Dog Park Etiquette

Steps to take before entering:

• Scope it Out

• Before entering the enclosure, watch the interaction of the other dogs to see which dogs are being apprehensive, aggressive, and ignoring their owners. Also, to see which dogs seem relaxed and friendly in order to approach them and ensure the safety of your pet.

• Share Your Ball, or Don’t Bring It

• It’s unrealistic that if you bring a bright neon-green tennis ball that the other dogs won’t want to take part in playing with it. This is also why all dogs should be up to date with their shots. So, if they share a ball or toy, everyone is happy.

• Follow Your Dog’s Lead

• Once you’ve identified a promising area of the park, check your dog to see is he is reluctant or unwilling to go inside. Unless your pet wants to go in, it’s probably not a good idea to force them into it. Pay attention to you dog’s mood to avoid a potential problem.

Dog Park Body Language

• Aroused/ Dominant

• Tail is upright and stiff

• Ears are erect and pricked forward

• Body standing tall, leaning forward, “frozen”

• Mouth closed, lips drawn, may be growling

• Anxious/ Stressed

• Rear is low with their tail tucked in

• Looking away from the source of anxiety

• Ears are back, head low

• Trying to look smaller, possibly whining

• Confident/ Playful

• Relaxed

• Give friendly greeting

• Wagging their tails

• Curious but not dominant

• Ready to have fun!

Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t pet another dog without the owner’s permission.

• Don’t raise your voice.

• Don’t bring treats or food into the enclosure.

• Do bring water for your dog.

• Do clean up after your dog.

• Do keep your dog on a leash until you are both comfortable, but not while inside the enclosure.

• Most parks have a section before you go in, where you can let go of your dog from its leash, and it can better prepare him for when he goes in. Dog parks are supposed to be environments where your little ones (or big ones) can roam free and play with each other to their hearts’ content.