Dog Park Etiquette

How to Have a  Safe, Happy Time at the Dog Park

                Summer is a popular time at many dog parks and Canine Meadows at John Rudy County Park in York County is no exception.  The good:  your dog can exercise, run free and interact with other dogs.  The bad:  there is some risk for contracting parasites, exposure to infectious diseases, and dog fights.  Dog Parks can be a lot of fun, but, there are some things you should keep in mind if you visit Canine Meadows or any other dog park. 

                Do let your dog off leash once safely inside.  Leashed dogs in a group of unleashed dogs can become targets and may be very stressed as they cannot escape interactions from other dogs. 

                Do keep track of where your dog is.  You don’t have to hover right beside him, but try to keep tabs on where he is and who he’s playing with.  It’s also very helpful if your dog knows basic commands like come and sit so you can recall your dog if he or she is misbehaving or for when it is time to leave.   

                Don’t take puppies under four months of age to the dog park.  While socialization of young puppies 6-16 weeks is extremely important, the dog park is not the place to do it.  Puppies could be injured or exposed to diseases as they are not fully vaccinated and have immature immune systems.  Socialize pups with known vaccinated dogs at friends’ or family members’ homes.  Make sure your dog is up to date on rabies and all other necessary vaccines regardless of age before visiting a dog park. 

                Don’t take fearful dogs, aggressive dogs or dogs who are poorly behaved to the dog park.  Some dogs lack social skills or just don’t know how to play well with other dogs.  They may be bullies, or they may just be awkward.  If your dog is cowering behind you, has her tail tucked or is trying to steer clear of all the other dogs, she is not having a good time and you need to be willing to leave.  You may also need to remove your dog if he is relentlessly pestering another dog.  If your dog is blatantly aggressive toward other dogs, it should go without saying:  the dog park is not the place for your dog. 

Finally, do NOT EVER take unspayed, in heat female dogs to a dog park, and use caution with intact males as well.  Females in heat may incite fights and could even become accidentally bred.  A dog park is NEVER the place to take a dog in heat. 

 Read up on or watch videos about dog body language.  Play bows, bouncy, relaxed body positions and short pauses are normal.  Stiff body language, pinned back ears, and fast and intense interactions with no breaks can indicate that dogs might be headed for a fight. 

What do you do if there is a dog fight?  First, try not to panic.  Many fights are brief and minimal to no damage is done.  But, if there is a serious fight, first try to break it up by making loud noises like clapping or whistling.  If this does not stop the fight within 5 seconds, try grabbing your dog by the back legs where the hips meet the body and lifting the back end off the ground like a wheelbarrow (see photo) while someone does the same to the other dog.  Please use caution and try to avoid being bitten.  It is instinct to grab the dog’s collar but you are far more likely to be bitten doing this so try to avoid grabbing the collar until you are sure the dog has calmed down.  Assess damage, leash the dogs and remove them from the area immediately.  If your dog is seriously injured, take him or her to the vet. 

I hope these tips help you to have a safe, happy experience at the dog park if you choose to go!  This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

Marty was a somewhat unwilling model for demonstrating where to grab a dog to stop a dog fight.