Some dog parks are located within larger parks where children may play.  If your dog has trouble around children, it may be wise to look for another park.

Is water provided?

Some parks provide dog dishes and spigots while others may not.  You may need to bring a jug of water and a bowl along for your pup, as any dog will be thirsty after running around after his doggy friends all day.

Don't forget the water! Photo: hcmlopes

It is also important to understand how dogs play.  While some dogs enjoy running after tennis balls or Frisbees or playing chase with their owner, many dogs like wrestling with other dogs.  This is a normal part of play for dogs and should not necessarily be discouraged.  It is important to observe how other owners feel about this though.  If your dog wants to wrestle with all the other dogs but their owners look nervous, it’s courteous to call your dog off.

Occasionally an aggressive dog comes to the park, and these wrestling matches may escalate into something a little more violent.  Usually it’s fairly clear when a dog switches from play mode to fight mode – the wrestling speeds up, the dogs growl, and the teeth become much more of a weapon – but keep your eyes open.  If you feel uncomfortable about how another dog is playing with your own, don’t feel shy about asking the other dog’s owner to keep his or her pet under control.

Keep an eye on your dog at all times. Photo: gr5

The dog park can be a great place for your pup to make great friends and also for owners to make friends as well.  Any trip to the park can turn into a great time for everyone with just a little planning and forethought.