How to be a good Human at the Dog Park
For pet owners, dog parks are wonderful places to bring your dog. They provide a safe place for your pup to play, socialize with other dogs, and explore. Dog parks are usually fenced in, giving you peace of mind that your dog will not dart off somewhere when you let him loose to roam. Like all places, it’s the people and in this case also dogs that determine whether a dog park is a great destination or a place you should avoid. Here are some things to keep in mind before you take your next trip to the local off-leash dog park.
Help keep the park clean. Tidy up after your dog does its business. Let other dog owners know that their dogs are going to the bathroom so they can clean up after them. If another dog owner has run out of poop bags and you have an extra one, give it up. It’s up to all dog owners to help keep the park clean for the pups to play in.
Make sure the gates are locked. Only use the designated entrances to enter a dog park. They are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out and potentially getting lost or hurt. As you make your way into the park, make sure the gates behind you are shut properly and locked to prevent dogs from escaping. The same thing applies when you are leaving the park.
Be kind, polite, and courteous. It sounds simple but it’s probably the most important thing you should do at a dog park. Be nice to other people and their dogs. Say hello to people and their dogs and try to get to know one another. If there is someone new to the park welcome them. Respect that although every person at the park is a pet owner, they may have some anxiety towards a particular size of dog or breed of dog. Keep an eye on your pup. She is your responsibility. If it’s misbehaving, correct the behavior immediately. If she wanders over to someone who doesn’t seem comfortable around her, direct your dog to another part of the park.
Take the leash off before you enter the park. Many off-leash dog parks are designed with double gates at each entrance for a reason. And that reason is safety – for yourself, your dog, other dogs, and other people. Take the leash off in the area between the two gates. Let your dog sniff around a bit and then let him in to greet his playmates. Some dogs are more reactive when they are tethered to you. Leashes can quickly become trip hazards for you and other dogs, especially if your dog runs around while leashed up.
Leave treats at home. We all love to feed our dog treats. However, treats shouldn’t be brought into the dog park. Bringing high-value treats or a high-value toy like a ball may prompt dogs to swarm you. Food-motivated dogs may hang around you, jump to try to snatch the food, and in some cases, steal the bag with the food in it. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and getting a hold of food they are not used to eating can make them sick. So, while treats are great, it’s best to leave them at home.
Make sure to leave the park the way you found it. Some dog parks have newly planted trees. Keep an eye on your pup and make sure they don’t rip the trees out. On your way out, make sure to cover up any holes your dog has dug. Lastly, make sure to bring poop bags out with you and dispose of them in a nearby trash can.
Bring plenty of water. Running around is tiring, and on warm days it is extra taxing on your dog. Make sure to bring a large bottle of water. Share the water with other pups if their owners are okay with it.
Exchange contact information in the event of an injury. If your dog hurts another dog, the best way to resolve the issue is to apologize to their owner and provide them with your contact information. They may need to contact you to get your pup’s vaccination details. If your dog is the one that got hurt, ask the owner to provide you with their contact details so you can get more information if needed.
Don’t bring a sick dog to the park. The only instance where the phrase “sharing is caring” does not apply is when it comes to illnesses. If your dog is unwell, still take him out for a walk but please keep him away from the dog park. Illnesses like the cold, or kennel cough can spread quickly, especially among dogs that play together. Keep your dog away until he has made a full recovery. Other dogs and their owners will thank you.