- Make sure your dog is up to date on all shots both for their protection and the protection of others in the park. Be sure your suite of vaccinations includes Bordatella. Bordatella is an airborne virus and can be contracted through any contact with other dogs.
- Have a fecal done by your veterinarian to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia and giardia. Then treat accordingly. These parasites can be trouble for both dogs and humans. Carry a plastic bag to clean up after your dog. These parasites are often transmitted through smelling or ingesting fecal matter.
- Only take your dog to the dog park if they are already social and play well with dogs. Socialization skills are taught not inbred. It is important to expose your pet to new experiences in an environment where they feel safe. These include training classes and playdates with other socialized dogs. A person who bring their dogs to a dog park to “see what happens” or before the dog is properly socialized, do harm by exposing them to the bad behavior often experienced in dog parks.
- Try to understand your own dog’s body language. If they are uncomfortable please let them leave and try again another day with fewer dogs and people.
- Realize all dogs do not like to interact with other dogs. If a fight were to start do not stick your hands in by their face!!! Grab back legs and try to pull apart.
- Make sure to bring water and a water bowl for your dog. Communal water dishes can expose your dog to various sicknesses.
- Once in the fenced in area get your dog off leash quickly so they don’t feel trapped. If a park is well designed it will have an entrance area designed for this purpose.
- If your dog is being bullied by another dog please, go and help your dog out. Move him away from the bully or leave the park and return at another time.
- Have fun but always keep an eye on your dog. Things can happen very fast.
By Golrusk’s Director of Training, Tina Norton.