A dog park is a great place to let your dog mingle, play and have some safe off-leash time, especially if it doesn't have a yard to play in. There are many great things about Concord's dog park, but there are a few things owners should keep in mind when visiting. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your trip!
Make sure your dog is fully vaccinated and has the okay from your veterinarian. The dog park does not require dogs have vaccinations before they can enter, so you don't know what kind of medical care other dogs have received.
Have a social dog. The dog park is a place for dogs to play and wrestle with each other, but your dog may not be right for this kind of social arena. Owners whose dogs need remedial socialization should steer clear and seek help from a trainer before venturing in.
Exposing your dog to a situation he is not comfortable with can be dangerous for the other dogs playing. Small dog owners should use the small dog area to ensure their dog is safe and let them play with dogs their own size.
Pick up after your pooch! There are few worse things than getting back in your car after a nice outing with your dog and realizing you have poop all over the bottom of your shoes. This is one of the main reasons dogs are banned from other public places! Pick up after your dog and discard the bag in an appropriate location. You may also want to consider wiping your dog's paws thoroughly when you return home to ensure he does not bring fecal matter into the house.
Save toys and treats for when you get home. Even though it is tempting to bring cookies and the ball to the park, it can cause problems with other dogs around. Dogs naturally guard things they deem valuable: Toys or food can cause fights between even the most social dogs. If you go to the park to play fetch with your dog, go at a time when it is empty.
Let your dog be a dog! There is nothing better than watching your dog get all his ants out of his pants while you get to sit and relax.
Allowing your dog to chase, wrestle, and roll around with other dogs is not only crucial for developing sound social skills, but a great energy burner. When you get home, he'll take a nice long nap, and you'll finally get the peace and quiet that you've been craving!
(Helen Nicholls is a certified dog trainer and the owner of No Monkey Business Dog Training in Concord.)
