Pet sitting Broomfield: Dog’s day out
Dog parks are fantastic places to get your dog some exercise and fun playtime with other dogs! They are also a wonderful place to get involved in your community – you have a great conversation starter (your dog!), a common interest, and a place to gather. Many long-lasting friendships for both people and dogs have begun in a dog park.
In order to get the most out of a dog park, be a constructive citizen, there are some rules and common courtesies you should be aware of, and they aren’t always explicitly listed out. We’re here to help with a quick guide of how to get along with other dogs and humans during your dog park visit.
In most cases, you can treat going to the dog park like bringing a toddler to a playdate. “Dog park etiquette has more to do with safety than friendliness” (San Diego Tribune). Regardless of your personal opinion of dogs, many people do consider their dogs to be like their children, and you should be respectful of this. Here are 11 tips to fit in at the dog park
- Before even deciding to go to a dog park, get to know your dog. You should not go to the dog park after just adopting a new dog, no matter how sweet they are with you. See how they behave around other dogs, food, and small animals. If your dog isn’t cool with other dogs (whether they are frightened or aggressive), work with a trainer on getting them socialized. Most dogs can be conditioned to enjoy the presence of other dogs, but there is the occasional exception. If your dog doesn’t like hanging out with other dogs, you should not force them to go to the dog park. “If you can be honest about your dog and his individual quirks, then you can avoid bad situations.” (theweek.com)
- Make sure your dog is up to date on its vaccinations. While all dogs in the U.S. MUST have their rabies vaccine, there are several vaccines your dog should not go without if you want your dog to live to see old age, including canine parvovirus, distemper virus, adenovirus type 2 and hepatitis. The AKC has a full schedule of the recommended listing of dog vaccines. Vaccinating your dog protects your dog and the other dogs in the park. Do NOT go to a dog park without being up to date on your dog’s vaccines.
All right! Now you know your dog likes dogs, and they have all their shots, let’s check out some dog parks (without your furry friend for now)
- Check out the dog park before bringing your dog. Get a sense for what kind of dogs and the owners come to the park. Are there bags for poop? Trash cans? Is the park clean and well maintained? Do the dogs seem to be playing nicely together or is there roughhousing? Do the owners seem engaged with the dogs, or are they all on their phones? A good community at the dog parks helps maintain standards – responsible dog owners will often work together to maintain their park, and this will create a safer environment for your pup. You can even look a dog park up on Yelp and see what other owners have to say! You may have to check out a few parks before finding one you are comfortable with.
- If you have a small dog, look for parks that have separate areas for big dogs and small dogs. Until you know the community very well, you will minimize the risk of a big dog mistaking your small dog for a cat, or your small dog with big dog syndrome barking at a dog 5 times its size.
It’s just about time to bring your dog to the dog park! Let’s get ready!
- If your dog seems to be showing any unusual signs, such as being lethargic, having diarrhea, (unusual) coughing or sneezing, do NOT bring them to a dog park. Get them checked out by a vet before bringing them to play with other dogs.
- If you bring toys, be prepared to lose them. Don’t bring your dogs favorite stuffed dragon. Bring only dog safe toys.
- Bring water and a dish for your dog! It gets hot – don’t let your dog overheat. If you can avoid letting your dog drink from a community bowl, that is also ideal, as there may be communicable diseases they could catch.
- Don’t bring food or treats for your dog (or yourself) to the park. If you want to give your dog treats, leave them in your car. You don’t know how the other dogs will react to food, whether it’s begging or aggression, so you shouldn’t risk it. You should also never feed anyone else’s dog anything unless you have express permission – many dogs have allergies or dietary restrictions, and that’s not even considering the stomach distress surprise new foods may cause a perfectly healthy dog.
Time to go outside! Rules for being with your dog at the dog park!
- Keep an eye on your dog. Just like you wouldn’t take your kid to the park and walk away (we hope!), you shouldn’t leave your dog by itself! Watch out for signs of aggression both to and from your dog. Stay off your phone. Enjoy the outside with your dog.
- Pick up after your dog. It takes a village to keep a dog park clean. You should always have bags on hand when your dog is outside, but just in case you run out, most dog parks have bags available for owners to pick up poop.
- Follow all posted rules at the park. This rule is obvious, but many people don’t take the 30 seconds needed to read.
By following these rules, you and your dog can have a fun, safe time at a dog park! If you would prefer to have an experienced vet who cares about your dog supervise them at the park, Off Road Paws offers 30 minute on-leash walks and visits to local dog parks for just $20. Contact Kira today to book your dog’s adventure!