A: Dog parks can be a great way to socialize your dog, but can also be unsafe depending on the park.
Keep in mind that not all dogs enjoy meeting new dogs. Don’t let your dog get overwhelmed by meeting too many dogs at once.
Be sure your dog is healthy and is up-to-date on all of his inoculations. Also, most parks only permit neutered and spayed dogs to enter.
Consider visiting the park without your dog for the first time to familiarize yourself with the park
and the dogs that play there. Before bringing your dog inside the park, spend a few minutes watching the other dogs and how they interact. If the dogs seem too rough for your dog, come back at another time or try a different dog park.
The first few visits to the dog park should be short, no longer than 15 minutes. Slowly increase the length of your stays as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Choose a time that is less busy for your first few visits to the park. Weekday evenings are peak, high-traffic times at dog parks, and weekends and holidays tend to be busy all day long.
Supervise your dog and don’t get distracted while talking to other owners. Keep an eye on your dog at all times, watching his body language to help you avoid any trouble before it begins (and to clean up after him quickly!).
Let your dog off leash as soon as you enter unleashed areas. Mixing leashed and unleashed dogs can create a hostile situation.
Don’t bring children with you to the dog park. You will not safely be able to watch your kids and your dog at the same time. It’s simply too easy for a child to get hurt at a dog park.
Puppies less than four months old aren’t fully immunized yet and are at higher risk for contracting diseases. Leave your puppy at home.
Do not bring toys or food. Rewarding your dog with treats or giving him toys in front of other dogs can create jealousy and aggression.
Leave the park if your dog is being threatened or bullied and seems fearful; begins to display aggressive behavior by becoming overexcited or threatening toward other dogs; is panting heavily;
or seems overly tired.
DO NOT physically intervene in a dogfight. Never reach in to break up fighting dogs.
Bringing your dog to the dog park is a great way to have him burn off energy and have fun with other dogs. However, if your dog is not able, for whatever reason, to go to the dog park, remember that you can have just as much fun with him by taking him on a walk or by playing fetch in your own yard.