Valentine’s Day is approaching and that means love is in the air! Even though we know that we’re the only love in our dog’s life, the best way for our dogs to celebrate is to get out there and meet some new friends.
There are plenty of fish in the sea, so make sure when meeting new dog friends that your dog takes things slow. When entering an off-leash dog park, there will normally be two gates forming an intermediate area before entering the park. Take time here to observe the dogs already in the park. If there is a greeting committee rushing to the gate, give your dog some time to evaluate all the potential friends. Once the excitement dials down a little and the committee disperses, allow your dog to enter and explore all the prospective friends.
Every park may have its own set of rules, but in general there are a few things to make sure your dog is the model citizen.
Have a solid “come” cue down before attempting to take them to an off-leash environment. Always make sure to watch what your dog is up to, to make sure they’re making the right friends. Always clean up after your dog, and dispose of it in the proper container. Make sure to keep your leash with you, in case you have to make a quick exit. A collapsible water bowl and your own water supply is always a good idea. Do not eat snacks yourself or feed your dog treats while in the park, some dogs may try to steal them.
Tips for a Positive Experience:
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- Observe the other dogs already in the park before entering.
- Train a solid “come” cue before taking your dog to an off-leash environment.
- Keep an eye on your dog.
- Clean up after your dog.
- Keep your leash with you.
- Bring your own collapsible water bowl and own water supply.
- Avoid bringing human snacks or dog treats into a dog park.
The time at the dog park should be all about your dog, but that doesn’t mean you can’t act as their wing-person! When chatting with other owners, make sure to always keep an eye on your dog to make sure they’re not making any enemies. You can also help find a good playmate for your dog by asking owners about their dogs. Things like asking about other dogs’ energy levels, whether they normally like to play chase or wrestle, whether they normally play with dogs bigger or smaller than them, will help you know which dogs to introduce your dog to.
Find a good playmate for your dog by asking owners about their dogs.
We all have our type, and the same goes for our four-legged friends. Be on the lookout to find any patterns in situations where your dog seems to have fun and not have fun. Some dogs do not get along with others for various reasons, from size, energy level, type of play, age, that we must identify to help set them up for success when making friends. As long as your dog, and the dogs they are playing with, show playful signs such as bouncy movement, bowing, taking turns, and generally an open-mouth smiley expression, then let them romp about! If you notice that the fun has stopped for either dog, that they seem stiff or rigid, ears and tails are tucked, and they are trying to getaway or snapping, it’s best to call your dog over for a break. If the negative behavior continues to happen, it may be best to call it a day and head on home rather than risk your dog having a bad time.
If you start to notice your dog frequently getting into tiffs with stranger dogs, the dog park might not be for them, and that’s okay! Some dogs tend to like to only play with their friends that they know, especially as they get older, so play dates in smaller group settings may be right for them. Or some dogs would rather have you all to themselves and enjoy spending play time between just you and them.
For those too young to play with the big dogs, especially those under four months who are not fully vaccinated yet, it is best to steer clear of the dog park for now. But that does not mean they shouldn’t have a chance to socialize in a safe, contained environment where you know each dog is in good health. Our Puppy Club class offers a chance for young, friendly puppies to romp and run with dogs their age, learn about social skills and have some fun.
If you feel like your dog is having trouble making doggie friends, or have other questions about their social habits, make sure to check in with a professional!
