A dog park is where your lovely fido can make new friends, release their pent-up energy and play their heart out. Apart from dogs, it is a joyful space for owners as well as they can socialise and bond with other dog owners well. However, just like any other public space, there are certain etiquette that one should follow in dog parks as well.
In this blog, you will see the top dos and don’ts to follow in a dog park, ensuring a positive experience when you visit there. It will also contribute to the well-being of the whole dog park community. So let us get started,
The Dos:
Do Supervise Your Dog: It is always essential to keep an eye on your dog while they are playing in the park. This supervision not only ensures their safety but also prevents them from engaging in fights with other pets.
Do Carry all the Essentials: Don’t forget to take items like poop bags, water, leash etc before you head to the park. These items not only keep the park clean but also send a message to other dog owners about preserving the hygiene of the park.
Do Follow the Rules: Each dog park has their own set of rules and regulations. You can usually see them posted at the entrance or around the park. Make sure you follow these and stick to them regularly.
Do Watch Your Dog’s Behaviour: Pay attention to your dog’s body language, especially if they are around other pets or fellow human beings. If they become stressed or anxious, try to remove them from their current situation.
Do Practise Good Hygiene: Keep your dogs clean and well-groomed before you take them to the park. This keeps your dogs clean and prevents unnecessary mess in the park.
Do Be Respectful of Others: Always be considerate to other pet parents who are in the park. Give them space when needed and ask permission before you touch or offer dog treats to other dogs in the park.
Do Have Fun: Lastly, enjoy your time at the park. A dog park is best to socialise with fellow pet owners and meet other cute dogs.
The Don’ts:
Don’t Bring Unvaccinated Dogs: Ensure that your dog is up to date on their vaccines before you take them to the park. This prevents the spreading of diseases from dogs and keeps both humans and dogs safe inside the park.
Don’t Bring Aggressive Dogs: If your dogs have a tendency to become aggressive towards other people or fellow pets, do not take them to the park. Aggressive behaviour in dogs can lead to injuries and conflicts.
Don’t Ignore Your Dog: Using a mobile phone during dog walks can make you lose your attention towards the dogs. This can risk your pet’s safety since other dogs are also around the park.
Don’t Allow Rough Play: While dogs are enthusiastic creatures, too much excitement while playing can lead to sudden aggression. Restrain your dogs if you see them becoming too rough while they are playing.
Don’t Bring Untrained Dogs to the Park: Completely training your dogs is essential before you take them to the park. Teach them basic commands like “come”, “sit”, and “stay”, which helps in handling your dog while they are playing in the park.
Don’t Bring Food Inside the Park: Avoid taking food inside the park as it can lead to aggression among dogs to grab it and may lead to conflicts or, even worse, injuries.
All in All,
By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure a peaceful playing session with your dogs inside the park. These tips will also help you create a strong bond with fellow dogs and their owners inside the park. Make every visit of yours in the dog park a fantastic experience.
An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan.
