With the advent of dog parks, pet owners who live in apartments, townhomes or areas where a yard of their own may be too small or unavailable can enjoy a leisurely walk or vigorous exercise with their dog. But while most pet owners practice a responsible activity by obeying certain rules and regulations which may govern a local dog park, the need for some guidance is still required. Some general guidelines for dog parks are:
It’s important to make sure your dog is fully immunized and healthy before socializing. Some diseases such as kennel cough, while generally not fatal, can prove so to an animal whose health is already compromised. Other, more recent diseases, such as H3N8, a sub type of the H1N1 virus, should be considered as a possible issue when socializing your own dog.
Since most dog parks operate within a maintenance budget, please remember to be responsible for your own dog’s actions while there. If your dog digs a hole, please fill it in to maintain the appearance and safety of the park for everyone who visits. Remember to bring sanitary carry bags and a scooper to responsibly dispose of your dog’s droppings.
If you plan to bring many dogs at once, please make sure that you are able to control them all at once. Having many dogs leashed and walked at the same time can prove problematic for some owners unfamiliar with this task. If you are unsure, consider walking a few dogs at a time to ensure a stress free outing.
Dog parks are for dogs and their owners alone. Refrain from bringing any other pets or children with you on your outing. While your own pets may be comfortable with other animals and children, others may not. It should be assumed that this is the case so other pets and children should remain behind while your dog enjoys the park.
Make sure that you are completely familiar with your dog’s behaviors. You should fully understand each of your dog’s social cues such as crouching, growling and marking territory before entering the park. If you are unsure of your dog’s behaviors around others, it’s best to socialize them slowly in a familiar surrounding before allowing them into a more social setting.
Prevent your dog from jumping and barking too much as this can cause a distraction for other visitors. Dogs which are overly excited should be trained well before entering the social environment at a dog park. If your dog seems overly excited or agitated while visiting, they should be restrained, seated or removed to prevent any issues with other animals.
The rules which govern most dog parks are clearly posted. Everyone who visits the park is subject to these rules and should follow them accordingly. Each rule is designed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. If you are unsure of your ability to abide by these rules, consider choosing another, less social venue for your pet’s exercise.
By following these few simple rules and by taking other dogs and owners into consideration as you visit with your own pets, your local dog park will remain a safe, happy and healthy environment for both you and your dog to enjoy free from worry.
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