If you have a dog, most likely you’ve made a trip to the off-leash dog beach or park. How can you have the best experience? While there are no rules, let’s put it in human terms. Think of the last time you went to a party. What happens if some bloke gets in your personal space?  You feel uncomfortable and back away. What if another talks too loud or laughs obnoxiously? You try for a fast break to escape. Ever have your hand held in a handshake, only they don't let go? This seems kind of creepy. Again, your instinct will always be to flee. All of these experiences happen on the dog-level too. To be sure your dog isn’t an instigator of these bad behaviors, here are 5 things you should do when going to the dog park.

1. Do exercise your dog before going 

This seems to be the opposite of what you want to do. Consider if your dog has a lot of pent up energy and needs to run around. Doing this at the dog beach may create problems. If you take your dog for a long walk or give them some sort of mental and physical exercise before you go to the park, your dog will be more relaxed at the dog park.

2. Do have an understanding of dog body language

Hopefully by now, you understand your dog’s body language. Just in case, check out what most dogs look like when they are stressed out and be aware.  This will help you identify the dogs with good dog park behavior from the dogs with bad dog park behavior. This is similar to our human party experience already discussed.   

3. Do take your dog’s leash off of your dog

If you believe you will have more control over your dog by keeping them on a leash, you shouldn’t be taking your fur-baby to the off-leash beach. Keeping your dog on a leash will add stress as other dogs are allowed to freely go up to him or her and your dog is held captive.

4.Do intervene when play gets rough

Some people believe dogs will work it out on their own. This is not true. Just like people, some dogs can be bullies. If dogs are playing together and it turns to growling and biting, do not try and break it up on your own by grabbing your dog as you may get bitten. Try and use noises, such as your own voice or bring a whistle, to break it up.  If it starts to get questionable, exit with your dog as soon as you can.  

5. Do have a trained dog

If your dog has a habit of running away, it will be difficult to keep them under control at a dog park. For success at the dog park, your dog should know simple commands and adhere to your wishes. If your dog does not return when you call him, your dog may not be a good candidate at the dog park.

Here are 5 things you should NOT do when you are at the dog park:

1.  Do NOT bring a puppy to the dog park

Puppies under 12 weeks old haven’t been properly immunized against common diseases older dogs with stronger immune systems easily combat. Dog parks have a ton of parasites and diseases traveling through the park. It’s best to leave a new puppy at home.

2.  Do NOT bring a dog in heat to the dog park

Does this really need to be stated? Answer: yes. It still surprises me when I hear someone say something like: she’s in heat, and thought running it off would help. Um, no. Not only will havoc happen, you will be the most hated person in the park for bringing your dog in heat.

3.  Do NOT pick up your small dog and carry them through the park

If you are concerned for your small dog enough to do this at the beach or dog park, don’t go. Not only is it counter-intuitive for your dog, it is also as if you have a dog-sized play toy in your arms. Larger dogs will want to jump up to get it. It triggers the feeling of treeing a cat or animal and most dogs will want to try and chase it from instinct.

4.  Do NOT allow your dog to be a bully

If you have a dominate dog known to be aggressive, do not try and break the behavior by going to the beach or dog park. No pet parent ever wants altercations between dogs. If your dog doesn’t play nice with other dogs, try getting your dog to interact at your home with a guest and their dog. Then next time, go to their house, taking them out of their territory to see how they do. Hopefully a few of these meetings will get them used to playing with other dogs before adventuring out to the dog beach.

5.  Do NOT pay more attention to other people, your phone or anything else besides your dog

When at the dog park, you must have full attention on your dog and the way they interact with other dogs. Not only should you be sure your dog is on good behavior, you also need to be sure other dogs are on their good behavior too.  This is a safety measure for all involved.

Like humans, dogs are highly social animals. Dogs are not bred to spend days inside, napping at home. A good excursion to the dog park can help mentally and physically exercise your dog. If you follow these dos and don’ts on how to behave at the dog park, hopefully you will have a successful outcome.

What other ideas do you have for success at the dog park? Let us know your ideas on our Facebook page. No matter what: enjoy your time together at the dog park as the social animals you are!