Isn’t it great how our dogs seem to sense when it's time to visit the dog park? You grab the embroidered dog collar and leash, your furry best friend hops into the car, and the excitement is over the top. A trip to the park is the perfect opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs and run and play. We want to make sure your trip to the dog park is a success - for both you and your dog.
Do I even have the kind of dog that will do well at the dog park?
Before even considering making a trip to the dog park, you must ask yourself a few questions. Should my dog go without a leash? Will my dog be safe in the dog park environment? If your dog loves to socialize, is trained, and can follow simple commands, then your dog is ideally suited for an off-leash dog park. However, a collar is a necessity, and a personalized, embroidered dog collar is even better. That way, if your dog does happen to wander off, your pet will always have contact information with them.
Dog Park Tip #1: Does your dog behave while on a leash?
If your dog tends to overreact to other dogs while on a leash, then you will most likely have to invest in some training hours before your dog can be safe without the cute embroidered leash you take when it’s time for a W-A-L-K. Barking, lunging, pulling and whining are all signs of inappropriate responses when your dog sees another dog on a leash. Your dog needs to learn to be calm and non-reactive when he sees another dog or is approached by another dog. When two dogs meet, they should be able to curb their intensity and refrain from jumping and clawing. Calm sniffing, on the other hand, is perfectly fine.
Dog Park Tip #2: Introducing your dog to other leashed dogs first.
If two dogs are introduced on leashes, you can step in and intervene if either one displays too much aggression. This reminds your dog that you are the one in control and he will rely on you to resolve any problems. Show your dog that you want him to introduce himself to playmates. You don’t want to put your dog in any danger, just in case the other dog is a bit too intense or angry.
Preparation is key. Proper training is probably the most important skill your dog can have before heading to a dog park. Investing in a proper, top-rated dog collar and leash set will help your training exponentially. Even better, a stylish embroidered dog collar and leash set will set your dog apart from the rest!
If your dog isn’t trained, letting them run without a leash could be disastrous. It could include behaviors that challenge other dogs, like humping, sniffing, and toy stealing. This will, no doubt, end up with two dogs fighting. The scariest of all unwanted behaviors is a dog that bolts off his leash and runs.
If your dog isn’t properly trained, he may get too excited, and being leash-free could pose a problem. He may just take off running once he is let loose. And he thinks it’s a game when you chase after him. All in all, it’s a bad situation all around. Not only could he put himself in danger by running out in the street, but he could scare others with his overly excitable approach and uncontrolled energy.
Let’s explore how to control an excited dog when at the dog park.
Dog Park Tip #3: Practice makes perfect.
The goal is for your dog to sit calmly and quietly once you take their embroidered leash off. You should have all the control and your dog should not move until you say it is okay. Once he can sit and stay on your command indoors, it will be time to practice outside.
Dog Park Tip #4: Now practice in a fenced in area.
Find a location where your dog can be off the custom leash, but still fenced in. This is a good place to practice. Maybe it’s a playground or even your home’s fenced yard.
Dog Park Tip #5: You must be able to rely on your dog completely before going to the dog park.
So many dog owners complain that they have no recall command while in the dog park. If you don’t have it at home, you won’t have it in the park. It’s similar to attempting college algebra before mastering simple addition and subtraction.
If the dog park is fenced in, however, then you at least have a chance even if your dog hasn’t mastered recall. But if you are planning to visit an off-leash park with no fence, your dog will need to have mastered recall completely. Practice at home before heading to a dog park.
Dog Park Do’s and Don’ts
When arriving at the park, do not allow your dog to run at all. Dog parks have rules, and so do you. This will help you, your dog, and other dogs enjoy their time.
Dog Park Tip #6: Stay alert and pay complete attention.
Let’s face it, you would watch your children intently while they play at the park. You should do the same with your dog at the dog park. Watch to make sure your dog is using good manners and not tormenting the other dogs. It’s also important to make sure other unmannered dogs aren’t coaxing your dog into bad behavior.
It’s important to watch your dog in the case that your furry best friend decides it’s time to leave the dog park without you! Even if your dog is not on a leash, Dog ID Collar is the place to find the best embroidered collar and leash set to personalize contact info!
Dog Park Tip #7: Continue practicing at the dog park.
It’s not completely play time. There is work to be done. It's important to continue to practice commands while at the park, or your dog will be very confused as to how he should behave. Practice simple commands, like “come” and “sit.”
Dog Park Tip #8: Your dog should not be aggressively protective of his toys.
Treats and toys could make your dog get aggressive when guarding his resources. And sharing is imperative. If you want to play fetch or reward him with a treat, be sure your dog isn't trying to steal other dogs toys. Master the commands “off” and “leave it.”
A few tips for leaving and heading home:
Dog Park Tip #9: Reward your dog and offer praise before leashing up
By packing up, grabbing your popular embroidered leash, and getting ready to leave the dog park, your dog could be thinking he’s being punished. It’s good to have a treat and a lot of praise when getting ready to leave.
Dog Park Tip #10: Keep your dog hydrated.
Be certain your dog is getting water, but also don’t let him over drink. Some dogs like to drink too much water and will compete with other dogs trying to get all they can.
Dog Park Tip #11: Let your dog get plenty of exercise just as you might take your kids to the park so they can run, play, swing and slide to burn off energy, you should also allow your dog to get plenty of exercise at the dog park. Dogs love being outside, going on walks with their collar and leash customized for them, enjoying the sunshine and smells, and spending quality time with you.
Final words:
The key to successful dog park trips is practice. All dogs, no matter how much training they have had, need plenty of practice and praise. Now that you are armed with some helpful tips on making a successful trip to the dog park, we encourage you to visit your local dog park. Play dates with your dog should be a fun experience for you and your pet and will allow both of you to have bonding time.