The dog park is a great place to take your pup to help socialize them, give them exercise, and let them run freely. Whether you’re a regular at the dog park already or thinking about taking your dog for the first time, it’s always good to brush up on the tips and etiquette to ensure that your trip to the park is safe and happy for you and your pet

We spoke to Gillian Ridgeway, our Nutram OTC Dog Trainer to see what tips she had for us when it comes to taking your dog to the dog park. Take a look at her top advice:

Read the posted rules before entering.

Several parks, including off-leash dog parks, set posted guidelines to follow. These include restrictions on intact pets (pets that have not been spayed or neutered) or hours of operation.

Pick up after your dog.

As a pet parent, you are responsible for your dog’s actions, which includes picking up their waste! Make sure to pay attention to what your dog is doing at all times so you don’t leave a mess for someone else to step in.

Be mindful of the weather.

In extreme cases of heat, skip the park or avoid visiting during peak hours of the day. To avoid the scorching temperatures, opt for taking your four-legged friend for a walk in the evening or early morning when it’s cooler out. Although it is important that your dog receives physical aerobic activity, you should limit the intensity of their exercise on days when it’s too hot out.

Take a water dish and water with you.

While some dog parks do have a water supply, many do not and it’s important to keep your dog hydrated, especially in the summer heat. There are some great canine cantines and collapsible dishes that are perfect for this situation. Keep in mind that dogs don’t sweat – they cool down by drooling and panting – so wetting the bottom of their paws can also help them cool off.  

Teach your dog basic commands.

It is very important that your dog can respond to their name or a reliable recall. Your dog should be taught to come to you even in high energy situations. This will ensure you can keep your canine companion safe. There are many dog schools that have classes specifically for recall work and it is well worth the investment.

Know general pet first aid.

Have a dog-specific first aid kit in your car or carry the essentials with you. In the event of an emergency, first aid supplies might be difficult to find or not easily accessible so it’s best to have backup with you just in case. It’s also important to know where the closest vet is in case of emergency.

Leave dog toys at home.

Bringing your dog’s favourite toy might seem like a great idea, but this can often be the cause of  dog squabbles. If you do want to take your pup’s toy to the park, just remember to teach him how to share with his buddies or not to react aggressively to those (and we’re talking both dogs or pet parents) who come in contact with his toy.

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