Dog Park Etiquette: Things To Keep in Mind for a Paw-some Experience
Mar 20, 2024 | Stephanie Dwilson
Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Visiting a dog park can be a real treat for your pup. All that time running around and playing with other dogs can brighten your dog's day. But if your pup isn't trained before visiting—and you don't understand dog park etiquette—things might not go as well as you expect.
In fact, unprepared pet parents tend to be the main reason why dog park visits become stressful.1 To make sure your visit is fun for everyone, keep the following dog park etiquette guidelines in mind.
Follow Leash Guidelines
Follow your dog park's leash rules. It's considered good etiquette to remove your dog's leash when entering an off-leash park.2 But you'll still want to keep the leash readily available in case you need it.3
Remember: If there's any concern that your dog may act odd when approached by strange dogs (whether your dog is wearing a leash or not), she shouldn't be at the dog park. Off-leash dog parks are meant for well-socialized dogs who react predictably, whether on or off a leash. If your dog doesn't come when you call him, or he gets defensive when approached by new dogs, this is not the place for you.
Pick Up After Your Pup
Everyone should do their part to keep the dog park clean and tidy. While some dog parks have "poop stations," this isn't guaranteed.3 Bring extra poop bags and always pick up after your pup.4 Not only does this keep the park cleaner, but it helps protect against the many parasites spread through infected poop.5
It also doesn't hurt to bring a few extra bags in case other dog owners run out.
Remember Age and Size Considerations
Dogs have different energy levels and needs based on their breed, size and age. Many dog parks have separate spaces for large and small dogs to better ensure positive experiences for everyone. If they don't, you'll want to keep a closer eye on your pup and avoid too much play between dogs with big size differences. It's easy for a small dog to suddenly be viewed as prey.4
Train and Socialize Your Dog Before You Visit
Your dog should be socialized and trained long before he sets his paws on the park. This includes ensuring your dog lets you interrupt play sessions without drama. Otherwise, she might get overwhelmed around all the new people and pups and act out aggressively.4
Your pup should also be trained on basic commands like come, stay, down and sit, so you can easily take control of a stressful situation.6 (This is great not just for dog parks, but other outings like going to the beach!)
It should go without saying, but if your dog is aggressive or anxious around other pups or humans, skip the dog park altogether.5
Understand Canine Body Language
A big part of dog park safety is understanding canine body language so you can quickly respond to any signs of stress. Communication and awareness create a safer environment for everyone.
If your pup (or another dog) does any of the following, it's time for a break:
- Growling or baring teeth4
- Chasing other dogs rather than playing3
- Humping other dogs3
- Excessive barking3
- Lying down or freezing in place2
- Hair standing up7
- Ears tucked back5
- Tail tucked5
- Rigid body7
Of course, you should know what's normal for your dog so you recognize the difference between play behavior and stress. For example, some dogs love to wrestle and growl a little when they play, while other dogs are overstimulated if they growl just a little.8
Know What To Do if Dogs Become Aggressive
If you notice dogs starting to act tense or aggressive, calmly call your dog back to you and leash him right away. Sometimes loud clapping or whistling can serve as a good distraction to get your dog to come back.5 If you find that your dog has issues with the same dog more than twice, it might be time to leave the park for the day.7
If fights happen or a particular dog is causing trouble, it's important to report these incidents to the park authorities.
Manage Toys and Treats
While toys are fun, they're not always appropriate. If your dog is possessive of her toys, leave them at home. Otherwise, if you want to play fetch, bring multiple balls so the other dogs don't get jealous or "resource guard." Some behaviorists advise just leaving toys at home altogether.6
As for treats, a high-value treat can serve as a great motivator if you need to recall your dog back to your side.4 But some dog parks don't allow treats because of food-aggressive pups.8 You'll need to know the rules of the park.
Stay Vaccinated and Watch for Signs of Illness
Most dog parks require up-to-date vaccinations.1 But even after your dog is fully vaccinated, you should still skip the park if there's any chance your pup is sick, so you don't spread anything around.1 This is especially important after a mysterious and sometimes fatal dog illness started circulating in 2023, making dog owners really worried. Symptoms include:9
- Coughing or sneezing
- Eye or nose discharge
- Abnormal fatigue
If your dog has these or other symptoms of illness, like vomiting, diarrhea or out-of-character behavior, see a veterinarian instead of going to the park.10
Follow These Tips To Keep Your Dog Healthy
Here are a few more things you can do to keep your dog healthy at the park:
- Keep your dog on heartworm, flea and tick preventives.5 These also act as intestinal dewormers, which is important for shared areas.
- Stay for 30 to 60 minutes at most to avoid overstimulation.6
- Pack water and a bowl to avoid dehydration.6
- Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag and is microchipped.3
- If it's summer, go in the early morning or late evening when it's not so hot.6
Respect Other Park Users
A big part of creating a harmonious dog park is being respectful and considerate of others. This includes these extra tips:
- Follow all the dog park's rules.1
- Don't discipline a dog that isn't yours.1
- Keep your eyes on your pup. Don't get distracted by a phone or something else.3
- Don't bring a dog who barks constantly. Respect everyone's peace and quiet.1
- Don't bring young children, since they can be a safety risk and a distraction.3
- Only bring dogs who are spayed or neutered.7
- If another dog is entering or leaving the park, call your dog away from the gate.8
Planning Ahead Can Ensure a Fun Trip to the Dog Park
Dog parks can be a great way to go on mini adventures with your pup while also getting in some good playtime and socialization. Just follow the general guidelines for good dog park etiquette, and you'll have a wonderful opportunity to bond with your furry best friend.
Pets Best Can Help You Keep Your Dog Healthy
Investing in pet insurance can be a great way to help you keep your dog healthy for dog park visits. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can be customized for your pet's unique needs. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources/Citations
1. "A bone to pick: Local dog park etiquette and safety," Molly Colgan (5/2023), Pike County Courier, https://www.pikecountycourier.com/news/local-news/a-bone-to-pick-local-dog-park-etiquette-and-safety-MB2553068, accessed January 22, 2024.
2. "Beginner's guide to dog park etiquette," (4/2022), Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, https://ontariospca.ca/blog/dog-park-etiquette/, accessed January 22, 2024.
3. "Dog park etiquette to protect your precious pup," (7/2022), DePorre Veterinary Hospital, https://www.deporrevet.com/services/dogs/blog/dog-park-etiquette-protect-your-precious-pup, accessed January 22, 2024.
4. "Dog park etiquette every pet owner should know," (8/2023), BC SPCA, https://spca.bc.ca/news/dog-park-etiquette/, accessed January 22, 2024.
5. "Dog park etiquette," (9/2023), Patton Veterinary Hospital, https://pattonvethospital.com/blog/1030648-dog-park-etiquette_2, accessed January 22, 2024.
6. "Dog park safety tips," City of San Ramon, https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/our_city/departments_and_divisions/parks_community_services/parks_facilities/dog_parks/dog_park_safety_tips#, accessed January 22, 2024.
7. "Dog parks," SPCA of Texas, https://spca.org/file/Dog-Parks.pdf, accessed January 22, 2024.
8. "Dog park etiquette," (2023), Glass City Dog Park, https://www.glasscitydogpark.org/Dog-Park-Etiquette, accessed January 22, 2024.
9. "What's the latest with the mystery dog illness that starts with a cough? What to know," Maura Hohman (2/2024), TODAY.com, https://www.today.com/health/mystery-dog-illness-2023-rcna125553, accessed March 11, 2024.
10. "Don't ignore these 10 signs that your dog may be sick," (7/2022), Muirfield Animal Hospital, https://www.muirfieldanimalhospital.com/blog/dont-ignore-these-10-signs-that-your-dog-may-be-sick, accessed January 22, 2024.