Dogs are social animals, so what better place for them to meet and greet fellow pooches than at an off-leash dog park? If you’ve never taken your dog to one before, these tips will help ensure you have a fun and safe time.
- Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are current and he is healthy. Your dog should be up-to-date on his rabies, bordatella (to prevent kennel cough) and other shots. For this reason, and also because of their small size, you should not bring a puppy less than 6 months old to a dog park. Your dog should be healthy — if your dog is under the weather, it’s best to stay at home until he’s well enough for an outing. Don’t bring your dog if he’s aggressive or frightened by nature. And, by all means, never bring a female dog who’s in heat to a dog park.
- Your dog should respond to basic commands – most importantly, “Come.”
- Check out the dog park before you bring your dog to make sure it’s well maintained and the pet parents there are behaving responsibly.
- Bring water and plenty of poop bags. Many dog parks supply these items, but be prepared just in case yours doesn’t. Be sure to clean up after your dog.
- Don’t bring your dog’s toys or treats. This could lead to problems if other dogs want to share them.
- Visit at an off-peak time when the dog park isn’t too crowded. The busiest times are weekends and evenings.
- Before you enter the dog park, remove your dog’s leash. Dog parks often have double gates so you can safely do this without letting other dogs escape. “Leashes interfere with the natural body language of the dog, dogs can get tangled up in them and dogs who become stressed by constant pulling against a leash can act in undesirable ways,” notes Cheryl S. Smith, a certified dog behavior consultant, on thebark.com.
- If you have a small dog, try to find a dog park with a separate area strictly for the little guys. Don’t carry your dog once inside the park, because other dogs might jump up at him.
- Pay attention to your dog at all times. Pet parents like to socialize in dog parks, too, but it’s important to keep an eye on your dog throughout your visit.
- Relax and have fun! Watch your dog interact with other pooches, and occasionally call him over for your own one-on-one time. Keep your first visit short. If your dog ever seems tired or unhappy, it’s time to go.
PHOTO: B Rosen
Category : Dog Parks & Beaches &TRAVEL TIPS
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