If you and your dog want to try a dog park, here are a few tips to make it a success.
- For your first visit at a dog park, I recommend choosing a time that is not very busy.
Early mornings or late evenings as recommended, well as during the week rather than the weekend - Watch your dog when you arrive.
Exuberant behavior upon arrival is not always excitement. It can also be a sign of stress and uncertainty. Take a moment to stay in the car with your dog without talking too much or playing music. Let your dog calm down before getting out and entering the park - A dog park is not a training area. Lots of stimulti, smells and other dogs that will be your dog’s focus. It’s a lot for dogs so make sure you are a safe place for your dog if it becomes overwhelming
- If other dogs show disrespectful behavior towards your dog, stand up for your dog or find a friendly way to communicate with dog owners
- Don’t just let your dog roam unsupervised. Walk him, interact with him, play with him and pay attention to what he is doing. I see dogs eating all kind of gross stuff left unsupervised, which can lead to serious health problems for your dog.
- If your dog doesn’t want to interact with other dogs – that’s ok and needs to be respected
- Is your dog more stressed than having fun – go home!
- Give your dog some rest after visiting at a dog park.
- Limit your time at a dog park to no more than an hour. Young dog in particular have a hard time calming down when overstimulated.
Dog parks are fun – but not for every dog. There are many other ways to socialize your dog with other dogs.
