A dog park is a great place for your pup to get some fresh air, exercise, and socialization. In fact, time spent at a dog park is a win for both of you; your dog will burn off their reserve of energy and have some fun, then by the time you take them home they’ll be all tuckered out and you can both relax.
Of course, just like with any activity your dog does, you need to take precautions to ensure their health and safety when going to the park. Follow these dog park dos and don’ts to ensure your pup has a safe and positive experience!
DO wait until they’re old enough.
Before hitting the dog park, your pooch needs to be somewhat trained and socialized already. Make sure they can master important basic commands, such as “Come” and “Stay.” You should also expose them to other dogs in controlled environments before going to the park, to ensure they respond well. For puppies, wait until they’re at least 4-5 months old with all of their vaccinations.
DON’T bring toys or food.
Toys, treats, and food from home can cause major issues at the dog park. There’s no way to predict how other dogs may react around those items, even if your dog handles them well. Your food or treats could make another dog sick or give them an allergic reaction. Items with your dog’s scent can also cause territorial issues, and even lead to aggressiveness or dangerous resource guarding.
DO go off-leash.
Keeping your dog leashed in an off-leash dog park may seem like a smart precaution at first, but it can actually put their safety at risk. If your dog can’t move away from other animals, they may start to feel trapped or scared and become aggressive or defensive. Before you take them to a dog park, practice going off-leash at home to make sure they can handle it and will come back to you when called.
DON’T lose sight of your pup.
You are responsible for your dog’s whereabouts and behavior when you bring them anywhere, the dog park included. If they or another dog start to show signs of aggression or they start going somewhere they shouldn’t, you need to be able to intervene and recall your dog at a moment’s notice. Be on the lookout for signs of trouble and always have them in your sight while at the dog park.
At Silver Streak Kennels, we offer short and long-term dog boarding on our countryside farm with all the same benefits of a dog park. Here, your dog can roam green hills, play with other dogs, and enjoy endless amounts of fresh air and sunshine. Whether you plan to come back or decide they’re better off living out their golden years with us, we will love and care for your dog as if they are our own.
Contact us today to learn more about our dog boarding and retirement options!