Dog Park Etiquette

Nervous about your dogs first time to the dog park? This experience can be nerve wracking for even experienced dog owners. Here are some tips and tricks to help you and your canine survive the initial introduction.

1. THROW OUT THE LEASH!

This is a big mistake nervous owners make. It stems from wanting to be able to control any situation that arises, by being able to control your dog. however, using a leash in a dog park will inadvertently manifest your fears and cause a fight to break out. The worst part about it is, your body is right in the middle of it. Holding a dog back or restraining your dog from being able to flee or escape intense energy from the other dogs in the pack, causes your dog to become defensive. Upon seeing your dogs defensive energy, the other dogs will attack him/her. always remove the leash in the holding area before letting your dog into the park.

2. BE THE FIRST TO ENTER/EXIT THE GATES.

after taking the leash off in the holding area, ask your dog to sit, stay and pay attention to you. This may be difficult to do because there may be a horde of other dogs parking at the gate. STICK WITH THE PROGRAM. do not give up. If others are waiting to get into the park, let them wait. Your dog has to know for certain that you are the pack leader, no other human or dog. Even if it takes a half an hour, your dog does not get to go into the park until he/she sits calmly and quietly with attention focused on you.

3. BE THE FIRST TO ENTER THE PARK

Always always always, be the first to enter tha park.. As pack leader, it would be incorrect canine etiquette to enter the park after your dog which will send conflicting messages as to who is really in charge. after you have gotten your dog to sit quietly, you enter the park first and then que your dog to come in after you.

4. BE CALM.

Dogs speak in terms of energy and body language. If a fight breaks out, the worst thing you can do as an owner is to run over yelling in a high pitched voice and then either console or scold the animal.

5. NEVER PET FRIGHTENED ENERGY.

A scared or nervous dog will tuck its tail between its legs and slink around. we want to put an end to this right away-- Never reassure frightened energy with consolation. this only reinforces the frightened behavior. A scared dog will be immediately attacked by the rest of the pack. To bring your dog out of the scared energy, try calling him/her away from the other dogs to take a step back and watch or gain their surroundings. Walk with them (off leash) around the park and introduce them to all the different sights and smells or play ball. do not baby your dog while doing this, be calm, confident and QUIET. If you stand still or are sitting and your frightened dog hovers around you, send them away. This frightened energy will quickly turn to defensive aggression in your presence.

When we understand and can follow pack rules, the dog park can be exciting! happy trails :)

#dogpark #leash