Is your Best Friend Ready for the Dog Park?

Longer days and warmer weather make spending time outdoors fun for you and your best friend and the local dog park can be a great place to exercise your dog while you socialize with other dog lovers.

If you have a new puppy or just have never visited the dog park with your pet, its important to do some pre-work to ensure a successful first visit. Best Friends professional dog trainers offer the following tips on getting ready for a trip to the off-leash park.

Before you go:

• Be sure your dog has basic obedience skills (come, sit and stay at a minimum) before your first visit. Experts recommend taking a group training class where you pet can learn those skills and also how to interact with other dogs.
• Before visiting a dog park, take your dog to a variety of busy public places to be sure he is comfortable in different settings, around strangers and with other animals.
• Be sure that you understand canine body language. To keep your pet (and yourself) safe, its critical that you be able to recognize the difference between play and aggressive postures. Many problems can be prevented if you know what to look for. Learn what to do in case of a dog fight.
• While dogs are social animals and most enjoy an outing to the off leash park, do not take your pet if he or she has ever shown signs of aggression or biting. You should also avoid the dog park if you have a puppy that is not fully vaccinated or if your female dog is in heat.

When you decide you and your pet are ready to head to the off-leash park:

• Be sure your dog is wearing a collar or harness with ID tags, so he can be returned to you in case he runs off.
• Always carry your leash, even if your dog usually comes on command.
• Dont release your dog in the middle of the pack; find a quiet area to remove her leash and let her approach the action at her own speed.
• Keep a close watch on your dog and correct any unwanted behavior immediately. Dont let him dig holes, bark excessively or harass wildlife or other people.
• Bring water for your dog and supplies to clean up after him. Its your responsibility to leave the dog park clean and sanitary. (Don't bring toys or food into the park because they can cause fighting.)
• Be prepared for emergencies. Have first aid supplies handy to deal with injuries just in case your pet gets into a fight or is attacked -- until you can get to a veterinarian for help.

If your dog enjoys and seems comfortable at the park, visit often enough that he establishes and maintains relationships with the regulars. After a few visits, he will have an established group of canine friends who will welcome him into play.

If your dog enjoys and seems comfortable at the park, visit often enough that he establishes and maintains relationships with the regulars. After a few visits, he will have an established group of canine friends who will welcome him into play.

For more advice on dog park etiquette, call or visit your local Best Friends center to arrange a meeting with a professional trainer. Some Best Friends locations now offer special seminars on dog park etiquette.