Dog Park Etiquette for Beginners

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Dog Park Etiquette for Beginners

by: Kelly Marshall

The dog park is a fun environment where well behaved, trained dogs can get some physical activity in and enjoy the company of other dogs. It should be a fun environment where dogs and owners can relax and enjoy a good time, but that requires everyone to follow a few basic rules of common courtesy. The following tips will help you follow basic dog bark etiquette, though it doesn't cover all of the bases of what should be expected.

Puppy Etiquette

Puppies should not be taken to the dog park until they have had all of their shots and have been cleared by a veterinarian to ensure they do not have diseases or illnesses which may be passed on to other dogs. Waiting for all rounds of shots to be delivered gives you time to work on some basic training skills so they are controllable when they are finally cleared to go play.

Worms are especially important to check for when considering introducing a puppy to the dog park. Make sure they have been thoroughly treated and do not have any worms in their body before allowing them to roam the dog park.

Make sure you have at least a bit of control over your puppy so you will have an easier time keeping up with them and teaching them the ropes of proper socialization once you get to the park. A puppy that runs wild, barks and bites at other dogs, or that refuses to come back to you when signaled can be a bother to you as well as others in the park.

Picking Up

You have to pick up after your dog when you take them on a walk around the neighborhood, and that is no different at a dog park. Bring adequate amounts of all the needed supplies and keep a close watch on your dog's activities. As long as they aren't leaving a mess for others to step in, you should be welcome back to the park.

Multiple Dogs

If you have more than one dog or want to walk other neighborhood dogs down to the park along with your own, make sure that you are in complete control of all dogs and are able to control them all at once. The more dogs you bring in, the more difficult it becomes to keep track of them all and respond immediately to potential problems.
If you are bringing dogs that are not your own, make sure they are properly trained and will respond to you when you need them to come back to you. There is nothing more frustrating for you and everyone else in the park when a bunch of dogs are running loose and the owner cannot properly get them under control.

Note on Socializing

The dog park is an opportunity for your dog to socialize and get to know other dogs in a friendly manner, but it doesn't necessarily mean you can spend your time immersed in conversation and socialization of your own. You have to keep an active eye on your dog and know where it is at all times, even if you do strike up a conversation with others in the park.

It is okay to talk some with other people and enjoy yourself as the park should be a fun experience for all, but don't get so caught up in your own conversations that you lose track of what your dog is doing.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our elevated dog feeders selection online.

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