Dog parks are springing up all over the place and are a great communal meeting place for owners and their pets. Most have drinking water for dogs, grassed areas and play equipment, as well as tables and chairs for humans. Dog parks are usually run by councils and are fully fenced to enable your dog to run off the lead.
In planning a trip to your local dog park, consider the following to make sure you and your dog enjoy your time with other ‘dog people’:
- It is very important that your dog is not aggressive. If you have a dog that is likely to be aggressive it is best not to take it to a dog park.
- Ensure your dog responds to basic commands such as come, sit and stay. This is important if you need your dog to come to you straight away.
- Make sure you know where your dog is at all times and what it is doing. If it is dominating other dogs or people take your dog away from the situation for a break and to change its focus.
- If you are concerned about the behaviour of another dog, tactfully approach the dog’s owner and let the owner know your concerns; they may not even be aware of what their dog is up to and will most likely appreciate being informed.
- Make sure you take bags to clean up after your dog.
- Take balls and other toys for your dog but be aware you may lose them to other dogs in the park.
- If your dog is small you may be anxious about it being hurt by larger dogs. It is very important not to panic if larger dogs do approach your dog, and never pick your dog up as this just encourages other dogs to be more interested in your dog and your dog to be afraid.
Most dogs will play well at a dog park and will sort themselves out in terms of who they will play with and how. Try not to be over protective of your dog and let it get to know the other dogs at the park and let it find their feet (or paws) with its new friends.
Before you know it your dog will be racing around with it snew friends and you will be able to relax and chat with the other ‘dog parents’. This can be a great opportunity to share information about dogs and for you to make some new friends too.
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