Do you love dog parks? We do too! Here are some things to consider to keep your pups and others safe:
Most dog owners would attest that dog parks are the #1 place to get your dog to exercise and socialize them at the same time; however, that might not be the case for your dog. For years dog parks have been advertised as the “best place on earth” for dog owners who have busy lives. All it takes is a simple 5–10-minute car ride to a fenced-in area, where their pooch can run free for an hour, all while making their own dog friends. But some dogs simply do not do well in a dog park environment, and here’s why.
Is a Dog Park the best option for MY dog?
The number one question to ask yourself when taking your dog to a dog park is, “Is this the best option for
my dog?” Most, if not all dogs do not get along with every single dog they meet; and that’s okay! I’m sure we can all agree that we don’t like every person we meet, so why would we expect our dogs to? We’ve heard plenty of owners exclaim that their dog is very dog friendly, so they don’t understand why a fight broke out at the dog park.. and the answer is overstimulation. Just like with humans, dogs too can become anxious and overwhelmed by all that is happening around them; which can lead to a dog fight.
The next thing to consider is the temperament of other dogs visiting the park. You might have taken the time to work with your dog on manners, boundaries, and recall but that doesn’t mean someone else has. Unruly, pushy dogs ruin the fun for everyone – and yet those are the most common type of dogs you run into at dog parks, as they need exercise and socialization more than others. An excellent recall is something you should always have done before even considering the dog park as an option, as you need to be prepared to control your dog when someone else cannot control theirs.
Doggy Disagreements:
This leads us to our next segment; dog fights. The number one rule is to never get in the middle. As humans, we always feel the need to “do” something, especially when our adrenaline is running and we see our beloved pet in a fight. But trying to separate them with your bare hands is doing more harm than good. This can lead to you getting bit, or even causing a larger-scale dog fight when other dogs join in from all the commotion.
Tips for breaking up dog fights:
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- Be loud! Yelling, banging dishes together, and/or creating some sort of loud noise can also come in handy when breaking apart a dog fight. As we mentioned previously, overstimulation is often a key factor in a dog fight. So, startling them with noise can sometimes do the trick, as they are currently reacting out of fear. It is also why a lot of times when dogs separate, they run off to self-soothe and seek comfort.
- Turn on the hose! Some dogs hate water, especially when it’s being sprayed directly at them, intended to cause discomfort. Spraying or pouring water on the face, mouth, or even feet of dogs in the middle of a squabble; can sometimes break them apart. No one likes to unexpectedly get water on them, that goes for dogs, too.
- Bite sticks! They make bite sticks for this exact reason, as it provides a safe way to get something in between the dogs and potentially end the fight. It’s a tool you can easily carry with you when adventuring into a dog park, and it could be a lifesaver.
A Healthy Pup is a Happy Pup:
The next key point is health. This is just as important as the behavior of your dog. There is no guarantee that every dog at the dog park is fully vaccinated, or has a clean bill of health. We strongly recommend that your dog is fully up-to-date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered before attending a dog park.
Additionally, underage puppies should NOT attend dog parks. Puppies have immature immune systems and often cannot be fully vaccinated until they are older. Parvovirus is very dangerous for puppies and can be contracted from the ground.
Lastly, Canine Brusolosi is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Brucella canis. There are other species of Brucella that affect different animals.
Prevention measures for B. canis include:
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- Spaying and neutering dogs decrease the likelihood of spreading the disease.
- Dogs infected with B. canis should not breed or have contact with breeding dogs.
- Avoid direct or mucus membrane contact with bodily fluids (e.g., urine, feces, vomit, saliva, blood, wound drainage, reproductive fluids) from infected dogs.
- B. canis is relatively short-lived outside the body and is readily inactivated by common disinfectants as well as by sunlight. However, B. canis is stable in the environment in the presence of organic debris for up to two months.
Alternatives to Dog Parks:
Dog parks can be great for some dogs; however, there are also many alternatives that may be a better fit for your dog. Doggy daycare, dog-friendly businesses, or even coordinated playdates in a more controlled environment could be a way safer option for your best friend.
- Other dog-friendly businesses:
- Black Dog Coffee House is a dog-friendly coffee café serving great coffee and treats for your dog.
- Thirsty Street at the Garage is a dog-friendly brewing company where you can enjoy a drink on their patio area with your pooch.
- Scheels is a sporting goods store that allows dogs to wander with you while you shop.
- Home Depot & Lowe’s are home improvement stores that allow dogs to wander with you while you shop.
