How To Make Your Trip to the Dog Park Successful

When you get a puppy, you probably imagine plenty of long afternoons spent at the dog park. Taking your pet to the park is an excellent way to bond with him, socialize him with other dogs, and allow him to get plenty of exercise. However, there are things to do first and to keep in mind if you want your first trip and any future trips to be successful.

Take Your Dog to the Vet First

Never take your dog to a dog park before he's had up-to-date veterinarian care. A dog can't have his full set of vaccinations until he's at least four months old, so cannot safely go to a dog park as a puppy. Before going to the park, your pet should have vaccinations for Bordetella, canine flu, and leptospirosis at a minimum. He should also be on a regular preventative for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. When you do take your dog to the park, ensure he wears a collar that includes tags with his name, your phone number, and his rabies tag on it.

Consider whether your dog has been spayed or neutered as well. Male dogs may become aggressive if they go to a dog park before they are neutered. Female dogs typically won't become aggressive but should stay home if in heat. After all, you don't want unexpected puppies or for an unneutered dog to become aggressive. Your pup should also avoid dog parks if he is showing any signs of feeling ill. Even if it isn't contagious, he may be less likely to want to be social and could become aggressive.

Choose the Right Dog Park

No two dog parks are exactly alike. For this reason, animal behaviorists suggest dog owners visit the park before taking their dogs. Doing so allows you to check out several things to ensure your pet will be safe. First, is the dog park fenced in? It should have a sturdy fence that goes all the way to the ground and extends high enough that dogs can't crawl under it nor jump over it. Check to ensure it doesn't have holes or rough edges that could hurt your dog. If it is double-gated, even better, as you will be able to close one gate before opening the one to the dog park, ensuring that if a dog gets out, it won't get too far.

Are there separate play areas for large and small dogs? Small dogs are often intimidated by larger ones, and surprisingly, many large dogs are scared of small ones. If they have separate play areas, it is safer for everyone involved. Consider whether there are large groups of dogs as well. If a dog park has too many dogs in it at once, it can be harder to maintain control and may become dangerous.

The best dog parks are ones that are free of garbage, excrement, and equipment. Are there places to dispose of waste, and does it seem like other dog owners are picking up after their pets? Look for a park that asks owners to bring their own water bowls, as communal bowls can lead to the spread of parasites or viruses. If the park requires owners to register and show proof of vaccinations, even better.

Know What To Bring and What To Leave at Home

You want your dog to have the best time while he's at the dog park, so it can be tempting to bring all of his favorite things. That may be a recipe for disaster, though. If other dogs try to steal his favorite toys, he could become aggressive. Another dog may even decide it's his favorite toy now and refuse to give it back. You don't necessarily need to come empty-handed, though. Bring some tennis balls or another outdoor toy that there is likely to be plenty of. This way, if you leave one or two, it isn't a big deal. Many parks also provide tennis balls or sticks for the dogs to play with.

It is also important not to bring food for your dog or for yourself. Many dogs are reactive when food is around, which means your dog or another dog could begin to fight for treats or dog food. If you bring your own food, there is a chance a dog could steal it, which could put him in harm and put you on the hook for another person's veterinarian bills. Leave your food in the car. However, it is okay to bring a treat or two in your pocket to give to your pet to help him get comfortable getting out of the car and when you are ready to re-leash him to go home. Never give another person's dog treats without asking permission first.

Pay Close Attention To Your Dog

Dog parks are meant to be enjoyed off-leash, which means you need to pay even more attention to what your dog is doing than usual. Even when you let him off his leash, you should keep it and his harness handy. This way, if something gets out of control or when you are ready to go, you can quickly get him ready and head out. Avoid using your phone, reading a book, or doing anything else that takes your attention away from your pet. If you notice other dogs getting rough, or if yours is keeping away from the others and seems timid, it's probably time to leave. You want your dog to associate the park with fun, so if he isn't having any, try again another day.

Preparing in advance, knowing what to expect at the park, and paying close attention while you're there makes it more likely that you, your pet, and everybody else will have a positive experience.