Dog parks can be one of the great joys of pet ownership. But before you unhook that leash, there are a few things every owner should know. We asked local veterinarian, Dr. Todd Hurst, DVM with Harpeth Valley Animal Hospital to weigh in on the dos, the don'ts, and everything in between to help make every visit a good one for both you and your pup.
From a health and safety standpoint, what are the most important things a dog owner should do before ever setting foot in a dog park?
All dogs should be fully vaccinated - distemper/parvo, rabies, leptospirosis and kennel cough. Most boarding facilities now also require the flu vaccine, and that is a good idea as well. In addition, be sure your dog is protected against heartworms, fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites. There are multiple, safe products that your veterinarian can recommend.
What are the biggest mistakes you see dog owners make at dog parks?
The biggest mistake that I see with dog owners at dog parks is lack of attention. We tend to have an idea of our dog's personality based on how they behave at home and think that they will always behave in that manner. But a dog park is a completely different environment. The sights, smells and activity can be overwhelming for certain dogs, especially on the first few visits. Watch them closely. Consider having your dog on a leash at first and see how they are reacting to their new playmates.
How should an owner read the signs that their dog is becoming overstimulated, anxious, or aggressive, and what is the right way to handle the situation when that happens?
Once again, it's all about paying attention. Obvious behaviors are growling, ears back, showing teeth, hair up - all the stuff we see in movies. But the subtle signs can be pretty dog-specific. You know your dog better than anyone else. Once you get a sense of how they interact at the park, watch for changes when they are interacting with a new playmate. If things seem hinky, give your dog a time-out and let everything calm down.
There is often debate about whether to bring toys, treats, and water to a dog park. What is your advice on that?
If you are going to bring water to the park, bring it in and individual container. I don't like a bunch of dogs drinking out of the same bowl. If you bring treats or toys, be careful - dogs can be food aggressive out of nowhere and fights can break out over toys as well.
What is your overall advice for making the dog park a consistently positive experience?
I love dog parks. What a great idea. I live close to the dog park at Edwin Warner and I love driving by every day and seeing how happy everyone is. I mean, really, it's hard to be depressed at the dog park! Go slow initially and see how your dog is going to interact. Pay attention and have fun. Most dogs will adjust pretty quickly and love the socialization. Occasionally, there are dogs that just don't like the park and that's OK. They can just go on walks and spend more time with you.
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