Tips for The Dog Park
Dogs parks are very popular and seem like a great play for your dog to have some fun, burn off some energy, get some time off-leash and make some friends. But it’s not always as safe or fun as you think it is, unless everyone acts with respect and kindness for each other. Even then dogs can be dogs and things go wrong.
When I go, my blood pressure is raised exponentially at all the things I see happening that should be addressed.
Here are a few of my thoughts
Newly Adopted Dogs | New To You Dogs
Build the relationship between the two of you first. You need to know about your dog’s quirks, dislikes, etc ahead of time. In the middle of a pack of dogs is not the time to discover.
Work on training and trust. You want to be able to call your dog to you under high levels of distraction.
First Time Dog Park Attendees
If your dog has never been to the dog park before — don’t go in! Yea, I said it. No, it’s not ridiculous. Take your dog and walk around the outside of the park. Look for signs of distress, over-arousal, lunging, barking, etc. It’s much better to have be able to just walk away from the area than to break up a fight.
Dogs who go in too bold or too timid can easily trigger negative reactions from others. Spend some time in the environment learning your dog before you go inside. This may take days or weeks’ worth of experience. There is no rush to go in.
While In the Dog Park
This is your dog’s social outing, not yours. Keep watch on your dog. It’s not the time to read, be on the phone, etc. Even if your dog is well-experienced, the next dog that enters might be a first-timer with attitude and inexperienced handlers.
Keep Moving. Walk around. Supervise, Supervise, Supervise — but don’t be over-reactive yourself.
If your dog is trying to escape a bully — leave. If your dog IS the bully — leave.
Look for signs that your dog and others are taking natural breaks, separating, shaking off, getting water, laying down etc. Natural breaks are good!
Look for signs that your dog is overwhelmed.
Always monitor the dogs in the group. Interrupt the bullies, the over-excited, humpers, guarders, etc. When they show up — it may be time to leave and just keep your dog safe.
Have a reliable recall — get your dog out of trouble, escalations, etc, and be ready to leave if the energy in the play group is not appropriate for your dog.
Clean Up Your Dog’s Poop!
Do You Know How to Break Up a Dog Fight? Do You Have A First Aid Kit in Your Car?
To and From the Car
Even if your dog is beautifully training off-leash — but especially if they aren’t — please leash your dog to get to and from the car. Many trainers like me and pet parents, foster parents, and rescue groups use the dog parks to walk our dogs, practice obedience skills and to start the process of learning to socialize and be calm in a very highly arousing environment. Please be respectful.
What Not to Do In the Dog Park
Do NOT take children into the dog park. Not every dog likes kids and this should be the dog’s time to relax and not have to deal with someone else’s kids.
Do NOT bring food into the Dog Park. Some dogs get overly excited or even aggressive over food and sometimes toys.
Don’t bring small dogs into the Big Dog area. I don’t care how much your little dog likes big dogs, not all big dogs think littles are fun. And it could go south fast. It is NEVER worth the risk.
Don’t bring in unaltered dogs. Your dogs have hormones and the play group isn’t a good time to test them out.
In my area here’s a list of the Dog Parks
Dog Park North Myrtle Beach SC
Barc Park Myrtle Beach (North)
Barc Park Myrtle Beach South
Waggin’ Tales Dog Park Little River SC
Off Leash Dog Park Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex Dog Park
Need help socializing your dog, addressing bad behavior, learning how to read your dog’s body language? Call me to schedule an appointment.
Be sure to also ask about Nutrition For Your Dog, Natural Wellness Options including Homeopathy, Essential Oils, First Aid, and much more to keep your dog’ health and his state of mind well-balance.
Allergies, Aging, Aggression, Anxiety, All things dog :)
