Top 10 Tips on the Local Dog Park
10. Be prepared!
– Bring a leash, bags to pick up messes, and water for your thirsty pup! NEVER bring food.
9. Know Your Dog
– Know the temperament of your canine. If it’s a little more hostile or not as people friendly, you need to stay close and let other dog owners know.
8. Loose on the Leash
– Don’t be a tease to your dog and let him feel restrained on a leash while your distracted. Once you’re secure inside the gate and it’s shut tightly let him/her run free, but keep an eye on them.
7. Scoop that Poop!
– Always bring bags with you, and always pick up the poop. Just because it’s a dog park does not mean a little poop left behind is okay and other park goers will not be happy.
6. Watch Where You Step!
– Even the cleanest dog parks can hide left behind messes, so don’t go barefoot and keep an eye where you are going. Also, some dogs are diggers so watch out for holes!
5. Keep an Eye on Kids
– Kids 12 and older and generally fine. However, make sure to not bring a kid who is terrified of dogs because that will make for a terrible situation.
4. Is Your Puppy Too Small?
– For most breeds, anything younger than 3 months is too young. Gradually introduce a new pup to the experience during off hours.
3. No Dogs in Heat
– This will trigger the fight instinct in male dogs at the park. Stay home while this is going on.
2. Too Many Pups
– Don’t bring more dogs to the park than you can handle. Even if you’re skilled at handling many dogs, you don’t want to be faced with a situation where they are all out of control.
1. A Bad Dog Has to Go
– If your fuzz ball is repeatedly harassing other dogs, being too rough, and out of control, get them out of there.
With these tips you should be able to handle that dog park no problem. Good luck!
Photos: Pink Knitter, toddlerazzi, Koza Vision, rkl245, egasbarino, and petebeck on flickr.com