Keep Tails Wagging at the Dog Park
With the blazing sun in retreat and pleasant fall temperatures rolling in, many of you will be heading out to the dog park for some romping! It’s an activity you can share with your dog that provides physical and mental exercise.
Here are some key tips to keep your tail wagging at the park this fall:
• Newbie? If you’re venturing to a park you’ve never visited, investigate the amenities first. Is there a water source? If not, polite doggy etiquette calls for bringing water along with you.
• Pardon my mess. There’s nothing worse than having a great time, tossing a tennis ball around with your dog and suddenly stepping in “it”. Bring your own waste bags, as the park may not provide a supply. Always clean up after your dog. You’re doing your part to keep the park a pleasant place for everyone - human and canine!
• Monitor your “kid”. Half the fun of a park outing is chatting with other dog lovers about the latest and greatest local pet news. Enjoy the conversation, but don’t become so distracted you lose track of your dog and their play. Interrupt any actions that appear aggressive or too rough.
• Toys? Who needs toys? Even the best of dogs may fall prey to some toy competition, so it may be best to leave toys of your own at home. Most parks are rife with used soccer and tennis balls. The dogs tend to occupy themselves with one another anyway.
• Making new friends takes time. Don’t worry if your dog doesn’t immediately begin to play. Just like people, they may need time to get comfortable in a social setting. If they make a new friend, chat with the owner and learn when they normally come to play. You can arrange play dates and socializing with memorable friends can raise your dog’s comfort level.
• Take a jog. My three year old Chocolate Lab loves the park! She pulls with all her might towards the park, enters with a full burst of energy and commences hopping in the face of anything with fur. In the dog world this behavior is actually a bit off putting and not all dogs will welcome that enthusiasm. If your dog is similar, consider taking a walk or jog beforehand to burn off some of that exuberance. They’ll enter the park in a much calmer state.
Alexandra Bowens is the Marketing Manager for Dogtopia—a dog daycare, boarding and spa facility with five locations in Northern Virginia. Dogs are free to romp and play in open playrooms, monitored by staff trained in pack management and dog behavior. Live webcams on the company’s website www.dogdaycare.com offer a peak into the fun.
