Dog park saftey tips

[Thurston Fluff]

I just posted this link in the other dog thread. I haven't read it in a while but as I was browsing I found some of the suggestions for dog park safety I sent him almost word for word. It's kind of cool when someone who trains dogs for a living posts your suggestions. I'm not saying this to brag but I have been considering posting some of these things anyway since I see poor handling of dogs at the park all the time. If you go to the dog park these are some things that may help you have a good experience. These are my suggestions the link is the entire article.

 

3- Be a responsible handler

There are some basic common sense rules that good owners should follow when they use a park.

 

When at the park and a dangerous or out of control dog shows up, leave the park. While you may feel you have the right to be there you gain nothing by pushing your limit and risking a dog fight.

 

Go to the park at off-peak hours. You will learn when the quiet times are, those are the times to be there with your dog. If you dress for the wind and rain there is nothing wrong with having the entire park to yourself.

 

When a dog pile or dog fight occurs, immediately call your dog away from the pack. There is nothing wrong with using a remote collar and practice calling your dog away from chasing a group of dogs.

 

There is nothing wrong with teaching your dog that you are more fun than other dogs at the dog park. When you go, play the games your dog loves away from the dog pack.

 

When your dog is off leash at the park, 100% of your of your focus should be on your dog.

 

If you wish to socialize with other dogs owners that fine, just do it when you have your dog on a leash.

 

Don't make the dog park it's only out of the home experience with you. Take it for walks, take it swimming (when possible) play or train in different locations. People who only take their dog to a dog park set themselves up for dogs to get out of control. The dogs with a lot of energy who only go to the dog park can take the attitude of USE IT OR LOOSE IT which means they can get wild.

 

 

 

 

www.leerburg.com/dogparks.htm

 

 

(added tag --1992)

[gypcasino]

I agree with all of this. Although if you've never been to a dogpark and were thinking about going, don't let this discourage you from going. The majority of people there are responsible pet owners whose dogs are well behaved. At the ones I've been to anyway.

[backup catchers]

yes I agree it shouldn't discourage anyone from going. Dog parks are a wonderful place to play with your dog. If you have an active dog they are great places to give them room to work. The website is a very one sided view which is why I emailed him with my point of view. To his credit he not only listened but posted some hints to make it safe. All in all they are as safe as walking your dog in neighborhoods where people let their dogs run off leash when they shouldn't.

It was meant more as a way to help make it a good experience. The more you go the bigger a chance of meeting someone less than attentive to their dog. The better informed the better chance of dealing with it.