DOG PARK DO’S AND DON’TS

WED, 25 OCT 2017 BY LINDA ROSADO

Whether it’s your pup’s first time or hundredth time scampering and running around the dog park, there’s certain etiquette owners should implement to ensure a happy, safe, and clean atmosphere.

Below are a few of the do’s and don’ts to follow so all dog parents can work together to create an environment for responsible ownership.

THE DO’S

  • Leave your children at home. The dog park isn’t an area for children to play. An excited dog could potentially knock over a small child, or a dog who’s afraid of children may react aggressively.
  • Make sure your dog is up to date on their medications like vaccinations and parasite control.
  • Keep your dog’s leash on until you’ve fully entered the park. Your eager dog may run up to another dog on a leash and accidentally frighten him.
  • Keep an eye on your dog while he’s running around with the other dogs. You want to be ready to intervene if needed.
  • Bring plenty of water and a water bowl. You can’t guarantee there will be a community water bowl for the pups. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
  • Keep your dog in the size-appropriate area. There are normally two sections at a dog park—one section for small dogs and one section for large dogs. If a small dog enters the large dog section, they may unintentionally get hurt by a bigger dog.
  • Most importantly, clean up dog waste in the park with doggie poop bags even if it’s not yours. It’s everyone’s responsibility to maintain a clean park.

THE DON’TS

  • Take a puppy to the dog park. Puppies aren’t ready to go to the park until 12 to 16 weeks of age.
  • Bring your dog to the park if he’s sick or has an infectious disease. You don’t want to harm dogs or have others harming yours.
  • Take your dog’s toys. They can be territorial over their toys and may start a fight if another dog tries to play with them.
  • Allow your dog to be bullied or to bully others. If your dog is being bullied, kindly ask the owner to take their dog to another area. Likewise, if your dog is bullying another dog, don’t be offended if the other owner asks you to move.
  • Feed other dogs or allow dog owners to feed your dog. Some dogs have special diets and you don’t want to disrupt their systems.
  • Let dogs work it out themselves. Humans are supposed to break up the fights and maintain peace.
  • Take an over-energetic dog. A wound-up dog can cause other dogs to feel threatened. If your dog is too hyper, walk him around the block or play fetch with him before you bring him into the park.

DOGIPOT® creates durable, long-lasting products, such as the Aluminum DOGIPOT® Pet Station or DOGIPOT® SMART Litter Pick Up Bags that will make great additions to your dog park and create an environment for responsible ownership. For more information, call (800) 364-7681, or check out our complete line of dog products and dog park equipment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post comment