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Dog Park Etiquette: Behavior to Watch Out For
If you take your dog, or dogs, to the dog park, you have probably either had a scary situation occur due to another dog's bad behavior, or at least heard horror stories. Dog parks are wonderful for socializing your dog, for running out his or her extra energy, and for getting him some much needed exercise.
However, one misbehaved dog can spoil your entire trip to the park, and, even worse, it could subject your dog to injury.
There are some things to look out for when you are in the dog park, and some ways to avoid problems. These tips will help you the next time you and your pooch head out to the park!
Behaviors to Watch Out For
The Greeting
Typically, when a new dog enters the park, all of the other dogs will want to run up and greet them. It is the 'Welcome Wagon' effect. This can be great, many dogs are ready to come in and play, but for some dogs, dogs who are new to dog parks in general or who are just anxious by nature, the rush is a bit too much.
Think of it in 'human terms'. If you had just entered a party and everyone there came running right up to you, you might feel overwhelmed and want to snap at them.
To counter this, you might want to keep your dog on his lead when you enter the park, just for a few seconds. And if your dog is in the park, try to keep him from rushing to the gate when new dogs appear.
Toys
Toys are really never a good idea at the dog park. You should not bring them, especially if your dog does not like to share his toys. Keep them for home, or for times when you are the only ones in the park. Additionally, if you see other dogs and dog owners with toys, try to keep your dog from stealing the ball or toy. Make sure to always take it back to its rightful owner if your dog does snag it.
Rough Play
Some dogs are just aggressive. They love to play rough. This does not mean that the dog is evil, or will harm other dogs, it just means he is excited. However, overly rough play can lead to aggression in other dogs, as that excitement builds.
The best way to curb this, and to prevent any harm happening to any dogs, is to calm your dog down (if it is your dog that gets aggressive). Call your dog over to you and try to engage him in any type of replacement behavior. This will keep him from getting to rough with others.
If it is another dog that is being aggressive, that same rules could apply. Bring your dog over to you, and this can end the problem, it will get the other dog's mind off of your pup, and it might encourage the other dog owner to do the same thing.
Humping
It is no secret. Humping occurs at the dog park, even if your pet is fixed. Humping is usually a behavior that can mean either dominance or 'Hey, let's all play!' It is not necessarily something to worry about, but it is something to stop immediately, if it occurs. If it is your dog, make sure to correct the behavior, and if it is not your dog doing the humping, call your dog over immediately to get him away from the aggressor.
No matter what, the dog park experience should be fun for both you and your dog. Watch out for bad behavior, and make sure not to encourage it in your dog, either. If you are having problems with your pup's behavior, an obedience class can help. Learning the basic commands is crucial, because you will need for your dog to listen to you in the event of an incident.
However, one misbehaved dog can spoil your entire trip to the park, and, even worse, it could subject your dog to injury.
There are some things to look out for when you are in the dog park, and some ways to avoid problems. These tips will help you the next time you and your pooch head out to the park!
Behaviors to Watch Out For
The Greeting
Typically, when a new dog enters the park, all of the other dogs will want to run up and greet them. It is the 'Welcome Wagon' effect. This can be great, many dogs are ready to come in and play, but for some dogs, dogs who are new to dog parks in general or who are just anxious by nature, the rush is a bit too much.
Think of it in 'human terms'. If you had just entered a party and everyone there came running right up to you, you might feel overwhelmed and want to snap at them.
To counter this, you might want to keep your dog on his lead when you enter the park, just for a few seconds. And if your dog is in the park, try to keep him from rushing to the gate when new dogs appear.
Toys
Toys are really never a good idea at the dog park. You should not bring them, especially if your dog does not like to share his toys. Keep them for home, or for times when you are the only ones in the park. Additionally, if you see other dogs and dog owners with toys, try to keep your dog from stealing the ball or toy. Make sure to always take it back to its rightful owner if your dog does snag it.
Rough Play
Some dogs are just aggressive. They love to play rough. This does not mean that the dog is evil, or will harm other dogs, it just means he is excited. However, overly rough play can lead to aggression in other dogs, as that excitement builds.
The best way to curb this, and to prevent any harm happening to any dogs, is to calm your dog down (if it is your dog that gets aggressive). Call your dog over to you and try to engage him in any type of replacement behavior. This will keep him from getting to rough with others.
If it is another dog that is being aggressive, that same rules could apply. Bring your dog over to you, and this can end the problem, it will get the other dog's mind off of your pup, and it might encourage the other dog owner to do the same thing.
Humping
It is no secret. Humping occurs at the dog park, even if your pet is fixed. Humping is usually a behavior that can mean either dominance or 'Hey, let's all play!' It is not necessarily something to worry about, but it is something to stop immediately, if it occurs. If it is your dog, make sure to correct the behavior, and if it is not your dog doing the humping, call your dog over immediately to get him away from the aggressor.
No matter what, the dog park experience should be fun for both you and your dog. Watch out for bad behavior, and make sure not to encourage it in your dog, either. If you are having problems with your pup's behavior, an obedience class can help. Learning the basic commands is crucial, because you will need for your dog to listen to you in the event of an incident.
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