Recently we visited our local dog park for the first time. Our little Shichon (cross-breed of Shih Tzu and a Bishon Frise = Shichon) Teddy Bear puppy just turned ten months old. Our harsh Winter and colder than normal Spring has been hard on her outdoor play so when the weather broke over the weekend, we decided to try a dog park nearby that friends and neighbors have talked about.
We invited our friends to meet us there and arrived together and stayed for about an hour. Within that hour, I learned a lot about the dog park etiquette Dos and the Don’ts.
Do: Obey the dog park rules. There are clearly marked signs for the large dog park area and the small dog park area. It makes for chaos when large dogs are trying to sniff and play with much smaller dogs. Please take your dog in the right size park area for your mutt.
Don’t: Drop off your dog and leave. This is not a baby sitter location and every per owner is responsible for their own pet at all times. Not having eyes on your dog at all times is not cool or responsible.
Do: Clean up after your pet. I guarantee that all dogs will go poo and pee and no one wants to see dog waste laying around. Plus this is just plain good hygiene to clean up after your dog; for all involved!
Don’t: Bring your laptop to complete work while you let your dog run free and unattended for an hour. Again, the dog park is not a free babysitter.
Do: Keep an eye on your dog and the other dogs behaviors. You can tell a lot about playful behavior and aggressive behavior. Know how the tell the difference. It is likely dogs will try to display who is the alpha male so know when you need to step in. Also know it is OK to take your aggressive dog home for the day. Nothing good can ever come from a dog bite to another dog or a human.
Don’t: Bring toys from home. Toys will just cause other dogs to become aggressive and then every dog will want the same toy. It will either end up destroyed or taken, causing a dog fight. There is plenty to do at the park without the need for toys.
Do: Talk to other dog owners in the park. Everyone is there to have their dog run and play in a healthy way. Chances are if you plan to go back to the same park, you will see the same humans and dogs often. And just like us humans, you will learn which mutts get along and which ones don’t.
Do: Have fun. Once your dog feels comfortable (again learning and knowing your dogs behaviors), take them off lead and let them run. You will be surprised at how they will learn to make friends and play well with others. Great for socialization.
Bonus: Your dog or puppy will sleep peaceful that afternoon!
Extra Bonus: Picture of super cute puppy! {You’re welcome}
