Rex loved the dog park when he was young and frolicked with many friends. And now Charlie Bear and I find it a great place for social meets with other dogs. These tips can help you have a wonderful experience at a dog park.

8 Fabulous Tips from Readers Digest, Canada


© iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Don’t bring a favorite toy.

By all means bring a plaything, but leave your pet’s absolute favorite toy at home because chances are good that it won’t make it out of the park unscathed.


© Comstock/Thinkstock

Pick up the doo-doo!

A dog park is not a public pet toilet. Always dispose of your “doggy bags” properly.

 
© iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Don’t bring a sick pet.

When pets are under the weather they can be really grumpy and overly aggressive, and can risk passing something on to other pets. Most importantly, make sure that your pet is completely vaccinated.


© Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Thinkstock

Control your dog.

Your dog should know and respect the basic commands (come, sit and stay) before you take it to a dog park, so you can prevent it from harassing other dogs and their owners. “Your dog has to respect you as a strong pack leader,” says Smith. Also avoid correcting the behaviors of other people’s dogs without receiving permission from the owner first — or the scrap might end up being between humans!


|© Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock

Don’t bring small children.

A dog park is no place for small children. They run and yell, and dogs will instinctively chase them because that’s what dogs do.


© Hemera/Thinkstock

Repair any damage.

Besides stepping in doggy droppings, there’s nothing worse than twisting your ankle in a hidden hole in the ground. If your dog is a chronic digger, take the time to refill the holes.


© iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Don’t bring food and treats.

Unless you want a pack of scavenging mutts descending on you and your pet, leave the food at home.


© iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Don’t bring dogs in heat.

Aside from the potential for an unspayed dog to become pregnant, the mere presence of a hot-to-trot female can send normally well-behaved males into a frenzy, which can be traumatic for your pooch. In general, it’s best to have your dog spayed or neutered.

* * *
Have a fabulous rest of the summer, everyone! Charlie Bear says enjoy the “dog days” and have many woofs and wiggles!

Dog Park Etiquette

8 thoughts on “Dog Park Etiquette

  • August 9, 2011 at 12:15 pm
    Permalink

    Great ideas. Thanks for sharing, B.J. We sort of had a dog park here on Saturday. Three dogs came to play with Clyde. Everybody got along beautifully–even the people. 🙂

    Reply
    • August 9, 2011 at 12:49 pm
      Permalink

      Julie and Clyde,
      Charlie Bear wishes he could have been at your dog party! He sends his wiggles to Clyde.
      Hugs to you,
      B.J.

      Reply
  • August 9, 2011 at 9:21 am
    Permalink

    Great ideaas. My dog is fourteen years old. He does not let other dogs bother him. He just does his things. Yet,he enjoys being outside. I try to walk him about three times a day.

    Reply
    • August 9, 2011 at 9:35 am
      Permalink

      Thomas,
      At fourteen your dog is nice and mellow! How nice of you to walk him outside, which he loves.
      Thanks for sharing your comments.
      Woofs to you from Charlie Bear.
      B.J.

      Reply
  • August 8, 2011 at 8:04 pm
    Permalink

    i hope you and Charlie Bear are having a great summer, too.

    Reply
    • August 9, 2011 at 7:18 am
      Permalink

      Marianne,
      We’re having a great summer! Enjoy the remainder!
      Hugs,
      B.J. & Charlie Bear

      Reply
  • August 8, 2011 at 4:34 pm
    Permalink

    This was really good!! Rex would be proud!!
    It is all so easy too. We need to be good pet parents.

    Reply
    • August 9, 2011 at 7:17 am
      Permalink

      Tracy,
      Thank you! If we are all diligent about doing what is best around other dogs, we’ll all get along!
      Hugs to you & Wasabi,
      Charlie Bear and B.J.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.