With nearly half of all American households owning a dog, it’s no wonder that dog parks are springing up in metropolitan and suburban areas all around the country. In a perfect world, dog parks are a place where your furry companions can get a little exercise and enjoy the company of other dogs. After all, dogs are very social animals. However, the difference between a good and a not so good dog park experience often comes down to dog park etiquette. Do you know what it means to have good dog park etiquette?
Rules of good dog park etiquette
As with any social situation, things go more smoothly when everyone follows the rules. Dog parks are no exceptions. To make sure that all of the dogs–and their humans–have a good dog park experience, it’s a good idea to follow these rules:
- Know your dog’s personality. Your dog may be delightful around you and your family, but if he is aggressive and territorial towards other animals, it’s not fair to the other dogs at the dog park to let your dog threaten them. Better to let your dog exercise in your back yard.
- Scoop your poop. No one wants to step in fresh doggy doo, not even the dogs. Make sure that the park is nice for all who use it by picking up after your dog when he goes to the bathroom. Carrying a supply of plastic bags and paper towels in your pocket will make this easier.
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. For your dog’s health and safety as well as the other dogs’, make sure that dog’s vaccinations are up to date before you have him or her socialize with other dogs. It also should go without saying that you don’t take a sick dog to the dog park.
- Take water, but leave the food at home. It’s a good idea to bring water and a bowl to the park so that your dog can get a drink after running around the park. This is especially important during the hot summer months and/or if you have a dog like a pug or a bulldog. However, bringing food can set off a territorial dispute. You don’t want to incite a doggy riot.
- Stay off your cell phone. A trip to the dog park is not an opportunity to check your email, return phone calls or chat with your friends on Facebook. Your dog needs your full attention to make sure that he isn’t bullied, doesn’t run away and isn’t aggressive towards other dogs at the park.
Dog parks can be fun for dogs and humans alike. Make sure that the park is enjoyable for all by following the dog park etiquette rules.
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