A place where you can take your dog, let them run free and meet and play with other dogs?
Sounds like the perfect place, right? Well, here are 4 quick tips you should know before you take your dog to the dog park.
#1
Yes, you need to pick up after your dog. Not only is it good manners, it’s safer for everyone. There are a ton of diseases and parasites that live in dog poop. You do not want your dog (or any dog) playing, rolling around, touching, or eating it and getting sick.
#2
Don’t bring puppies that are less than 12 weeks old or any dog that is not vaccinated. Younger pups may not have a fully developed immune system yet. You don’t want them catching a virus that they’re not prepared to deal with.
#3
Always keep an eye on your dog. Some dogs just don’t get along and should be kept away from one another. If your dog is aggressive, keep them away from more timid dogs. If your dog is timid, don’t force them into a confined area with more aggressive dogs. Learn to recognize when playing turns into rough housing or fighting and be ready to step in.
#4
Scope it out. If you have a small dog and you see that the park is filled with large and aggressive dogs, perhaps visiting another time would be better. You don’t want to terrify your small or timid dog by forcing them into a confined area with larger, more aggressive dogs.
Take it slow, be safe and have fun.
