Here is a truism that actually is true — a tired dog is a good dog.
I have discovered this anew since I recently adopted a German Shepherd puppy. He’s adorable, really smart and very energetic. He wakes up in the morning ready to go, go, go.
Not that I’m complaining. I mean, I could have it worse. I could share my life with a Border Collie or Belgian Malinois. Which are also great dogs, but I’d have no hope of meeting their exercise needs.
I am managing with Snowy, my shepherd, thanks to dog parks and play dates as well as hikes.
I like to switch things up. Part of the reason I got an active dog is that I love to hike and I wanted a hiking buddy. So on alternate days, I’ll take him for a long walk or hike. Then I give myself a rest day and take him to the dog park or set up a play date with friends.
It seems to be working really well. However, I take several precautions. Dog parks are not always safe. There are things every pet parent needs to be aware of before rushing in.
Remember the Pandemic
Just because you’re outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine doesn’t mean the pandemic has gone away. Yes, the chances of infection are much less outdoors. That doesn’t mean they are zero.
When you take your dog to the park, remember, it’s OK for him to get up close and personal with his fellow dogs. You need to maintain social distance. You should also wear a mask. It’s basic courtesy.
Afterwards, wash your hands. You’ll want to do it anyway, probably, thanks to dog drool and such. But it’s also a good idea due to the virus.
Check out the Park before you take your Dog
It’s a good idea to pay a visit to the park before you take your furry friend. There are certain things you should check for:
- Is the park securely fenced? You don’t want to risk your dog getting loose while he’s off leash and getting hit by a car or running off.
- Are there any potential hazards that might hurt your dog?
- Are there water features, waste deposit containers, play equipment and structures, and areas for you to sit?
- Are there shaded areas?
- What is the community like? Do they keep an eye on their dogs or do they let them run wild? Do they clean up after them?
- Does the park have a two-gate system that makes it easy to safely enter and leave with your dog?
- Is there a separate area for small dogs and for dogs that might be nervous in too-large groups?
Clean up After your Dog
Dog parks make this easy to do. There are lots of stations with baggies and waste bins. Be considerate and scoop the poop.
Take your Dog to the Appropriate Section
Most dog parks have separate areas for large and small dogs. There are good reasons for this.
In my experience, some of the most aggressive dogs that my German Shepherd has had to deal with were Chihuahuas, Dachshunds and Miniature Schnauzers. It’s not because these are bad dogs, but they tend to react badly to a much larger dog. It is not appropriate to bring them into the large dog area.
It’s also not safe. While my dog tends to avoid conflict, not all dogs do. And some large dogs have a strong prey drive and may chase and kill a tiny dog. Others might cause damage simply by accidentally stepping on the small dog the wrong way while playing. These are not risks you need to take if you have a small dog.
If you have a small dog, take him to the appropriate section, and do not take your large dog to the small dog area.
Not Every Dog is Social
People make assumptions about dogs. They assume that every dog is a happy-go-lucky goof that loves to socialize with people and other dogs. This is not true.
Referencing the Chihuahuas mentioned above — in many cases these dogs did not seem to get any pleasure from being around other dogs. Even with breeds that are supposed to be playful with other dogs, such as retrievers — not all of them are social.
Each dog is an individual and some dogs would prefer to avoid the rambunctious play that occurs in dog parks. It’s OK if this is the case. There are other ways to exercise your dog than at the dog park.
You Need to Understand your Dog
Most of the dogs my pup has encountered at the dog park have been great. But there have been a few exceptions.
One is bully breeds. Not all of them, by any stretch. I want to make it clear that not every pitbull/bulldog/mastiff type dog is antisocial. Some of them love to play with other dogs and have great social skills.
But if you have one of these powerful dogs, you need to understand him and look out for him as well as look out for the other people and pets you encounter. It’s part of being a responsible dog owner.
Another exception are chihuahuas. These little dogs often have huge personalities.
A third exception are newly rescued dogs. Sometimes these dogs have been attacked in previous lives. They can be skittish and scared.
Finally, there are dogs with strong prey drives.
If your dog fits into any of these categories, you need to keep a close watch on him or her. If he bullies another dog, gets aggressive or tries to hump them, you need to intervene. If necessary, you need to take your dog home.
Full disclosure: I’ve had to stop my dog from humping a couple of times. It’s OK. It happens. But responsible pet owners nip it in the bud.
You Need to Pay Attention
It’s no different than a parent taking their toddler to the playground. Responsible parents keep an eye on their child.
Sure, you can chat with the other pet parents. That’s part of the fun of being at the dog park. And it’s a great way to trade information or to learn new things about dogs or your community. And, sure, you can check the occasional text on your cell phone.
However, always be aware of where your dog is, who he or she is playing with and what is going on, particularly if it’s a new park and a new group of dogs.
Once you’ve been going to a park for a while and you’ve gotten to know the regulars that your dog likes to play with, you can relax somewhat.
Keep an Eye out for Over-heating and Make Sure Water is Available
Watch your dog’s body language. If he’s panting too hard, seems disoriented or looks about to collapse — it’s time to get him out of there.
Ways to avoid potential over-heating:
- Don’t go to the dog park when it’s too hot. In the summer, I only go first thing in the morning or late in the evening.
- Make sure he has plenty of water. Most dog parks provide water features, but if yours doesn’t, bring water with you.
- Call him over to rest periodically in a shaded area of the park.
- Better to leave too early than to stay at the park too late.
Plan According to your Dog’s Age and Health Needs
A 6 month old German Shepherd puppy should only be exercised for about half an hour at a time. This is because this breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia, so you don’t want to overwork him. While I could push this envelope a little bit at the dog park since he was off leash and he would periodically rest, I stayed close to the guidelines.
If your dog is older, deaf, blind or has any other health issues, you’ll need to take that into account.
If your dog is pregnant or in heat — do not take her to the dog park. You are just asking for trouble!
Take Along a Ball, Frisbee, or Other Toys
In addition to letting your dog play with the other dogs, you can use the time at the dog park to develop a deeper bond. Toss a ball or frisbee, play tug of war, work on his tricks — there are many things you can do to interact with your dog in ways that are meaningful to him.
Conclusion
Dog parks are a great way to have fun with your dog. I love going, partly because I just love dogs. It gives me joy to see groups of friendly, happy dogs running and playing with each other. Sure, both me and my boy often end up muddy and disheveled, but that’s part of having a dog, right? Plus, when we get home after a good session at the dog park, my dog is content and well-behaved for the rest of the day.
All that being said — not all dog parks are equal. Before you go, make sure to evaluate the park you are taking him to. Also make sure to evaluate your dog. While mine loves socializing with other pooches, not every dog does. Since this is about what is best for your pet, keep his needs in mind when trying to decide if a trip to the dog park is right for you.
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Previously published on medium
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Photo credit: by Matt Jones on Unsplash