What a wonderful place the dog park can be for you and your dog. A place to meet new people and it is an excellent way to socialize your dog. They are able to run free in a natural environment and play with other dogs and be around other people. What more could you ask for?
"Good social skills at both ends of the leash."
Often we find dogs with no social skills. The owners could care less what their dogs are doing, they have failed to teach these skills to their dogs. Then when the dog is placed in the dog park environment, the level of activity, causes problems to occur. It is not the dogs fault, it is the owners.
When we bring our dogs to the dog park, we expose them to people, animals and debris.
Most dog parks allow all breeds, from small to large, to enter. This means that your small dog could potentially be exposed to bigger, or aggressive breeds. This risk is not limited to little dogs. In California we are fortunate to have lovely parks with small dog sections and large dog sections. Of course this does not define who will use which section. There are small to Medium size dogs who can be aggressive and literally do harm to another. We will skip the Pit Bulls, since they always get the bad rap and talk about the Terrier breed, I can speak of this, because I am a Terrier owner and I know the training and responsibility needed to handle this breed. They can be very protective of their owners and exhibit excessive energy. Why even small poodles can bite out in defense. With any dog,if the owner can not control the dog and it shows aggressive behavior to other peoples dogs or people in general,they should remove the animal.If it is questionable always keep the dog leashed and walk around in the park and establish the a proper attitude with your dog. It is true being on a leash at times will frustrate the dog, but this is where the owner must maintain control, for the safety of the other dogs and even owners.
Any dog can potentially be a hostile dog if provoked. Natural dog play can appear aggressive—biting, chasing and rolling around together—but it’s crucial to pay close attention, especially when they first meet. Dogs are pack animals and one or more may want to establish their dominance. Should two dogs begin to truly fight, clap and shout to get their attention. If nothing else works, the safest way to separate them is by grabbing one dog’s tail, haunches or whatever you can reach and pulling the dog backward. Never put your hands or face anywhere near a fighting dog’s mouth or front paws. While you may not be a canine expert, you don't have to be a genius to recognize friendly versus aggressive dog behavior.
Germs and Disease:
Although many dog parks require visitors to have current immunization records, there’s no guarantee that every dog there has received his shots. Any contact your dog has with an infected surface—including grass and dirt—or another dog in the park leaves him vulnerable to the many diseases and germs that can run rampant in dog parks.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a single gram of dog feces can contain as many as 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, which can cause serious kidney disorders and intestinal illness in humans. And since dog feces doesn’t absorb into the ground like cow manure does, the danger doesn’t end when the feces gets picked up. The Centers for Disease Control says that the eggs of certain parasites and roundworms found in dog feces can remain in the soil for years.That means that by simply stepping on grass that previously held infected feces, you and your dog risk coming into contact with those eggs. Scoop your dog’s feces as quickly and thoroughly as possible to help reduce his contribution to dog park germs. Keep a couple of plastic bags in your pocket for this purpose—better to have too many than too few. Ensure your dog never misses a checkup and is current on his vaccinations.
Unaltered Dogs:
A female dog that has not been spayed is in great danger at a dog park. Unaltered males could mount the female in a matter of moments, opening her up to the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. And female dogs in heat could bring on an onslaught of attention from males, who might then become aggressive with each other to win over the female. If you’re bringing your unaltered female dog to the dog park, do so with extreme caution. Avoid taking her there when she is in heat.
When you do visit the dog park, monitor her interaction with other dogs very closely.Unaltered males will waste no time mounting an unaltered female, no matter how highly trained they are. Instinct drives them, especially when a female is in heat. It’s also thought that although every breed and dog is different, unaltered male dogs are more aggressive than their neutered counterparts.
Food and Toys:
Your dogs food and toys are a joy—these are your dogs joys . Another dog’s food and toys are an invitation; your dog will want to take back these desired objects by any means possible. Outside toys can bring upon fights, potentially causing injury and passing germs. If possible try to avoid all the old tennis balls that seem to remain there and are mauled by dog after dog, slatherd in saliva.
A side thought: I actually observed a women bringing her lunch, spreading it out on a bench, what did she think would happen??
Foreign Objects, People and Animals:
You’d think that a dog park would typically only contain dogs and their owners. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. When leaving and arriving watch your dog and others, they can run in front of cars that pull out unexpectedly, or they can try to hide underneath parked cars. Develop a command for your dog in case of danger like “Stop!” As he becomes well trained in following the command, he will stop in his tracks and lay down. Some dog owners bring their children with them to the dog park. When done safely, this is an excellent way for your children to bond with their pets. However, very young children may not know how to play with a dog. Their diminutive height places them at muzzle level, so children are always among the first injured. Your child is every bit as susceptible to germs and disease as your dog is, so make sure she doesn’t sit or play too much in the grass.
Puppies and the Dog Park:
There are two schools of thought regarding puppies at the dog park. A puppy must be socialized and exposed to other dogs at a young age to grow up a well-adjusted adult dog. However, puppies’ immune systems are young, and the multitude of stimuli at a dog park can prove overwhelming to a puppy’s health.Consult your veterinarian and follow his or her advice before you take your puppy to a dog park. Your veterinarian may have alternate socialization techniques to try before you take him to a dog park. If you decide to take your puppy to a dog park, it is imperative that his vaccinations remain current. Keep your dog’s immunization dates on your calendar, and keep to them. A healthy dog is a safe dog. By exercising caution and responsibility, you and your dog can safely enjoy a day at the park.
DO ABIDE BY THE POSTED RULES
DO LEAVE THE HOT BEVERAGES AND AlCOHOL AT HOME. Collisions with rambunctious dogs are common, and it doesn't take much to upend a steaming beverage on someone else or a dog. And even if it's not already prohibited by the posted rules, don't bring alcohol or come tipsy.
DON'T OVERDRESS. No, it's not polite for dogs to jump on people. But it is also impolite to throw a fit if Fido, that lovable galoot of a Aussie shepherd, slings mud on your new white slacks. Grime is part of the scene and is prepared for the mess.
DO BRING EXTRA ESSENTIALS. Always carry a spare bag and use the waste bag stations. There is no need to be the owner caught off guard by a pet's needs and be bagless.
DON'T PLAY DUMB. No one likes an owner who pretends not to notice when his pooch is relieving itself five feet away. Or when his dog is repeatedly trying to deflower the poor beagle in the corner. Or when his dog is trying to be "Top Dog" in a hostile or aggressive manner, to the irritated or scared four-legged peers and their owners.
DO KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE. This is perhaps the biggest etiquette breach of all. If your dog is being too aggressive (teeth bared, growling, biting, eyes narrowed), get it out of the park immediately. This behavior can quickly escalate to an injury of beast and maybe man. "It gets so confrontational, and you as the responsible owner of the out of control dog must vacate. It will not go away to stay.
Dog parks are such a good thing. Our goal is to keep our dogs safe and healthy, mentally and physically.
Animal Poison Control 24 hour number: 1-888-424-4357
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