Are Dog Parks Bad? Or Is It Just You…
7 Ways You’re Ruining the Dog Park, and How To Fix Them
As a dog mom, I hear the question asked all the time “are dog parks safe?” We’ve all heard the passive aggressive comments about all the ~aggressive dogs out there~, or the imminent dangers of your local dog park, or the worst case scenario stories of a violent dog fight. Now as an extremely protective dog mom, but also avid dog park enthusiast, I have a few things to say to that.
First - there are no bad dogs. Only bad owners.
Benji and I have been to countless dog parks at this point, and the only negative events I’ve observed have been caused by humans. In my opinion, dog parks get a bad wrap from the few irresponsible dog parents out there not doing their due diligence or not following basic common sense. There are definitely exceptions, in that not every dog park is actually built with the safety of the dogs in mind, but that’s a post for a later day.
Second - we as dog parents, ALL, need to take more responsibility for our own actions as well as our dog’s.
It’s easy to get too comfortable at a dog park we regularly visit or if we’ve been dog park veterans for awhile. We’re all guilty of forgetting basic dog park etiquette and quickly approaching a new dog without permission, or assuming they will automatically love our sweet pup despite the warning signs. After making a hobby of reviewing and visiting dog parks everywhere, we noticed a few common mistakes and quick fixes.
If you’re more of a visual learner, I recommend checking out the video we made on this topic, which you’ll find linked above. If not, read on… Let me preface these notes by saying I am not a licensed vet, dog trainer, etc. Just a dog mom with a lot of personal experience at dog parks!
Part 1: Cleanliness
If you’re not going to pick up your dogs poop at the dog park, please don’t come. A clean environment is imperative for the healthy and safety of our pups, and there are many diseases that are transmissible from excessive waste. Do the right thing. Pick up the poop.
Don’t be a poop bag thief. Sure, take a handful and save them in your pockets for later - but the free dog bags at the park are not your own personal unlimited supply, okay? They’re there for everyone, and it really sucks when you need one, and they’re out because someone took the entire roll.
Make sure you’re following basic health and safety guidelines. Don’t bring puppies that aren’t fully vaccinated. Don’t bring your dog that is in heat. Make sure your dog has an up to date rabies record, and that you have proof of it. Check your dog park’s specific requirements, as they may vary by state/county.
Part 2: Safety
Stop leaving the metal choke chains on your dog at the dog park. If another dog latches on to that, it has the potential to cause a lot of harm to your dog.
Bringing dog treats to the park can create a lot more chaos than you’d imagine. All it takes is one dog who is food reactive to catch wind of them, and now the friendly, fun dog park has become a threatening environment. Save the treat training for home.
I can’t emphasize this enough - watch your small children at the park! Too often, I see toddlers knocked over by a big playful pup, resulting in injury. It’s such a great experience for kids to be exposed to the dog park, but please also note - not every dog does well with kids. Its your job as the human/dog parent to check which dogs are kid friendly and which are not. Remember, at the end of the day, this is a dog park, not a kid park.
Part 3: Common Sense***
The biggest mistake we see being made is dog parents not understanding their own dog’s wants and needs. NOT EVERY DOG WANTS TO GO TO THE DOG PARK - and that is OKAY. If your dog doesn’t like other dogs or other people, or is extremely fearful in new environments, the dog park is likely not the place for them. Paying attention to your own dog’s response to the dog park, and not forcing them into environments they are not comfortable is the golden rule of being a good dog parent.
Now, that being said… How can we make the dog park a safer and more welcoming environment for all?
Starting with *you* the dog parent…
Tip 1: Remember your basic manners
Introduce yourself not only to the dog parent, but also the dog! Let them sniff you before approaching them, and make sure you get permission from their mom or dad. Ask if it is okay for your dog to play with theirs.
Tip 2: Keep a close eye on your dog
The dog park isn’t free day care for your dog. You’re expected to watch and monitor their behavior at all times, so stay observant! The closer you are watching, the more likely you will be able to prevent any potential negative interactions.
Tip 3: Take Responsibility
Be ready to step in and take responsibility if an interaction does go awry. I often see dog parents waiting around for someone else to intervene when it is their dog involved in a situation. You’re the pack leader, and need to be ready to take responsibility.
I will continue to emphasize that your dog’s behavior is your responsibility. But, let’s go over a few dog behaviors that, while not out right aggressive, should be stopped sooner rather than later.
Behavior 1: Stop letting your dog hump mine!
This one is pretty straight forward. Don’t let your dog continuously hump other dogs. Enough said.
Behavior 2: Don’t let the dogs all crowd together
Whether it’s at the entrance or under a pavilion, too many dogs in one place is a recipe for disaster. Make sure you’re allowing your dog (and others) their much needed personal space. We’ll do an article soon on when to know if it’s truly the dog park (and not you) that’s the cause for an unsafe environment.
Behavior 3: Break up the face offs
It is very worth your while (especially if you’re a first time dog parent) to do some research into dog body language. Knowing when your dog is being playful and engaging in healthy play vs. aggressive behavior is an invaluable skill. As a quick tips, dogs don’t playfully great each other face to face usually. So, if you’re noticing some tension and an intense stare down, best to re-direct.
We hope you found this article useful, and are now feeling confident in your dog park manners. Please share with your fellow dog park crew! If we missed any tips, reach out to us via comment on our YouTube video or email at thedogmapack@gmail.com.
