Dog Park Etiquette

Dogs need socialization just as much as their owners. Even the most pampered pooch is a pack animal at heart. He needs to be around other dogs in a safe setting in order to be happy and well-adjusted. If a dog is properly socialized, it makes him much less likely to become aggressive or hyperactive. One of the best places to do this is a dog park. But before you go and let your dog run free, it is a good idea to learn some dog park etiquette. Here are some tips to make sure your visit is fun and safe for everyone.

• Make sure your dog is vaccinated. This is just dangerous. Not only do you want to protect your dog from disease, you also want to prevent him from making other dogs sick. Many parks prohibit puppies that are too young to have had their full course of vaccines, so make sure you check, and make sure you are up-to-date.
• Clean up after your dog. This is perhaps the biggest dog park faux pas you can make. It is rude, it is dirty, and it is the worst way to go about making friends at the park.
• Keep your kids out of the park. This is for dogs!
• If your dog digs, make sure to fill the holes back in to prevent injuries and keep the park looking nice.
• Don’t bring your dog if she is in heat.
• Watch your dog’s behavior. You want to make sure that he isn’t forming a loose pack with other dogs. This can be a potentially dangerous situation for other dogs and even their owners. They are pack animals, but you do not want an aggressive pack to form.
• Make sure your dog isn’t being a bully. You wouldn’t let your child hurt other kids on the playground, would you? Don’t let your dog do it either.
• Have updated pet ID tags on your dog’s collar.
• Don’t force your dog to go. Again, watch his behavior. Does he like it? If not, he doesn’t have to go. He may get enough socialization on walks when he sees other dogs. Like people, not all dogs are social.
• This last one is completely optional, but we suggest dressing up and hitting the town in some great outerwear now that it is getting cooler! Why not socialize and look great?