Where can a dog go to exercise, socialize, sniff to his heart’s content and spend precious bonding time with his owner? The dog park! For most dogs, going to the park is a treat. For some owners it is a place to avoid at all costs. It is the few bad apples who don’t know basic dog park etiquette that have robbed countless dogs’ hours of enjoyment.
Age Appropriate
Puppies are entertaining to watch and love to explore and play as much as the adults; yet they are still vulnerable to a host of diseases, even with the vaccinations they’ve had. Their immune systems aren’t quite ready to ward off potential bacteria a dog park may offer. It really is best to wait until a puppy is at least six months old and have had their final round of vaccinations before they discover the joys of a dog park.
In addition to their physical well being, young puppies are still going through their imprint phases. Imprint Phase is where certain events and situations have the potential to imprint a fear in their brain which they will carry for life; such as the overwhelming experience of huge dogs lumbering at them out of nowhere, wanting to play. Try a puppy preschool socialization class to start them off on the right paw.
Take Charge
Most dogs know enough to take turns, jumping on each other, chasing and playing. Occasionally there is one dog that can’t quite reign in their exuberance. They will jump on people coming in to the park, bark, ignore their owner’s pleas, or run away when the owner tries to catch them. This particular dog could do with a bit of obedience training, in a class setting to get the socialization that is needed and also learn some manners in the process.
Social Circle
Dogs are very good at determining the pecking order at a dog park. They begin with the sniff and it continues with the chase. Occasionally there is a nip and growl, a way of letting a strange dog know that space has been invaded. A nervous owner may jump in at the slightest noise, afraid a fight is going to break out. If there is no obvious aggression or baiting (Where a dog is intentionally picking on another) then dogs should be left to work it out for themselves.
