In this article, we will look into some of the things humans do wrong at dog parks and how you can avoid them and safeguard your dogs.
Dog parks are often seen as perfect places for our furry companions to play, but the reality isn’t always so rosy. Many trainers warn that these parks can actually harm your dog if not approached correctly. A harmless play session can quickly turn into a dangerous situation, leading to long-term behavioural issues like reactivity or fear of aggression.
Instances of serious injuries, including one dog losing a leg, serve as stark reminders of the risks involved. These incidents could often be prevented if owners were more attentive to their dogs’ body language and followed simple rules of behaviour.
Unfortunately, dog parks are not always the fun and safe havens they appear to be. However, with awareness and proper precautions, they can be enjoyable for both dogs and their owners. To help you make the most of your dog park visits, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Things Humans Do Wrong at Dog Parks
1. Not Cleaning Up After Your Dog
Picking up after your dog is a basic act of cleanliness. It’s just polite to pick up after your dog finishes her business. Imagine walking into a park filled with dog poop—it’s not only unpleasant but also harmful to your furry friend. Dog waste is a breeding ground for diseases and parasites that can easily spread to other dogs through touch, rolling, or even eating it.
To maintain a pleasant environment and prevent the spread of illnesses, it’s essential to follow this simple rule of good manners. Additionally, you can be a thoughtful pet owner by carrying extra poop bags for fellow dog owners, earning yourself some bonus points in the process. So, let’s keep our surroundings clean and our dogs healthy by adhering to this straightforward etiquette.
2. Not Exercising Your Dog Beforehand
Taking an unexercised dog directly to a park might seem like a good idea, but it’s not. While dog parks are meant for exercise, they shouldn’t be the sole source. They’re an addition to your dog’s daily activities, not the main event. Dogs kept indoors or alone for extended periods accumulate excess energy. Bringing such a dog to a highly stimulating park full of other dogs is like holding a match close to dynamite, hoping it won’t ignite.
Even though your dog has good intentions, she might be too enthusiastic for another dog’s liking, potentially leading to a fight. Alternatively, a dog with stored-up energy might become the target of a chasing game, resulting in unwanted conflict. Well-behaved dogs are those that have had sufficient exercise.
Therefore, it’s crucial to let your dog release her pent-up energy, often seen as “zoomies,” before introducing her to a park setting. This ensures a more positive and controlled experience for everyone involved.
Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Pasta
3. Bringing Impolite Dogs
One of the things humans do wrong at dog parks is bringing impolite dogs. We’ve all encountered people with bad manners – those who invade personal space, speak too loudly, or share obnoxious jokes right from the start. Dogs, too, have their own set of polite manners during introductions, and it’s crucial for a harmonious interaction. Just like we don’t appreciate someone standing too close or shaking hands for too long, dogs also have their boundaries.
When dogs meet, their initial interaction sets the tone for their relationship. Allowing your dog to charge at a newcomer in the park is impolite and may lead to tension. A new dog entering the area needs time to assess the environment, and a sudden approach can result in conflict. Similarly, letting your dog mount another in a show of dominance or persistently sniff a disinterested companion is considered rude in the dog world.
As responsible pet owners, it’s our role to guide our dogs in making courteous introductions. Understanding the dos and don’ts of dog etiquette and helping your dog become a well-mannered companion is vital for fostering positive experiences in a dog park.
4. Not Considering Collar Harnesses on Dogs
Playing with your dog is a joyful experience, but it’s important to make sure they are safe. Some people think it’s okay to keep a prong collar, choke chain, gentle leader, or harness on their dog during play because that’s where the leash attaches. However, this is not a good idea. Dogs often play by nipping and nibbling at each other’s necks and shoulders.
If your dog is wearing metal devices in these areas, it can lead to broken teeth, jaws, paws, and legs. It might even result in a serious dog fight if another dog gets stuck to your dog’s neck in a panic.
To ensure safe playtime, it’s recommended not to leave special training devices on your dog, especially in dog parks. Instead, use a simple nylon or leather collar that can be easily removed. This way, you can enjoy playtime with your furry friend without risking any harm.
5. Not Ensuring Safety in Off-Leash Dog Parks
Dogs should never be kept on leashes in off-leash areas. Many new dog owners believe that keeping their dogs on leashes in a dog park is a good safety measure, assuming it will help control their pet’s unfamiliar behaviours. However, leashed dogs pose a significant risk, as they can become tripping hazards, especially during play. A sudden tug on the leash may result in injuries or leave the dog frightened and anxious about future park visits.
Furthermore, leashed dogs may feel insecure, potentially triggering conflicts with other dogs that would not have occurred otherwise. Using retractable leashes in dog parks is particularly hazardous. When extended, the thin cord can pose a danger to freely roaming dogs, leading to injuries. Additionally, dogs attached to retractable leashes may run freely until they reach the cord’s limit, causing a sudden, potentially harmful snapback.
In conclusion, it is crucial to avoid keeping dogs on leashes in off-leash areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all canine companions.
6. Not Safeguarding Young Puppies and Unvaccinated Dogs in Dog Parks
Dog parks can be a haven for diseases and parasites, especially for puppies under 12 weeks old or those yet to receive their vaccinations. Older puppies and immunized adult dogs can generally cope with the challenges, possibly contracting minor issues like Giardia or worms. Thankfully, their robust immune systems allow for easy survival with appropriate treatment.
However, the scenario changes for young puppies that haven’t completed their vaccinations. Exposing them to a dog park increases the risk of serious illnesses such as parvo or distemper. Additionally, they might struggle to handle common issues like Giardia or worms due to their tiny bodies and developing immune systems.
To ensure the well-being of these vulnerable pups, it’s crucial to keep them far away from dog parks until they are at least 12 weeks old or have completed their vaccinations against prevalent diseases. This precautionary measure helps safeguard their health during a critical stage of development.
7. Not Applying Caution When Bringing Small Dogs to Parks with Large Dogs
Some dog parks lack separate play areas for small and large dogs. In such cases, it’s essential to exercise caution when bringing your small dog to a park where larger dogs roam freely. Large dogs may perceive small dogs as prey, and situations can quickly turn hazardous. Picture a Rottweiler seeing a Yorkshire terrier as if it were a squirrel.
The high-pitched barks and swift movements of a frightened small dog can trigger a large dog’s instinct to chase, leading to unfortunate outcomes. I’ve witnessed these incidents multiple times, and they rarely end well, often resulting in severe harm to the small dog.
Sadly, the large dog may be unfairly labelled as “vicious” despite exhibiting normal behaviour in an overly stimulating environment. If you choose to bring a small dog into a park where large dogs play, you assume responsibility for any potential harm to your tiny companion. Is the risk worth it? Probably not.
8. Bring A Dog Without Recall Skills
Another notable thing humans do wrong at dog parks is bringing dogs without recall skills. Bringing in a dog without good recall skills can be challenging. Recall goes beyond just getting your dog to come when called; it means having a dog that always pays attention to you and is ready to follow your commands, even during a playful chase.
Effective recall is being able to interrupt your dog from an escalating activity and having her return to you until things settle down. These skills are crucial not only for your dog’s safety but also for the well-being of every dog she interacts with.
Without proper recall skills, a visit to the dog park may not be a safe option. It’s about creating a bond with your dog, ensuring she listens to you in various situations, and promoting a harmonious environment when interacting with other dogs. Mastering recall is a key aspect of responsible dog ownership, enhancing both the safety and enjoyment of your canine companion in different social settings.
9. Not Stopping Your Dog From Bullying Other Dogs
Allowing dogs to bully each other may seem harmless, but it’s important to understand when playful interactions turn obnoxious and rude. While a play bow or a tag-and-run request for play can be cute and socially acceptable, constant nipping at another dog’s neck and forcefully initiating a wrestling match can be bothersome, especially if the other dog is uncomfortable. If your dog is being too rough or impolite, and the other dog is not enjoying it, it’s crucial to intervene.
Recognizing the difference between engaging play gestures and inappropriate behaviour is key. If your dog is exhibiting behaviour that makes the other dog uneasy, call your dog over and ensure they leave the other dog alone.
Ignoring such situations may lead to conflicts between the dogs or result in the owner of the bullied dog expressing concern. By being aware of your dog’s behaviour and intervening when necessary, you contribute to a positive and respectful environment for canine interactions.
10. Not Focusing on Your Dog
Finally, not focusing on your dog is one of the things humans do wrong at dog parks. When you’re at a dog park, your main focus should be on your furry friend, not engaging in conversations with fellow humans. It’s similar to taking kids to a playground – you wouldn’t turn your back on them to chat with other parents, right? The same principle applies to dogs. Some people think they can simply release their dogs into a fenced park and then casually chat with other dog owners. However, if you’re engrossed in conversation, you might miss important cues.
Dog parks are designed for dogs to socialize and play, not for lengthy discussions among owners. Imagine if you were at a playground, and you weren’t paying attention to your kids – you wouldn’t know if an argument broke out, if someone was causing trouble, or if a child was in a risky situation.
The same uncertainty arises at dog parks when owners are too preoccupied with chatting. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, remember: that dog parks are for dogs, while casual conversations can wait for coffee shops.