Headed off to the dog park for the first time with your new pup? Hold on --- don’t walk out the door just yet. Though the park is a wonderful place to socialize, it isn’t wise to just walk in with your dog and assume everything will be okay. It’s best to prepare and be sure you understand how to enjoy your visit safely and securely without placing your dog in harm’s way (or yourself).
Regardless of your dog’s age, personality, or playfulness level, understanding proper park etiquette is a must. Though most forms of etiquette come down to common sense, some of the following points can be less intuitive.
Before you make your next trip, familiarize yourself with this checklist to keep everyone involved safe, happy, and well.
Vaccinate First
Just got a new puppy? Whether it’s a gorgeous Golden Retriever, Vzsla, or something else entirely, it can be tempting to rush out and watch your silly little ball of fluff play with other dogs. Resist that temptation, at least until he’s had his vaccinations; other dogs may carry communicable diseases that could make him exceptionally sick if you don’t.
Also be mindful of
canine influenza and
parvovirus outbreaks. Before you start heading out regularly, telephone your vet to ask about local incidences. If there’s an outbreak, most experts recommend skipping social time until it dies down to protect your dog (and others at the park).
Don't Hand Out Treats
It makes sense at first; bring treats with you to help you make friends with other dogs. There’s nothing wrong with bringing treats for your own puppy along, especially if you’re training, but be mindful and respectful that other pet parents may not want their dogs to ingest the same treats. Don’t just hand them out; ask the dog’s owner if it’s okay in advance before even bringing the treats out.
Be mindful of dropped treats, too. Remember that some dogs have food allergies or illnesses like
canine diabetes that could make eating your pet’s dropped treats extremely dangerous. If you’re not familiar with the dogs present, it may be best to give small, quickly-eaten treats to your dog over bones or larger
homemade dog biscuits.
Playtime Is Not Fight Club
Your dog should neither be bullied or be a bully at the dog park. If you’re not familiar with dog behavior, work with a trainer to learn how to identify the signs
aggression versus play. Look for dogs who show the whites of their eyes, draw back their lips, snarl, growl, or snap. These are all clear signs that your dog (or another dog) is becoming too agitated.
If you think your dog or another dog is about to become aggressive, don’t wait for a clear sign. When in doubt, pull your dog out of the interaction and back off. Reduced social time is better than a vet visit over wounds, or worse yet, a court-ordered euthanization for biting another person.
If your dog begins to seriously fight with another pup, don’t rush in and try to break them apart. While this seems like the best idea, you can wind up seriously injured and may even worsen the fight. Instead, try splashing them with water or use a large piece of cardboard to separate them. If you and the other owner are present and close by, both of you should grab each dog by the back feet and
lift them off the ground. This will make most pups disengage.
Fighting isn’t inevitable, at least on the part of your own pup. Train your pup to stop playing on command and come to you at the drop of a hat before you hit the dog park whenever possible. Though you can’t control other dogs, you should have control over your own dog at all times.
Pick Up Your After Your Dog
This one falls under common sense, but far too many pet owners forget or assume that because it’s a dog park, it’s okay to leave feces sitting on the ground. This is not only bad etiquette but also a breeding ground for germs that could make pups sick. Pick up your dog’s poop immediately and dispose of it in nearby trashcans. If there’s no trash can, carry an old coffee can with you and seal it up for later disposal instead.
Keep Pups on a Leash
Owners frequently assume that dog parks are a free-for-all for pups just because they’re fenced in. While this is true for some parks, you should use common sense when taking your dog to the park. If your dog is new to the area, or a strange dog is present, or if you aren’t 100 percent confident in his training and recall, keep him on a leash at all times.
Want him to have more freedom? Use a longer lead, but don’t use a retractable leash (
they're dangerous). Instead, modify the length as needed as time passes. If you’re convinced that you should allow him off-leash, do so when no other dogs are present for the first few times. It will be easier to address behavioral issues if he’s not being chased playfully at the time.
Keep Female Dogs in Heat at Home
Is your
female dog intact? Be mindful of the potential risks you incur when bringing her to a dog park. It takes only seconds for her to tie with another dog while playing, and the sheer fact that she’s in heat could incite
aggression in other unneutered pups.
Anecdotal evidence and studies alike prove that intact male dogs will, in fact, do just about anything to get to a willing, in-heat female. This includes breeding while leashed, breeding through wire fences or crates, and even, in some cases, breaking glass windows to get outside. Don’t assume a leash or restraint will keep your pup safe.
It’s okay to bring her to the park if there’s no one else present, but be ready and willing to remove her if anyone shows up. For obvious reasons, you should also keep her on a leash at all times - even if no one’s present. Your dog could bolt out of an innate desire to find a mate.
Think the risk is only if male dogs are present? This is an oversimplification. Though a female who’s in heat is more likely to incite aggression in males, research shows that it can inspire dominance in females, too. Furthermore, it’s impossible to sex a dog well enough to clearly identify gender from a distance. Taking a risk on an assumption can cause serious chaos for all attendees.
Follow all the basic etiquette rules and your dog (as well as her owner) will have a fun and relaxing time with each visit to the park. Break the rules and you’re sure to find yourself the ostracized pair of the party. Remember: local dog owners often attend the same dog park again and again. It’s best to be respectful of them if you want to enjoy the park in the future. At the end of the day, all you need is a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
