We all love dog parks for the socialization they provide for both pets and owners. However, following specific safety rules is vital for a positive experience. To keep everyone safe, you must understand the essential do’s and don’ts of the park. Follow them every time you and your pooch visit the park to ensure a paws-itive experience for everyone.
Dog Park Do’s
Take your dog’s leash off before allowing her to join in play with other dogs. When all dogs in the park are off-leash, there is a general reduction in aggressive behavior. Off-leash dogs can use better body language to discourage attention or simply run away from threats. Leashes often make dogs more defensive and protective of their humans because they literally tether the animals to them. Many dog parks provide an entrance holding pen where you can safely remove your dog’s leash.
Teach your dog to enter the dog park calmly and under your control. Extremely excited or reactive dogs can trigger aggression in others. Teach your dog to enter the park calmly without barking. If your dog is hyper after you’ve been at work, take a short walk first. This helps bring their energy back to a normal level.
Pick up your dog’s poop. Cleaning up your dog’s mess shows more than good manners—in many places, the law requires you to pick up after your dog. When you remove feces from the dog park, you prevent other guests, dogs, and yourself from stepping in something unpleasant. Picking up after your dog also helps the community avoid spreading parasites.
Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines and parasite control. Your pup should be vaccinated for rabies, distemper, and kennel cough and protected by flea, tick, and intestinal parasite control. Your diligence about these protections will not only keep you and your pet safe and healthy, but it will also protect other animals from infections and infestations. Talk to your vet to determine if you need to take additional precautions, such as leptospirosis or canine influenza vaccines, based on your location and other risks.
Dog Park Don’ts
Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Avoid talking on your phone, texting, emailing, or Facebooking while you visit the dog park. Actively supervise your dog at all times, even when you talk with other pet parents or greet one of your dog’s canine buddies. Furthermore, never leave your dog unattended in the park, even for a moment.
Don’t take your dog’s favorite toys or bones with you. Guard dogs can become aggressive over items like toys, rawhides, or food. They may pose a risk to guests and other dogs if they feel someone is threatening their belongings. To keep everyone safe, leave your dog’s favorite things at home.
Don’t try to break up a dog fight. This is a good way to get bitten — in the midst of an excited state, your dog (or someone else’s) could unintentionally injure you. Dogs may also think of you as a threat and turn their aggression toward you. Rather than getting into the fight, try other tactics like a squirt gun, dumping a bowl of water over the dogs, or shaking a noisy object like a can filled with pennies.
Don’t take your new puppy to the dog park. Puppies are not ready for the park — or any high-traffic areas that also include pets — until they are at least 12 to 16 weeks of age and have had all scheduled vaccinations. You will want to consult with your veterinarian about the right time for your puppy to visit the park.
A little respect and some attention to the rules can make the dog park a great place for you and your pup to enjoy some time outside. Remember your manners, and have a great time! At the Reserve at Rivington Apartments in Chester, we are proud to feature a community dog park for our resident’s furry friends! Learn more about our Pet-Friendly Apartment Amenities on our Amenities and Features page.
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