Dog Parks: To Go Or Not To Go
by Jennifer Prill, owner of SideKick Dog Training
[NOTE: This post originally appeared on www.sidekick-dogtraining.com].
Dog parks! In a perfect world, they’re such awesome places to take our SideKicks: You can get some great off-leash training practice in; dogs are able to run free and really stretch their legs inside secure fencing (and, sometimes, parks even have agility equipment for your dog to climb around on); and the dog park provides the opportunity to meet new people and other dogs!
But, there are a few operative words at work there: “In a perfect world.” Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world and a wonderful trip to the dog park can turn south very quickly.
Going to the dog park involves so many variables – more than we could ever hope to control or account for – and a lot of the concerning variables revolve around untrained, unruly, off-leash dogs and inattentive or inexperienced dog parents. The dynamics of dog play and dog interactions are sensitive and it only takes the introduction of one new dog to completely throw those dynamics into chaos.
“But, it’s such a great place to socialize your dog!”
Well…yes and no.
As I mentioned, the dog park can be a great place to meet new people and dogs, smell new stuff, experience new sights and places – this is exactly what socialization is! However, proper socialization involves slowly introducing your dog to new things and small challenges in a controlled, positive experience. Proper socialization means you’re doing everything you can to ensure your dog leaves that experience feeling successful!
Proper socialization is not taking your dog some place and plopping them in the middle of a new situation with new dogs and new people. We cannot wave a magic wand with a flourish and shout, “Socialize!” This method of socialization can quickly result in fear of anything and/or everything and definitely doesn’t help your SideKick feel successful tackling new challenges.
Suggestions
I’ve had several clients ask about dog parks, asking if they should go or not; and I’ve had several clients who haven’t had the best experiences with them. To be fair, I’ve probably had a number of clients who have had wonderful experiences at the dog park, but they weren’t noteworthy because nothing went awry.
I’ve never told a client to outright avoid dog parks; they have enough benefits that the dog park experience can be very helpful and a useful tool in the dog-rearing toolbox. However, I’ve made several suggestions to each client who asks:
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Go to the dog park during non-peak hours – when there are fewer dogs and you have more control over who your dog interacts with. Fewer dogs means fewer variables to account for in your dog’s interactions.
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Go to the park when there are dogs you know there. There’s usually a Saturday or Sunday morning crowd, “the regulars,” or people/dogs who you can socialize with regularly and know already that your dog does well with.
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Go when your dog can play appropriately; for instance, avoid the park if your dog is cranky from allergies or is already tired out. An irritable dog is less predictable and not as willing to hang out with other dogs.
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Go to the park only when you can dedicate your full, undivided attention to your dog – when you can watch your dog and the other dogs, get yours out of a tight spot if needed, or prevent scuffles from happening in the first place. You’re there to monitor and intervene if necessary. (And there is absolutely no shame in needing to intervene!)
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When at the park, try to introduce your dog to the others there one-on-one with appropriate dog greetings. If it doesn’t seem like they’ll be suitable playmates, no worries – just keep them separate. If things really won’t work out or there are too many dogs (or especially if you notice your dog getting overwhelmed or stressed out), pack up and leave. You can go back another time or wander around the park together instead!
Play it by ear and see how things go! And, hey, if you find someone at the park your SideKick gets along really well with, see if the other dog parent is willing to exchange numbers and set up play dates during non-peak hours for the two to romp around safely! If you want an easy alternative, you can always hire a certified pet sitter on Petworks. Petworks has hundreds of professional pet boarders and sitters available throughout the United States.
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About the Author:
Get FIT With Your Dog!
By Anneliese Staff, CPDT-KA
One of the best perks of living with a dog is the subsequent improvement on your own health. Dog owners enjoy lower rates of loneliness and depression and less stress than people who don’t have a furry member of their family! Although, those who receive the greatest benefits from living with a dog seem to be those who exercise or walk with their dog. Exercise is one of the most important factors in considering the health of humans and animals!
“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.” (1)
This quote from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention applies directly to the benefits of exercise on the human body. However, these benefits of physical activity can also apply to your dog as well. People who exercise with their dogs regularly tend to experience many physical benefits including the following:
- Reduced risk of diabetes
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved autonomic tone
- Improved stress tolerance
- Improved cognition
- Improved mobility later in life
- Increased life span
Why is walking or exercising with your dog so beneficial? Because we are more likely to stick to our fitness plan when we involve our dogs! Our dogs depend on us to meet their need for exercise – and many dogs misbehave when they don’t get enough! With the encouragement of prioritizing your dog’s health, many individuals with dogs end up exercising more. This results in fitness benefits for you and your furry friend!
Dogs who don’t get enough exercise tend to show external effects of misbehaving. However, exercise is crucial to the internal and physical health of your dog. Without exercise, they are at risk of physical and behavioral problems, such as the following:
- Reduced muscle tone
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of bone and joint disorders
- Increased risk of injury
- Increased risk of emotional problems
- Increased risk of behavioral problems
Starting a fitness adventure with your dog might feel daunting, time-consuming, or boring. But the dog training community can help you get started. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has introduced their Family Dog suite of activities and evaluations to help people become more active with their pets. The Family Dog program starts with simple behaviors most dogs can learn in a few weeks. The program offers gradual progression of several different activities, such as basic obedience, trick training, and fitness classes.
In January 2023, AKC launched FIT Dog titles so you can track your dog’s fitness progress and earn recognition as you go. Each level – Bronze, Silver, or Gold – helps you find ways to be active with your dog. Options include taking a FIT Dog class from an AKC-approved FIT Dog instructor, individual walks, group walk or runs, and a variety of other activities like swimming, disc and parkour!
Now that sounds like a fitness plan we can stick to!
To learn more about AKC FIT Dog programs and book an appointment with Anneliese, go to petworks.com/hire/pet-trainers
(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 16). Benefits of physical activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 2, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
About the Author
Anneliese Staff, CPDT-KA
AKC FIT Dog Instructor
Anneliese helps people and their dog find joy through training. She helps pets feel good – so they can behave better too.
Are you ready to make your dog happy and well-behaved?