10 Ways To Stay Safe At The Dog Park

To be honest with you, I dod NOT thing dog parks can be a great way for dogs to socialize and get some exercise But I know many people need an outlet for their dog. Therefore, it’s important to keep safety in mind.

Here are 10 Suggestions from a Dog Trainer to stay safe and have fun at the dog park:

1. Supervise. Keep an eye on your dog at all times and be ready to intervene & leave if they start to show aggressive or anxious behavior while engaging with other dogs. Know how to read dog body language and how to control a group. You must be able to manage YOUR dog. That includes verbal control but also stepping in physically when needed. Standing there screaming for someone to do something when your dog is an asshole isn’t helpful.

2. Keep moving. This is not to be a social outing for you. It should be a place your dog can run, play, engage with you, and sniff around off leash — especially if you do not have a fenced-in backyard.

3. Respect the rules of the dog park, such as keeping your dog on a leash until they are in the designated off-leash area. This means to and from the car. Not all dogs visiting the park are dog friendly, and even some dog-friendly dogs do not appreciate being charged. Many people use the park for training and rehab purposes. Please respect that!

4. Leave All Food In the Car. That includes those in your pocket. Trust me, the dog will find them. Remember, that other dogs in the park may be resource guarders for toys and food. So it may be best to leave these in the car and spend this time engaging with your dog in other ways.

5. Keep children out of the dog park. It’s a dog park, not a park. And not every dog will love your child. Dogs deserve a place to be free of their stressors.

6. Big Dogs and Little Dogs do not mix I don’t care how much your little dog loves big dogs. Don’t bring them into a park with big dogs. It often doesn’t end well. The big dogs deserve a place to run, play and enjoy their outing without small dogs that may trigger prey-drive or reactivity & aggression.

7. Be mindful of the layout of the dog park. What is your escape route if you need it? If you see the well-known brat showing up or the dog that bullies everyone and the owner who does nothing about it, leave.

8. Avoid dog parks during peak hours, when it is more likely to be crowded and dogs may be more stressed especially if it’s your dog’s first visit or two. If you have a new-to-you dog — or never been to the park before, spend some time outside the fence observing several times before you go inside. Get to know your dog and help them release a few layers of stress before going in.

9. Know how to break up a dog fight. Keep a leash on your person at all times. Not at the gate or a chair you plopped down in. You may need it to choke off a dog fighting your own, and a leash to control the dogs once the fight is broken up.

10. Always clean up after your dog and dispose of their waste properly, not only it is the responsible thing to do, but it also helps to keep the dog park clean and safe for everyone.

    
    If that’s not enough reasons to stay out of the dog park, read this.
    
    Bonus Tip — Keep a first aid kit in your car!