If there’s one thing that we know, it’s that dogs love to play!
Here at Chewbox we are part of the group behind Wirral's Bark Park - see www.dogsgo.co.uk.
But how can you help your dog to make the most of his dog park experience?
Don’t get your heckles up, here are some top tips on how us humans can behave to help your dog have a paw-some time at the dog park.
1. Unleash the beast!
Dogs love dog parks because they can let lose! The can run freely with other doggy friends in a safe and secure environment - and usually with their owner close by. So loose that leash! By keeping your dog on his lead for longer than is necessary when you enter the park, you increase the risk of your dog reacting to another dog or worse, getting tangled or caught up in his leash and getting hurt. So once you arable to safely let your dog be free, do so!
2. Treats!
Lots of dogs suffer with various intolerances or allergies - if you must bring treats into a dog park, give them to your dog only. Sharing is not caring in this case! Also make sure that you are subtle about your treat giving - there is nothing worse that taking your dog to a Bark Park and having him beg constantly at other customers feet.
3. Social School
Bark Parks are busy and highly stimulating places - bringing a dog who is poorly socialised or who is shy is never a good idea. Dog Park socials are best suited to well socialised dogs who know how to perform dog greetings and can read other doggies body language well. If you are in any doubt about your dogs interactions with other dogs - the dog park probably isn’t the place to ‘try’ him out. Any well ran dog park will insist upon your pup having a play test and ideally you, the owner, having an induction prior to attending.
4. Attention!
Every interaction with your dog is an opportunity to learn - for both of you. By paying attention to your dog, you can reenforce good behaviours and you can intervene when tension may arise. Some dogs react to certain other breeds or stimuli - get to know your dog and what he likes and dislikes. Pay close attention to subtle changes win dogs body language - a tucked tail, flat ears and licking lips and all be signs of stress.
5. Bullies at the Bark Park
No one likes a dog park bully. Bullying behaviours are not reciprocal and are done regardless of the other dogs body language. Typical bullying behaviours include pinning down, fixating and humping. No dog is perfect but don’t let your dog be a bully.
1. Unleash the beast!
Dogs love dog parks because they can let lose! The can run freely with other doggy friends in a safe and secure environment - and usually with their owner close by. So loose that leash! By keeping your dog on his lead for longer than is necessary when you enter the park, you increase the risk of your dog reacting to another dog or worse, getting tangled or caught up in his leash and getting hurt. So once you arable to safely let your dog be free, do so!
2. Treats!
Lots of dogs suffer with various intolerances or allergies - if you must bring treats into a dog park, give them to your dog only. Sharing is not caring in this case! Also make sure that you are subtle about your treat giving - there is nothing worse that taking your dog to a Bark Park and having him beg constantly at other customers feet.
3. Social School
Bark Parks are busy and highly stimulating places - bringing a dog who is poorly socialised or who is shy is never a good idea. Dog Park socials are best suited to well socialised dogs who know how to perform dog greetings and can read other doggies body language well. If you are in any doubt about your dogs interactions with other dogs - the dog park probably isn’t the place to ‘try’ him out. Any well ran dog park will insist upon your pup having a play test and ideally you, the owner, having an induction prior to attending.
4. Attention!
Every interaction with your dog is an opportunity to learn - for both of you. By paying attention to your dog, you can reenforce good behaviours and you can intervene when tension may arise. Some dogs react to certain other breeds or stimuli - get to know your dog and what he likes and dislikes. Pay close attention to subtle changes win dogs body language - a tucked tail, flat ears and licking lips and all be signs of stress.
5. Bullies at the Bark Park
No one likes a dog park bully. Bullying behaviours are not reciprocal and are done regardless of the other dogs body language. Typical bullying behaviours include pinning down, fixating and humping. No dog is perfect but don’t let your dog be a bully.
- Sarah x