Should I take my dog to the dog park?
Dog parks are fenced-in, outdoor areas designed for off-leash dog play. Dog parks or Off-Leash Areas (OLA) are for city dogs to play unleashed and more naturally.
There are many varieties of dog park. Some are more bare, with perhaps only a canine water fountain and proper garbage & poo bag waste bins and others include benches, water features, trees & landscaping, and agility equipment for dogs to explore. Some OLA’s are even lakefront or have streams running through them. Some parks have pea gravel, which certain dogs find uncomfortable to walk on. Some parks are grassy, or sandy or have wood chips covering the ground.
Like any social space, it is important to know the rules of etiquette. This goes beyond social opposes, because failing to comply can put pets at risk, including your own.
Daily excursions to the local dog park have become a popular activity for dog owners, especially for those in urban areas like Toronto.
Common to dog parks are “air lock” type entrances through fencing. This refers to there being two gates per entry point, with a small space in between, to decrease the chance of any dog escaping out the gates. Most dog parks have a list of rules posted outside the entrances. If everyone follows the rules, it can be a fun and social activity for dogs and owners together. Breaking those rules can ruin the park for all and create an unsafe situation.
Not all dogs want to be social with other dogs and it’s important not to force them. Like people, dogs don’t necessarily want to say hi to every individual they meet.
Requirements for dogs going to the dog park:
Dogs going to the OLA should be at least 4-6 months old, healthy, fully vaccinated, enjoy playing with other dogs, and respond to a recall cue like “come” or to their name. Dogs going often to dog parks should be vaccinated for bird Stella, leptospirosis, canine influenza/kennel cough, as well as treated to prevent flea, tick, and heart worm.
Ideally, dogs should be spayed or neutered to reduce the likelihood of fights and prevent unwanted pregnancies. Puppies not fully immunized yet are at a higher risk for getting diseases, and puppies under 6 months old are very vulnerable to being traumatized by another dog’s bad behaviour. Dogs in heat or sick with a contagious illness should not be brought to the dog park until they are finished or healthy once more. Reactive dogs and those who resource guarding toys, benches, people etc, may need more supervision or just not enjoy the OLA.
You want your dog to be as calm and relaxed as possible entering the OLA. Yes, some excitement is normal! Basically if you go in while your dog is misbehaving, you risk spreading the freak out to the other dogs in the park. Going for a short walk beforehand is a good way to calm your dog.
You should remove your dog’s leash in the small area between the airlock double gates. Please be considerate of the people and dogs around you and patiently wait your turn- don’t crowd. Always make sure the gates are firmly and completely closed behind you. If there are areas for small and large dogs, consider where your pooch would have the better time. Before you enter the dog park, try to check out the energy and overall vibe of the OLA. For your first few visits, consider going at off peak times, like mid-morning, mid-afternoon or later in the evening so you can introduce your dog to this new environment during a quieter time.
What to bring with:
Some municipalities list their dog parks on a central website, including lists of amenities, like a dog water fountain or benches. If appropriate, bring water for yourself and your dog, including a bowl for your dog to drink from. Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the park and the environment- including dressing your dog in a coat and booties if necessary. Comfy shoes are a very good idea. Don’t forget lots of poop bags to catch any possible “potty business.” Leave the toys at home, so dogs don’t end up arguing or resource guarding the toys, even if your pooch is fine sharing; other dogs may not be. Your dog must be wearing a flat collar with identification tags.
What to do and how to act:
Is socializing okay? Should I talk to other dog owners?
It’s totally normal and accepted for dog owners to socialize at the park but don’t get so wrapped up you stop paying attention to your dog’s play for safety reasons. It can be a great way to make friends for doggy play dates! If you see newcomers arrive at the park, try to prevent your dog from charging the gates and the new dogs, such as by calling them over to do a cue for a treat.
Behaviour and when it gets to be problematic:
Ideally, you want to see the dogs in the park exhibit loose relaxed bodies, some panting from exercise and even some mild growling and barking. This is all normal in play. The most critical things to watch out for are any major escalations of speed or sounds. Most dog fights start when arousal from play turns on natural fighting instincts.
Do you know your dog’s body language? Watch for signs of stress such as yawning, licking, turning away, laying down that indicate your dog has had enough of playtime in the park.
What if my dog misbehaves?
If your dog starts hounding other dogs or is themselves being bullied, it’s time to leave the park. Bullying may happen when one or multiple dogs target another dog and pursues them intently. This type of chasing can give way to predatory behaviour or fights, so pay close attention. Interrupting to give a time-out or do a cue is a good way to forestall any issues. Don’t know if the other dog wants to play with yours? Lead yours away a few steps and see if the other dog follows.
Intercede if other doggos frequently roll your dog to the ground or chase too intensely. When pups are young, a bad experience with another dog can cause lifetime fears so pay close attention.
What should you do if your dog hurts another and what should you do if your own dog gets harmed?
If your dog injures another dog or their owner, you should immediately apologize and give your contact information such as your phone number in case they later need your dog’s vaccine information, etc. If the situation is reversed, do the same. Taking responsibility is important in these types of situations when your dog has caused harm. You should loudly call out for help, ask for owners to leash their dogs and clear the area, and do first aid for any dogs or humans injured if you know how. If necessary, injured humans should be taken to the hospital or doctor and injured dogs to their vet. Having a simple Dog First Aid kit is a great idea and you can carry it in a backpack or store it in your car.
Can I bring my kids to the dog park?
What if the dog park is not a good fit for us?
If your dog does not have a good time at the dog park, don’t feel badly! There are lots of other ways for your fur baby to interact with other dogs but perhaps calmer environments, like 1 on 1 play dates or enrol in a supervised obedience class with your pup. You could even consider dog sport competitions or other dog activities like dock diving or trick training. For your dog, it’s about time with their family members and there’s nothing better. Dogs can definitely be content without regular dog park trips.
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