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Dogs are social animals and love to spend time with their pack - whether that's other dogs or their human family. And for many dog owners, taking their pups to the dog park is a fun way to exercise and socialize them. However, there are some things you should keep in mind before heading to the park. Here are the best practices when taking your dog to the dog park!
A puppy should not be brought to a dog park until they are at least 17 weeks old in order to avoid being vaccinated for infectious diseases.
Puppy vaccinations, also known as puppy shots, begin after a dog is six to eight weeks old and must be repeated every three to four weeks until the pup is sixteen weeks old (though some pups may require boosters until about twenty weeks). Because each puppy's danger, level of maternal immunity, and immunization response may differ, the puppy vaccinations must be given as a series of injections over several months to ensure the greatest amount of protection.
Parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, and rabies are the core vaccine-preventable dog diseases. Before going to a dog park, all dogs should be adequately vaccinated against these illnesses. Other health issues and problems that your dog may develop at the dog park (you can discover a full list further below) abound.
There may be more vaccinations required depending on where you live, the age of your dog, and the time of year. Leptospirosis, bordetella, Lyme disease, parainfluenza, or even canine influenza ("dog flu") might be required. Read about canine vaccines and learn about the typical "shots" schedule with your veterinarian.
Because of how long the puppy shot series takes, waiting an additional week (hence, the 17-week minimum) before going to the dog park is recommended.
Before taking any dog to a dog park, certain skills and behaviors should be bulletproof. These skills and actions should be dependable even when off-leash and at a distance. Before heading to the dog park, it's important to confirm that your dog knows how to "look here," "come," "sit," and "leave."
While the most important socialization period for a puppy ends at around 12-13 weeks of age, continued socialization of puppies — and, more importantly, all dogs — is essential. Puppy socialization isn't only about mixing with other dogs; it also entails acclimating them to the sounds and visuals of automobiles, bicycles, skateboards, and other objects they are likely to encounter on their journey to the park. Getting them used to being around other dog owners is part of socializing them. Puppy classes are a wonderful approach to start socializing your new puppy!
Scoping out the parks in your area might help you and your canine companion discover the ideal setting for them to release all of their pent-up energy. Not only do they need activity, but playtime should also be enjoyable for everyone involved.
Check the park and observe the humans and dogs who are there at the time you would usually take your pet, and ask yourself these questions before taking your dog out.
Is it possible that the park is too full at this time?
Are the fence and gate secure?
Are there various sections for big and little dogs?
Do the owners pay close attention to their pets?
The park can be a great place to socialize puppies, but only if they are introduced gradually and appropriately. Puppies should never be allowed to run free in an unsupervised dog park; instead, their owner should always supervise them. When you first start taking your puppy to the park, only introduce them to a few friendly dogs at a time. If your pup is feeling overwhelmed or scared, it's time to leave.
In addition to bringing water for both you and your pup, bring a pooper scooper and plastic bags (or better yet — have some supplies readily available in your car). Clean-upis essential etiquette when visiting any dog park. Not everyone follows this etiquette, but you and your pup will have a much more pleasant experience if you do.
Just like with kids, not all dogs are ready to socialize with others. A dog with an aggressive behavior may not be the best candidate to play with on a trip to the dog park and should be avoided. If you see other dogs playing too rough or being generally rowdy, it's best to remove your pup before things get too out of hand.
Before heading out to the park, it's important to have some supplies on hand in case of an emergency. This includes having a leash, waste bags, and water available for your pup. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the nearest vet clinic in case something happens while you're out. Also, learn how to safely break up a dog fight before the need arises.
Don't bring toys or snacks at the dog park even if your dog isn't food-aggressive or possessive of their toys; other dogs at the park may. Instead, leave the toys and goodies at home for future post-park celebrations.
If one or more dogs have a problem and their owners refuse to go, you should depart yourself. It's not worth the fight, and it's not worth hoping that the other dog(s) will stop tormenting your dog — they won't. Leave there and find another way to exercise and socialize your pup.
There are different types of dog parks, each with its own set of pros and cons. Below, we discuss these parks in detail:
Off-leash dog parks can be categorized as "a fenced area where large dogs may run and play in a controlled environment," or "1,000 acres of uninhibited canine enjoyment."
Off-Leash dog parks that allow dogs to run around without being on a leash are typically more laid-back in terms of rules, popular with high energy canines, and frequented by dogs who prefer the rough stuff. Never take small dogs to an off-leash dog park that does not adhere to strict playgroup regulations.
Off-leash areas might be enjoyable for dogs that get along well with other dogs (that is, never bully or fight other dogs). They're also ideal if you have a well-trained dog that follows commands. The off-leash park isn't suitable for you if your dog doesn't have a good recall.
Off-leash dog parks are only as safe as the dog owners who use them. It does not mean that other dogs will listen and come when called and never fight simply because your dog does so. If you take your dog to an off-leash area, they may easily be ruffled by one of the informal packs or by another dog who isn't properly trained.
Note: Some off-leash areas usually have different days for big and tiny breeds and certain times of the day.
Most dog parks are more restricted, as they are public spaces for people without dogs. The dogs are typically far better behaved (largely due to their confinement), and the owners are somewhat more cautious of their surroundings.
In these situations, off-leash play is not permitted. You'll need to come up with some fun things to do with your dog while they're on a leash. Also, remember to be polite to other people since non-dog owners will always have precedence over dogs.
An on-leash dog park features such as:
Supervising your dogs and keeping them within view
Handling no more than two dogs
Cleaning up after your dog and disposing of waste properly
Staying off agility equipment
Abiding by park rules
No female dogs in season
No bikes or unauthorized motorized equipment
If the park doesn't seem like a good fit for your dog, there are other options. You can take them on walks around the neighborhood, to a nearby pond or creek (just be sure to clean up after them), or find a friend who has a fenced-in yard and let your pup run wild. The important thing is that you get your dog out and about in social situations, so they don't become bored or destructive.
No matter what kind of park you choose, always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your dog. If you see another dog or person that makes you uncomfortable, leave. It's better to be safe than sorry. And above all else, have fun with your pup! Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more information on keeping your dog safe and healthy!
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