Proper Dog Park Etiquette Guide

July 1, 2019

Warm weather and a sunny day means you and your four legged friend can have a lot of fun at the dog park. A time for bonding, fresh air and an off leash dog run. What could go wrong?

Bad canine manners and inattentive human habits can interfere with the happiest of intentions.

Proper dog park etiquette, however, ensures everyone has a good time.

What are best practices for a dog park? Let’s review a few dos and don’ts that will encourage the very best dog care and leash-less experience.

Make Sure Your Dog Has Basic Dog Training

Basic dog training prior to attending a dog park is very important. It’s almost a qualification to go to a dog park in general. Mastering common commands will certainly help. Here are a few more to go beyond the standard, Sit and Stay.

Have You Completed Recall Training With Your Dog?

Recall training is when your dog looks at you and responds after you call his/her name. If your dog is hit-or-miss in this department, practice multiple times a day and reward recall with dog training treats.

Is Your Dog Used to Collar Grabbing?

At some point as a dog parent, you will need to grab your dog’s collar. Making your dog understand the expectation of the “Collar Grab” will keep you from a power struggle. Practice at home or on walks so you and your dog become comfortable with the action.

Maybe Consider Dog Training Classes

All dogs are different. Some take direction well, some are stubborn and some are born with endless energy. If in doubt about your dog’s behavior, enroll him in some dog training classes. Instruction from a professional trainer will be beneficial in the long run…and at the dog park.

Things You Should Be Doing at the Dog Park

Yes, there is a list of things you should do at the dog park! Here are our top six picks:

Keep an Eye on Your Dog

First rule, always make sure you are attentively watching your dog and keeping him safe. Dog friendly parks attract all types of animals. Know the dogs that are around and keep your pet away from dog bullies.

Also, gain a familiarity with the layout of the dog area. Keep your pet away from paths that lead to a closed space, trails that prevent an easy escape or any area where a pack of dogs can easily corner your pet.

Prompt Your Dog to Check Your Position

Keep walking and stay mobile. This will prompt your dog to check your position and follow you.

By naturally wanting to know where you are, your dog is less likely to fall into bad behavior.

Keep Small Dogs in the Small Dog Area

During a big dog vs. little dog altercation, a little dog will incur more trauma, more injury and require more recuperation time than a larger attacker. Some dog parks have a dog playground dedicated to small dogs, a fenced in area for dogs and/or a small dog run.

Know How to Break Up a Dog Fight

The best way to handle a dogfight is to know how to respond. It’s best to stay calm and interrupt the fight as soon as possible. We recommend keeping a stick or a bottle of water with you at an off leash dog park. Your vet is a great resource for more tips on how to insert yourself in a dogfight.

Clean Up After Your Dog

Want to make enemies at the pet park? Don’t pick up your dog’s poop. Bring your own bags and dispose of your pet’s waste. Not picking up your dog’s waste will surely result in tension between other dog owners.

Bring a Portable Water Bowl

Endless sniffing, running and meeting new doggie and human friends are going to build up a thirst. Sharing water bowls at local dog parks encourage illnesses such as giardia. Your best bet is to bring a portable water bowl to keep your pet hydrated.

Do Not Do These Things at the Dog Park

Just as there is a list of “dos,” there is also a list of don’ts. Most dog friendly parks have a list of rules posted at the entrance, however, if you do not see them clearly, ask around and follow these eight steps.

Do Not Bring a Sick Dog to the Park

You would be surprised at how many people don’t think of this, or just simply don’t care. It’s easy though. Do not bring a sick dog to the dog park.

Make Sure Your Dog is of Age to Attend the Park

Don’t bring your puppy if less than 4 months of age or if they haven’t had their shots. Primarily for health reasons as a park for dogs can put your pet at risk for illness. You don’t want a sick baby pup.

Please Make Sure Your Dog is Spayed or Neutered

Aggressive behavior can be the result of an unneutered male dog. Additionally, don’t bring a female in heat. This will cause dogfights and a potential surprise - a litter full of puppies!

Your Dog Must Know His/Her Manners

In other words, leave bad behavior at home. This goes hand-in-hand with keeping an eye on your dog. If you notice any of the following behavior, use the recall method or collar grab to redirect.

Don’t let your dog crowd new dogs entering the park
Don’t let your dog mount other dogs
Don’t let your dog gang up on other dogs

Tips For A Successful Trip To A Dog Park

Dog Parks Aren’t the Greatest Place for Little Kids

Little kids like to grab and smother pets. On a normal day, a dog may be just fine letting a child pet and pat but at the off leash dog park, they are excited. This is their time! Beware of bringing children to the dog park and if you do, make sure they know to give strange dogs their space.

Leave the Dog Treats at Home

Save the dog treats for the car or for home. Dog treats, including dog training treats can cause a problem with other dogs and often result in an escalating situation.

Use Your Judgement with Dog Toys

A favorite frisbee can be potentially intercepted by a friendly or not-so-friendly wanna-be player. Bring toys out at discretion or save them for another day.

Familiarize Yourself with Dog’s Body Language

Tail raised, ears back, what does this mean? Familiarize yourself with dynamics of positive dog play and what dog body language means. Some dog breeds instinctively have a high prey drive and some are more playful. Educating yourself on varying canine temperaments can help you avoid a bad situation.

Not All Dogs Like Dog Parks

Some dogs, while peaceful and playful at home, are more solitary in nature. If your dog is sticking by you consistently, and not showing interest in socializing, your dog could possibly dislike the dog park.

Just like people, some dogs are more solitary in nature or prefer smaller groups. If your dog seems more interested in sticking by your side, stressed or anxious, your dog could be signaling he doesn't like the dog park.

You can try socialization classes or maybe your dog would enjoy smaller 'play dates' rather than the big and sometimes chaotic environment of a dog park.