by Julie Wenger Watson
Although there can be plenty of fun in your own backyard, local dog parks provide a great opportunity for you and your pup to participate in some canine and human interaction. Before you head out the door with your pooch, here are a few things to consider.
Benefits of Dog Parks
Visits to dog parks have many benefits for you and your furry friend. Dog parks allow your pet to be free of a leash and to roam in a large area. It’s also an excellent opportunity for your dog to socialize with other canines while you meet new human friends. Some dog parks even have extra amenities for owners, serving coffee or beer or providing benches and picnic tables.
“Socialization is important for both dogs and people! I love taking my dog to the park so that I can be outside, interact with my dog, learn more about her personality, and meet new people in the community,” says Alex Mitchell Gardner, co-owner of Fetch Social Club, scheduled to open this summer at 728 South Wheeling Avenue in Tulsa.
Although Gardner notes that dog parks aren’t the only form of socialization that dogs need, they can provide enrichment for many canine senses and innate behaviors.
Dog parks also allow you to observe your animal interacting with other dogs and other people. It’s an ideal chance for you to learn from other pet owners too, everything from how to deal with negative behavior to tips on food or training. At the community level, the parks help promote healthy lifestyles and attract new residents.
Are Dog Parks for Every Dog?
Dog parks aren’t all alike. Some public parks might not be monitored or require proof of vaccination. If they have heavy traffic, there is a risk of spreading diseases and parasites. Mismatched dog sizes and inattentive owners can result in harm to your pet. In addition, not every dog has the right temperament for the park environment.
“Unfortunately, parks aren’t for everyone,” says Gardner. “We all have an idea in our head that we want a social dog that behaves well in public and gets along with every person and every dog. However, that is not always the case.”
If you’re not sure whether dog parks are for you and your pooch, Gardner recommends taking a group obedience class with your dog first. That would enable you to learn more about how your dog acts in new places and around other dogs and strangers while being in a controlled environment with a trainer who can educate you on body language.
“Although dog parks might not work for every dog, I don’t want owners to feel that after one negative experience, they can’t try again in a safe environment under the education of a professional,” Gardner adds.
Finally, keep in mind that puppies younger than four months without all vaccinations should never be around dogs you don’t know. Dogs who aren’t up to date on vaccinations should also stay home, as should dogs in heat or showing signs of illness.
Park Etiquette
Know the rules of the park before you go. Most parks require dogs to be tagged with a collar and vaccinated. Some parks have fees. Some parks do not allow children; others do not allow outside toys or treats. If treats are allowed, don’t give them to other dogs. Bring a personal portable water bowl and water for your pup. Always pick up after your dog.
Most important, don’t ignore your dog.
“Please, please pay attention to your dog,” says Gardner. “I see many dogs being bullied or bullying other dogs, and the owner is nowhere to be found or is focused on a cell phone. It is not fair to your dog or others to not attend to your dog.”
To help alleviate this problem, Fetch Social Club will have fully trained staff members monitoring the park.
If you’ve been considering a visit to a local dog park, there’s no better season to give it a try. With a little thought and planning, you and your pup will be in for a great time!
First Visit
Tips from Alex Mitchell Gardner
Walk your dog or let him burn out energy prior to the first visit to the dog park. Overstimulation can cause behavioral challenges in a new environment with unknown people and dogs. You can also walk the dog on leash around the dog park to familiarize it with the environment, sounds, and smells before entering.
Introduce your dog to a family member or friend’s dog in a controlled environment. If possible, try to have them meet outdoors in a neutral area.
Take a group obedience class. It can give great insight to your dog’s behavior in social settings.
Research the breed or breeds that your dog might be mixed with. This can give insight to social behaviors such as herding, chasing, alert barking, etc., that your dog might exhibit and that might become troublesome.
Watch “Dog Fighting or Playing” by Dr. Ian Dunbar on YouTube. This quick video shows examples of play styles and body language.
I prefer my dog to keep a thick collar or harness on in a public dog park in case I need to get hold quickly.
