Arguably one of the most enjoyable parts about having a dog is getting to spend time with them at your local dog park. Dog parks are a fun place to be for both dogs and their owners alike. It doesn’t get better than watching your dog run around with all of their new furry friends, tongues out, and smiles on their faces. However, not all dogs are ready, the right fit, or allowed to be going to dog parks. Here are 5 ways to know if your dog is ready for the dog park.
Vaccinations
In order for your dog to go to the park, they must have a number of vaccinations. Puppies who are younger than 4 months old who have not had all of their vaccinations, should not be in any contact with other dogs, especially at dog parks. The same is true for any dog, of any age past 4 months old, that is not up-to-date on their vaccinations. The AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein recommends that all dogs who are spending time with other dogs, especially in a park setting, should be vaccinated for the following: bordetella, leptospirosis, and canine influenza. In addition, they should be getting treated regularly, as advised by their veterinarian, for fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
Basic Obedience
While there are dogs that frequent dog parks with few to no basic obedience skills, we do not recommend doing the same with yours. A dog should know basic obedience commands such as come, sit, stay, or just simply respond to the call of their name. If your dog does not tend to follow these commands on a regular basis, in environments where there are no other dogs, then they will likely not respond to them in a park setting with tons of distractions. It’s important to make sure that your dog knows these basic commands in case there becomes an issue with another dog and/or owner. And, who wants to be the owner with the crazy, untrained dog at the park?!
Socialization
It is highly recommended that you socialize your dog with other dogs, in a smaller setting, before bringing them to a park. While your dog may behave very well around the house, or with one other dog, it doesn’t mean that their behavior will translate well to being at a park with tons of dogs. Many dogs tend to become very shy and nervous when entering a park scene if they never had real social interaction prior. We suggest trying to set up a playdate with a few other dogs to see how they act in that setting first. If all goes well, then move onto the park.
If Your Dog Is in Heat
In most, if not all dog parks, unneutered or intact male dogs over the age of one are not allowed. In addition, female dogs that have not been spade and are in season (in heat) are not allowed. This is because it can lead to unplanned pregnancies and often can stir up aggressive behavior amongst male dogs.
Rowdy Behavior
All dog parks are fenced in, in order to secure and prevent dogs from getting out. Some dogs, however, like to take the challenge of trying to get around the barriers by digging holes, trying to jump over, or trying to create holes in the fence itself. If your dog tends to tear apart your backyard, always trying to find ways out, or just generally rowdy, the dog park may not be the place for you. If people see your dog digging up holes or causing potential problems, you may be asked to leave.
No Comments