Is your dog ready for the dog park? Here’s how to have a great first time!
It’s a beautiful, sunny day, and your dog is ready to socialize and play! Socializing is important for your dog’s overall health; just like people, pet dogs need to interact with others of their kind. The dog park is one of the best ways to let your dog spend time with other dogs, making new friends, and getting tons of exercise. If you have never gone to one before, here are a few tips on introducing your dog to a dog park to keep in mind.
Is Your Dog Ready to Visit a Dog Park?
Your pet’s age will influence whether or not it’s a good idea to take it to a dog park. If you have a young puppy that hasn’t completed its vaccinations, then it’s best to play at home. If your dog is older and has health issues, a dog park might be overwhelming.
Does your pet obey you? Can you trust it to return to you when you call, stay when you command, and leave something alone when you give the word? You should be able to trust that your pet is well-disciplined and non-aggressive before entering a dog park.
Follow the Dog Park’s Rules
Any dog park requires etiquette from its visitors to have a good time. Individual ones may have their own sets of rules, which you should naturally follow. These rules would include the following:
- Pick up after your pet
- Ensure your pet is up-to-date on its vaccinations
- Do not take your pet there if it is in heat
- Give your pet identification through an ID collar at the very least
- Keep dogs on a leash in leashed areas
- Bring the dog leash even when going to a leash-free area
- Don’t bring food or toys other dogs will compete over
- Don’t bring babies or infants, who can be accidentally injured
Introducing Your Dog to a Dog Park
What should you do when you bring your dog to a dog park? You should know your pet well enough to understand how it is likely to feel and behave and understand its signals. You can start by walking your dog around the park so it gets a lay of the land before entering. Bring your pet to a smaller dog park at a time with less activity to prevent overwhelming your pet. When your pet wants to play with another dog, connect with that dog’s owner to see if it’s okay. That’s the start of many happy times at the dog park!
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!