You know your dog needs exercise and play, and you assume he craves interaction with other dogs – so a dog park seems the perfect solution. Right?
Before you take your pet to the dog park, you need to take several factors into consideration. While exercise and play are always recommended, not every dog will feel comfortable at a dog park – and not every dog should be introduced into a group of other dogs. Knowing your own dog, and having a feel for the dog park will go a long way to determining if you should bring Fido to the park.
Visit Prospective Dog Parks – Without your Pet
It is important that you go and observe the facility and area before bringing your dog. Go and visit at the time you would most likely go, as many owners do bring their dogs on schedules. For instance, you may be planning to bring your dog every Saturday morning, so a Saturday morning visit will reveal important information. How many dogs are there? Are their humans attentive to how the dogs are behaving, or simply chatting off to the side, oblivious to interactions? Are there dogs which are aggressive, or obviously bullying more timid animals?
If the dog park seems more like a free-for-all with no polite rules of behavior, it may not be a great place for your dog. Still, you do need to understand what normal dog interaction looks like – so as not to think dogs engaged in normal play are somehow misbehaving.
What Does Normal Play Look Like for Dogs?
Humans tend to misunderstand canine play, and may mistake it as aggression. Growling, biting and snapping are actually common during healthy play interactions. Here are some signs that your dog is happily enjoying other canine company:
- Exhibits “play bows” during interactions (front legs outstretched, hind quarter up)
- Vocalizes barking or high-pitched growling
- Balances between positions of power (top and bottom)
- Keeps his mouth open when play biting
- Stops and starts play, not “in a frenzy” that can’t be stopped
- Moves more side to side than forward
- Maintains a relaxed, loose body while playing
Polite dogs will approach your dog slowly and calmly, often moving in an arc. They will avoid eye contact – a sign of aggression – and maintain soft bodies. Sniffing other dogs is also typically seen as a friendly greeting.
When is it Time to Leave the Dog Park?
If your dog cowers, stay close to your side, whimpers, or stays along the fence, they are telling you that they are scared or uncomfortable – and it is time to leave. We cannot force a dog to “have fun”. You will also want to be on the lookout for signs of “bully dog”, those who are too aggressive and no longer simply playing. These include staring at the other dog, the aggressor standing with his head and neck over the other dog’s neck or shoulders in a “t” position, or walking around the other dog with stiff legs, arched neck, a raised tail, or raised hackles.
Although you may think your dog “needs play time” at a dog park, only half of that statement is correct. Your dog needs play time – but you are his favorite playmate. So if the dog parks around you seem to be causing too much stress for your canine companion, simply create ways that your dog can enjoy your company and get plenty of exercise while he is at it.
If you live in Sarasota or Bradenton and have concerns about your dog’s behavior, or want to tone down his aggression so that he can enjoy the local dog park, call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training. We specialize in obedience training and behavior modification which will result in a happier dog and a healthier relationship with you.
