I love this picture of Zipper at Coronation Dog Park. It just so happened that the day he was caught with his tongue out was the same day multiple people tried to enter the dog park as we were unleashing, leading me to ask if he too was frustrated by this dog park faux pas.
The problem with entering the dog park in this manner is that gated dogs aren’t necessarily on leashes; if someone opens the gate the dogs could bolt. Additionally, the dog entering may trigger the dogs in the gate and vice versa, leading to a fight; the space is small and the dogs, especially those starting their dog walk, are likely to be super amped up. Hello, trigger stacking!
Here are some other tips:
Bring dogs that are suited to the dog park ie social, healthy and not in heat
Clean up after your dog.
Close the gate each and every time!
Don’t feed someone else’s dogs; that dog may be on a special diet or have allergies. A big nuh-uh on this one.
Eat before or after … if you bring your lunch to the dog park, it’s fair game!
Pick up your poop, not your dog! Picking up and carrying a small dog because you want to protect him/her is human nature but the act of small dogs being lifted up triggers a treeing instinct in many dogs, moving them right into prey drive and exciting them into jumping on you to get at the small dog. In a dog park, where all dogs are extra stimulated and excited, picking up a small, panicked dog could be enough to get you knocked over or possibly even bitten.
Watch your dog. It’s not someone else’s job. Get off your phone and make sure your dog is safe.
Be mindful of the toys you bring. For example, those super small Chuck-It balls may be perfect for a chihuahua but a Labrador could easily choke on one.
Headphones are ok so long as you can hear what’s going on in the dog park.
Not that your dog should be wearing a prong collar, but if s/he is, remove it prior to entering the dog park.
Most importantly, have fun!!! This is your special time with your pup so savour it!
Have a great, safe weekend!