Dog Park Etiquette By Patricia Ellison

Dog parks are not for everyone and certainly not for every dog. Personally I’m not a dog park person, mainly because I live in a rural area and own more than 1 dog; they have ample room to run. But many of my clients enjoy taking their dogs to the dog park for interaction with other dogs.

Dogs are pack animals and accordingly, enjoy running and playing with other dogs. If they are available in your area, dog parks are a great place where your dog can run off leash and socialize with other dogs. Fenced in dog parks where your dog can be let loose to run and play are an excellent resource for city dwellers. Not only do they please your furry friend, but you can feel good knowing your dog is getting their social needs met.

Even though dogs are allowed to be off leash, your responsibility as your dog’s master and teacher must remain intact. The dog park environment seems relaxed and in the dog’s favor, but you still have the potential to maintain teaching your dog to be obedient. They must still, obviously, be supervised. Many dog park guests simply sit on the bench and wait for their dog to wear themselves out so they can leave.

In such an atmosphere, there is the potential for your dog to cause problems that you might not notice if you allow yourself to disconnect from your animal while they are at play. To prevent potential problems and to remind your dog you are master and they are still to obey you, take the time to do the following steps the next time you are out at the dog park.

1.Practice leashing your dog and removing him from the fenced area a few times . Go over a few basic commands he is used to, such as sit or stay, and reward him before returning him to playing. This technique will remind them that obeying you is still important, even when he is having tons of fun or is distracted.

2.When dogs are loose and at play, dominance aggression is sometimes an inevitable event. This social canine aggression can lead to dangerous power plays in which your dog, or someone else’s dog, could get injured. You can minimize the potential for aggression cropping up by reminding your dog and nearby dominant dogs that you are in control of him. Do this by calling to your animal by name while they are at play, having him come to you and petting him before allowing him to return to the other dogs.

3.Be careful to keep a close watch on your dog and to dissolve or remove him from bad situations with negative behavior. Red flags include tense or aggressive body language, mounting, intense staring, snarling or nipping. Dominant dogs have a tendency to single out submissive ones while in a pack, as is the case in dog parks, . If your dog lies on their back, tucks in their tail or begins to urinate, remove him immediately, as this is a sign of being overwhelmed by stress and fear.

Making sure your animal is still listening and obedient, even while excited and at play, will ensure their safety and fun while out.

Good trips to the dog park can be a great experience for you and your dog. Remember a tired dog is a happy dog and playing at the park can give and your dog the much needed exercise and social interaction he needs.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=374844&ca=Pets