Brush up on Dog Park Etiquette

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC’s 7-day-a-week training support service
By Hilarie Erb, AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer

It has been quite a winter and being cooped up indoors because of the pandemic may have made it seem tougher than most. But spring is nearly here, and many dog owners are looking forward to fun at the dog park with their best friends.

Good manners for owners and dogs are critical to enjoying time at the dog park, but knowing your dog is very important too. Some dogs get along great with other dogs while others do not. Like humans, each one is individual, but unlike humans, dogs don’t deal with adversity stoically if they are not having a good time. Learn about your dog’s body language so that you’ll know what kind of time she’s having at the park.

Other Dog Park Rules to Abide By:

• Always obey the rules of your park. Most community dog parks require a special pass, and owners must show proof of vaccinations to get one. Do not try to skirt these rules; it isn’t fair to other dogs and owners, and the rules are made with safety in mind.
• If your dog misbehaves, don’t take it personally. Just be polite, apologize, and take him home. Don’t punish your dog; he’s just doing what dogs sometimes do. And if someone else’s dog does something unsafe, it’s better for you to remove your dog from the picture even if it should be the other way around.
• Stay calm and polite with other dog owners. Dogs are more likely to stay calm if their people are not upset and a bad experience for your dog can create fearfulness or worse, cause serious injury.
• Always keep an eye on your dog. It’s easy to get caught up in socializing with other owners, but you are really there for the dogs and keeping them safe should be your main priority.
• The dog park is not the place for toys. Not even tennis balls; playing fetch is something dogs do with their people and other dogs may horn in on the game. If it’s a quiet time and you have the park to yourself, it’s fine to play with toys but when other dogs show up, the safest thing is to put them away.
• Most dog parks also have rules prohibiting food (animal or people), treats, and bones. These are all things that dogs might get into a fight over. Have some high-value treats in the car so that you can reward your dog for leaving when the time comes.
• It goes without saying that you should always pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately. No littering, either! Besides just being unsightly and dirty, it creates hazards for dogs who might eat something dangerous. And keep an eye on possessions that curious dogs might be interested in.
• Never take a female dog in season.

Dog parks are a wonderful resource as long as owners realize that dogs will be dogs. Most are social animals and love a chance to play with canine friends. But remember that you are your dog’s best friend, and it’s your job to know that keeping your dog safe and secure will help you both have the best time possible.

For more tips and advice on training your dog, join the AKC GoodDog! Helpline, a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by experienced dog trainers: www.akcgooddoghelpline.org.