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Dog Park Etiquette
Guest contribution - Carla Strydom
Carla runs Raslouw Puppy School, one of our Recommended Puppy Schools in Centurion. CLICK HERE to find out more about them
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Dog parks are abundant with proud pet owners, watching their dogs enjoying playtime with friends, swimming, running or chasing a frisbee or ball. It’s a wonderful opportunity for both human and dog to get out of the city and enjoy the spoils that nature has to offer. It’s a time to stretch legs and interact.
For a dog park to be enjoyable, everyone visiting must work in unison and respect the rules. The benefits these parks offer are tremendous. Dogs that get enough exercise are less likely to be obese. It’s a great way to relieve pent up energy. For only dogs it is an opportunity to meet and play with friends. Park visits are a great boredom-buster and a tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing, digging or excessive barking.
Unfortunately, dog owners mostly have a love/hate relationship about these parks. The love relationship consists of the opportunity for the dogs to run free, to socialize with other friendly dogs, to romp and play to their heart’s content, perhaps even have a swim in a dam. For some owners it’s a chance to meet up with friends, make new friends or just to clear their head. The hate relationship consist mainly of people not picking up after their dogs, unfriendly, un-socialized dogs being brought into the park or uncontrollable dogs harassing other dogs.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to make park visits more enjoyable:
Do’s:
For a dog park to be enjoyable, everyone visiting must work in unison and respect the rules. The benefits these parks offer are tremendous. Dogs that get enough exercise are less likely to be obese. It’s a great way to relieve pent up energy. For only dogs it is an opportunity to meet and play with friends. Park visits are a great boredom-buster and a tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing, digging or excessive barking.
Unfortunately, dog owners mostly have a love/hate relationship about these parks. The love relationship consists of the opportunity for the dogs to run free, to socialize with other friendly dogs, to romp and play to their heart’s content, perhaps even have a swim in a dam. For some owners it’s a chance to meet up with friends, make new friends or just to clear their head. The hate relationship consist mainly of people not picking up after their dogs, unfriendly, un-socialized dogs being brought into the park or uncontrollable dogs harassing other dogs.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to make park visits more enjoyable:
Do’s:
- Before you even think about going to a park, be absolutely certain that your dog has a fabulous recall. Start by practicing at home. Then go on to enclosed areas with no distractions. Move on to areas with a few distractions. Gradually work your way up. If it’s your first time at the park, go during off-peak hours and practice. Do whatever it takes to get a great recall. Have a look at the article Real Reliable Recall
- Make sure your dogs’ vaccinations are up to date and that he is de-wormed. Your dog must be healthy and in good physical shape to visit the park.
- Drive slowly and carefully when entering as dogs romp and play just about everywhere.
- Have your dog under control before existing the car by way of asking the dog to sit and wait while you open the door.
- Pay your entrance fee. Even if you don’t see them, every park has staff/ground keepers to keep the areas clean and neat for you to enjoy.
- Leave your dog in the car with plenty of ventilation while you scope out the scene. Make sure that the dogs that are there are the kinds of dogs your dog will feel comfortable with.
- Leave your cell phone, laptop, notebook, IPod and any items that might distract you in the car.
- Always keep a leash with you as you never know when you might need it.
- Carrying some water is also a good idea. Dogs that run and play need to stay hydrated, especially during warm summer months.
- Keep moving. Some dogs may want to protect their home turf when things come to a standstill.
- Add short, fun training sessions to your park visit. Going to the park is a privilege, not a right. It’s also a great time to train with lots of distractions going on around you and to work on your dogs’ focus.
- Educate yourself on canine body language. You will be able to spot when your dog or any other dog is uncomfortable and be able to intervene immediately if things become tense.
- Be careful when bringing food and toys with you. Make sure only to use them when there is plenty of distance between you and other dogs. Food or toy possession reactive behaviour may arise when feeding other dogs and things can escalate very quickly.
- Ask permission before you feel the need to cuddle, pat, stroke or feed another dog. Some dogs may not like to be touched suddenly and some owners do not like their dogs being fed by a stranger. Be respectful and don’t take it personally.
- Be prepared to go home when your dog is overwhelmed, not enjoying himself or when he is tired. Always try to end on a high note.
- Always be considerate towards others.
- Clean up after your dog.
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Don’ts:
- Never take a puppy under 4 months to the park. The risk of getting hurt or sustaining an injury is just too high. Picking up a disease is also very possible as their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
- Never let your dog harass other dogs or people. Respect personal space. Some dogs like to play rough and charge up to other dogs and some do not. The same goes for the humans. Not everybody likes to be approached by a dog they don’t know.
- Never bring a female on heat to the park or an intact male that tends to get aggressive.
- Leash your dog before things start to get out of hand.
- The park is not a place to socialize an un-socialized dog. If your dog is not social, friendly and well mannered, the park is not the place for them.
- If your dog is territorial, aggressive or does not get along with other dogs, don’t take them.
- Be responsible and considerate. Everyone comes to the dog park for different reasons.
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