The cooler fall weather may have you inspired to take your pup down to the dog park, but there are some things you should know before you do!
Start with a walk. If your dog has too much energy, things might get out of hand when they see their buddies at the park. Start the outing with a walk to release some energy! If you don’t live within walking distance to the dog park, try parking your car a few blocks away from the dog park instead of right at the entrance.
Get moving! Standing in one spot while watching the dogs play is fun, but your pup may feel stuck in a group and not have as much fun as they could. Walking around the park and switching locations will help your dog feel more comfortable, and it never hurts to get some extra steps in!
Bring snacks – but ask before you share! It’s a great idea to bring some treats to the park for your pup, (maybe even some fall inspired treats, from one of our recent blogs!) however it’s important to be conscious that it may not always be appropriate to share them with the furry friends your dog makes. Other dogs may have allergies or weight problems, or owners may not feel comfortable with their dog taking treats from people they don’t know. Always ask before sharing treats with other dogs, and if it’s okay with them, snack away!
Vaccinate. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is vital to have your dog vaccinated before they socialize with other dogs. Veterinarians suggest vaccinating your pup against Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Bordetella, and Rabies. If you’re not sure if they’ve had all of the vaccines, call your veterinarian’s office and find out before heading to the dog park.
Don’t leave anything behind.. There’s no other way to say it: pick up your pup’s poo. Always head to the dog park fully prepared with bags and anything else you may need to clean up after your dog. Most people know that it is basic park etiquette to clean up, but you’d be surprised at how many people accidentally leave their bags at home! We suggest leaving some in your car to avoid any issues.
Source: https://www.fix.com/blog/decoding-the-dog-park/
