Dog parks can be fun for dogs. They have the opportunity to run and play with other dogs. However, if you’re not careful, accidents can happen at the dog park. Also, if you don’t know the basic rules of going to the dog park, you could ruin someone else’s situation.

Some Dogs Do Not Belong in the Dog Park

Dogs that are not fully vaccinated should not enter the dog park. This includes puppies up to 16 weeks old. They may be exposed to diseases to which they are not immune. In addition, small puppies can be injured by larger adult dogs.

Only bring healthy dogs to the dog park. Your dog should be fully vaccinated against heartworm and parasite prophylaxis and not show any signs of illness or injury. You don’t want to make other dogs sick.

Do not bring aggressive dogs to dog parks or other places where dogs play without leashes. Dog parks are not suitable for any dog with a history of attacking humans or other dogs. Look for other ways to entertain and exercise your dog. Consider training or behavior change.

Never bring an unneutered female dog in heat to the dog park. There may be a full male (not neutered) dog that cannot control itself. You may not plan to mate your female with a random dog. To make matters worse, if there is more than one intact male in the park, they may fight over the female in heat. Don’t take any chances.

Be careful not to bring intact males to the dog park in case there may be intact females in heat.

Better yet, spay your dog!

The Dog Park Is Not Suitable for Small Children

Avoid bringing babies and small children to the dog park. Dogs can easily bump into small children while playing. They may be a little overly curious about the baby or child you’re holding. Also, keep in mind that you don’t know the other dogs in the park. A running child can trigger another dog’s desire to prey, which can lead to disaster. When your dog is playing unleashed, you’re better off having another adult take the kids to the playground.

Parasites are another reason why children don’t need to hang around strange dogs (and possibly dog feces). Some parasites are even more harmful to children than to dogs.

Is Your Dog Ready to Go to the Dog Park

Before heading to the dog park, make sure you have a dog that is sociable. A dog park is not a place for your dog to socialize. Ideal socialization takes place in a controlled environment. Any dog that enters the dog park should already have a good social base, so they all know how to move around each other. Also, an unsociable dog may find some unwelcome behavior in the dog park.

Before you release the leash, make sure you have good verbal control over the dog. Your dog should have a good foundation of training and understand basic obedience cues. It is essential that your dog has an excellent memory. Emergency recalls are also useful.

How to Behave in a Dog Park

Most dog parks have rules posted outside the gates. Be sure to read and follow them. This will benefit you, your dog, and others.

Take a good look around the park before entering the park. If the park seems overcrowded or if bullying or aggressive behavior has occurred, do not bring your dog inside.

If it’s an off-leash park, be sure to remove your dog before entering. A leashed dog will feel vulnerable around a free-range dog and may lash out for defense. Most dog parks have a double-gated area where you can unleash your dog before letting your dog into the dog park.

If several dogs rush to the gate when you enter, wait until they are cleared before letting your dog in. Ask other owners to call their dog away if needed.

If there is a separate area suitable for small dogs, bring your small dog there. Do not bring small dogs into the large dog area, and do not bring large dogs into the small dog area. If there is no separate area, then be extra careful when at the dog park. Take care to make sure that the dogs you are playing with are close enough in size so that the smaller dogs are not in danger.

Always follow your dog; no one wants to step on poop. Also, some dogs like to eat or roll around in other dogs’ feces. Be polite. Bring a bag, pick up the feces and dispose of them properly.

Avoid bringing toys, especially if your dog has resource conservation issues. If so, keep your dog away from toys in the dog park (or remove toys).

Keep your dog in check at all times. You don’t go to the dog park to socialize with other people or play with your phone. Keep an eye on your dog. If things are not going well (bullying, excessive rough play, aggression, etc.), be sure to call your dog away. If things get out of control or your dog is tired or bored, it’s time to leave the park.

It is important to know that if your dog injures another dog, it is your responsibility. Following the above guidelines will reduce the chances of a problem, but accidents do happen. Be prepared to take responsibility when something happens.