Dog parks are controversial topics among dog behavior specialists. While everyone agrees that dogs need exercise and socialization, dogs can pick up bad habits from their canine compatriots at dog parks. Because of my living situation, I am greatly appreciative of the dog run my apartment complex recently built. I use the shared dog space responsibly and enjoy spending time outdoors with my pet. However, heading to the dog run (or a dog park) requires some advanced preparation.
Identify the Dog’s Needs
I share my living space with a Boxer named Odin. We live in a one-bedroom apartment in a dog-friendly apartment complex. Due to his breed, age and personality, Odin needs a lot of exercise. If I don’t give him the opportunity to release his energy, Odin gets destructive in the apartment. (Breed-specific tendencies can also lead to hyperactivity and barking, so make sure you read up on your dog’s breed.)
Unfortunately, I have a back injury and my husband works a lot. Odin is frequently in my care, leaving the responsibility of exercising him on me. When my personal trainer showed me how jogging (often with Odin) aggravates my back injury, I realized I’d have to find another way to exercise my dog. Fortunately, I recognized his need for exercise and started taking him to the dog park.
Different dogs do have different needs. A small dog, by contrast, might get overwhelmed in a dog run with larger dogs who run faster. It’s important to know what your dog needs and to watch him at all times when he’s playing with other dogs.
Necessary Items
Responsible parents often pack toys and diaper bags when they’re out and about with their kids. Being a dog parent is no different: you have to be prepared. Even if I’m heading to a space that has hand sanitizer and clean-up bags, I bring my own. You never know when the park will run out-and it’s my responsibility to clean up after Odin. Dogs often urinate and defecate in public spaces, so always be prepared.
Additionally, don’t forget to bring:
Leash and collar
Dog medication
Dog sweater (if it’s cold out)
Water for you and your dog
Treats for training and recall
Pre-Socialization
While dog parks are wonderful places for your dog to make friends, these parks also contain the potential to breed dog aggression. Our other dog Ockee was bit by another dog when she was a puppy, and now displays signs of fear aggression. While I know that such a dog cannot go into a dog park, other owners do not.
While you can never fully control or prevent an incident of aggression, you can pre-socialize your dog. Dogs have great instincts, but they need to learn manners just as humans do. You can work on this by facilitating introductions with other dogs in a neutral and controlled environment. Start by introducing your dog to one new friend at a time.
Just as a properly educated child can learn what to do when there’s a social faux pas, your dog can learn to manage and interpret greetings and social behavior with practice.
Because Odin is so excitable, I try to walk him before allowing him to socialize with other dogs.
Register Your Dog
In most areas, dogs must be legally licensed with the local authorities. Dogs should wear tags when they are in public dog parks. Try to let your dog associate only with other rules-compliant dogs and owners to prevent injury or disease.
Registration requires current veterinary paperwork. Before you get your dog licensed, make sure her paperwork is up to date.
Know the Rules
Each township and individual dog park has its own rules. This applies to private dog parks as well. Some dog parks have separate areas for small and large dogs to prevent injury during play. You can call your township or apartment complex (or check online) for rules about the dog park before you go. Most parks also have rules posted on site by the entrance gate. Common rules include:
Clean up after your dog
Hours of operation/restricted hours
Stay with your dog
Height and weight limits for specific areas of the dog park
Dog must wear tags
Obey general park policies
Extremely young puppies and sick animals not permitted
If you’re unsure about park policies or how your dog will behave in a dog park, keep your dog leash and collared when you enter. Odin gets really excited and unsure at first when he enters the dog park. He looks to me for guidance and leadership. For this reason, I keep him leashed and walk around with him. As we explore together at a new location, he feels more confident. When he’s alert and ready to play, I unleash him.
Watching Odin bolt around in a safe and social environment is very rewarding. The dog park is a great exercise opportunity for us both, and I enjoy watching my dog get the exercise he requires.
More from Tara M. Clapper:
Pet Safety: Leaving Your Dogs Home Alone
Dog Diet: How to Switch Your Dog’s Food
Five Steps: Dogs Behaving Well Around Company