Dogs just want to have fun!  That’s a great job, and that makes dogs awesome company for humans and each other.  Dog parks provide a terrific opportunity for dogs to exercise and socialize, but unleashed doesn’t mean off the hook.

Canine or human, everybody has that one friend who goes a little too far, right?  It’s your job to step up for your canine friends when they need an exit strategy!

Know your dog and avoid set ups for failure.  Not all dogs love socializing.  How does your dog respond to other dogs?  Other humans?  Dog to dog aggression is not inevitable, and social skills can take practice.  It’s the human’s job to monitor and understand canine behavior signals. Prevent problems by learning how your dog interacts and communicates.  Know the difference between playful and engaged behaviors and those indicating your pup is nervous and stressed.

• Learn to understand canine body language
• Know and respect your dog’s individual limits
• Work with your dog on appropriate socializing opportunities
• Review more tips for dog socialization

Think healthy thoughts.  Observe and respect restrictions, and if your dog is ill, stay home. Dog parks are intended to be safe off leash play spaces, so it’s critical to provide proper preventive veterinary care for common diseases that can be transmitted in social settings (distemper, Parvo, influenza, parasites, etc.).  Provide access to fresh water in warm weather.

Tooth’s Tips

Check out these resources on Urban Dog Etiquette and more Common Sense Measures