01/16/2024
Is the dog park right for you and your dog? Dog parks are always one of the things most dog trainers don’t like. Mostly because we see all the things! Some really bad things can happen at the dog park. But some good too. So let’s talk about it!
If your dog is:
Confident with other dogs.
Is a good listener
Friendly or neutral with people
Then he’s one of those dogs that probably loves the dog park!
If your dog is:
Nervous of other dogs
Smalll breed or tiny
A puppy
Nervous of people
Then you should use caution and common sense! Choosing your park based on wether they have a small dog area, or only going on quiet days will make a your trip more successful!
If your dog is:
Aggressive at all towards other dogs
Has bitten a person or dog
Has a high prey drive
Doesn’t listen
Is easily overstimulated
Then you should not be going to the dog park. Your dogs behavior will not only make your dog fail, but you are putting others at risk and that’s not okay.
It takes a certain kind of dog to enjoy the dog park- one that enjoys other dogs, is confident and wanting that interaction. Most dogs start out okay with other dogs in their face but it only takes one or two bad experiences for that to change! Also, lots of dogs outgrow the need for dog to dog interaction! If you notice your once super happy dog park dog isn’t having as much fun or is getting grumpy you may need to change your dog park habits! This is completely normal and isn’t something that can be ”trained” out of them.
As always- use caution at the dog park. Watch your dog, and other dogs too! Know some basic dog body language and have a plan as to how you might avoid a potential issue. My advice is always to keep moving. Don’t stand around and talk to your friends and ignore your dogs. bring good treats and randomly reward them for checking in too! Be responsible and remember it’s not your right to ruin someone else’s day by taking your naughty dog park dog to the dog park. 😉