AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
Dog parks are fenced-in, outdoor spaces designated for off-leash dog play that have become a more common community feature across the country in recent years. There are many different configurations of dog park, from a basic fenced, grassy field, to an agility-style set of play equipment, and even some dog parks with water features. As with any other group play activity, it’s important for dog owners to know what to expect, what’s expected, and what to be prepared for. Dog park dogs (and dog park people) need to pay attention to social cues and learn some basic etiquette so that every dog and owner who chooses to participate at a dog park can have a positive experience.
Dog parks can be a positive or negative experience for you and your dog. Negative experiences can create setbacks for your dog, while positive experiences can be a fun way to play and exercise. Before you choose to go to a dog park with your dog, it’s smart to consider a few different factors and set your expectations.
Is Your Dog a Good Fit for a Dog Park?
Some dogs may not be ready to visit a dog park today, and some dogs may not be a good match for a dog park environment at all. Here are some considerations to help you figure out where your dog falls:
- Puppies younger than 4 months old who haven’t had all of their vaccinations shouldn’t go to a dog park.
- Dogs that aren’t up-to-date on their vaccinations should stay home. Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinarian for the AKC, recommends that dogs spending time in dog parks be vaccinated for bordetella, leptospirosis, and canine influenza. They should also be treated with flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.
- Female dogs in heat or coming into season should not be brought to a dog park.
- Any dog showing signs of illness should stay home. It may be something contagious, or feeling unwell can cause dogs to feel unsociable.
- A dog should know basic obedience commands – such as come, down, and stay – in distracting environments prior to going to an offleash dog park. If your dog is tuning you out when they’re having fun, you won’t get their attention at the dog park when you need it.
- Shy or nervous dogs may not enjoy a dog park, or be overstimulated by the environment.
- Reactive or aggressive dogs may not welcome interactions with strange dogs anywhere, including a dog park.
- Resource guarders, depending on what they guard, may not do well in a dog park. Dogs that guard their owners, their water dish, or even a ball or stick may not interact well with other dogs in this setting.
Is the Dog Park Environment a Good Match for Your Dog?
Dog parks aren’t all created equal. Animal behaviorists suggest that you visit a dog park without your dog before you take them for an actual dog park visit. Here are some of the things to look for when you scout it out:
- Dog park fencing should be secure. It should be tall enough to keep dogs in, and should not have clearance underneath to let dogs crawl under. Keep an eye out for any holes or sharp areas.
- Double gates are the best option for entry and exit, allowing you to close and secure the gate behind you before opening the next gate. This helps prevent dogs from being accidentally let out of the park, but it also creates a buffer zone for dogs entering and exiting the park.
- Separate areas for large and small dogs create safer opportunties for play with dogs of similar size and weight. If you go, follow any posted rules, and don’t bring your large dog to the small dog area, or vice versa, particularly when the park is crowded.
- The park should be clear of trash, dog poop, or any hazards (like mud pits or toxic vegetation). Always clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. If people aren’t disposing of their dogs’ waste, or if there are not regularly emptied receptacles for waste available, report it to the park’s manager (often through the town’s parks and recreation department).
- How many dogs are there at the time you plan to go? Large groups of rambunctious dogs may not be what you’re looking for. Consider visiting dog parks at off-peak hours and leaving if the park is too crowded.
- Communal water bowls allow dogs to share communal germs, so keep this in mind when evaluating the park. Having a source of fresh, potable water on site is a great bonus, just bring your own bowl. If there’s no water fountain, you’ll know to bring your own jug of water if you return with your dog.
- Does the dog park require membership or other enrollment? Dog parks that are private or semi-private are often more well-maintained or managed, but there’s often a monetary cost or residency requirement associated with this.
- Observe what the dog owners at the park are doing. They should be paying attention to the dogs, watching their dog’s body language, and intervening if play starts to get too rough. If they’re on their phones, ignoring their dogs, or busy socializing only with each other, it might not be a great fit for you and your dog.
If You Go — Or If You Don’t
If you go to a dog park, one of the most important pieces of etiquette is: be present. Watch for what your dog is communicating, and watch what how other dogs are communicating. If a bunch of dogs rush the entrance every time a new dog joins the group, wait calmly for them to disperse before bringing your dog inside. Pay attention to unclipping your dog’s leash before allowing them inside so they don’t feel trapped or vulnerable surrounded by offleash dogs. Intervene if other dogs repeatedly roll your dog to the ground or relentlessly chase your dog. If a dog is giving signals that you don’t like, you can always just go for a walk away from the park instead of entering.
“Especially when a dog is young, a bad experience with another dog can make the frightened dog wary of all dogs for the rest of his life,” says Dr. Klein. You paying attention and being present is key to recognizing what is and isn’t going to work for your dog park trip–the first time, and every time.
Even if your dog is having the time of their life, don’t stay too long. Even a 30-minute visit can allow your dog plenty of time to run and play without getting too tired or overstimulated. When your dog only wants to hang with you or stands by the gate, respect what they’re telling you and head home.
If you decide your dog and a dog park aren’t a good match, you’re not alone. Many dog owners choose not to visit dog parks. Your dog can socialize in any number of other ways, if they enjoy it. You may find group dog walks organized by local dog clubs, enroll in a group training class, attend a well-managed dog day care, or even just have offleash playtime in the backyard with another dog your dog knows. It’s OK if you and your dog don’t visit dog parks at all.
Remember, for your dog, nothing really replaces time spent with you. Go on walks, take a hike, learn how to do some fun tricks, or try a dog sport. A dog can be happy and healthy with or without a dog park experience.