Do’s and Don’ts for Dog Parks

You and your pet are ready to get out of the house for some exercise and social time! Weather is warming up (at least we hope) and getting outdoors in the beautiful spring sunshine is the top of mind for many dog owners. The Quad Cities has several dog parks for you and your furry companion attend, but if you’re new to the trend, it can be a little intimidating to take your pet for the first time. Check out our do’s and don’ts for a great time at the dog park.

Do’s

Check Health – Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all shots and parasite control. Dogs should be more than six months old and spayed or neutered before joining their friends at the park. If you’re not sure if your dog is ready to attend, give us a call! We can check medical records and schedule an appointment if certain vaccinations are needed.

Practice – Training your dog can take lots of time and effort, but well worth it! Dog parks aren’t an opportunity to learn how to socialize. Make sure your dog is calm around other animals and is responsive to commands. An afternoon at the dog park can go south quickly if your dog, or another dog, isn’t behaving well.

Don’ts

Get Distracted – Always supervise your pet! Make sure your pet is playing nice and check if other dog owners aren’t following the rules of the park. Most dog parks are not supervised so you will need to ensure the safety of you and your pet.

Bring Kids – Just like how the dog park isn’t a place for puppies, it’s not a place for kids either. Children under the age of eight shouldn’t come with to the dog park. You will need to keep an eye on your dog, so bringing a young child can get very distracting.

If someone isn’t following the do’s and don’ts, speak to the other owner positively, and don’t be confrontational. If the problem persists, just leave the park. Dog parks are a fun experience, but never put yourself, your dog, or others at risk.

When you get out-and-about this spring, share with us your dog park pics on Facebook!