Here are some useful tips to keep your dog safe at the dog park.
Before heading to the park, SPCA recommends:
- To lessen the chance of conflict, be sure your dog is well socialized around other dogs and people. Early socialization of puppies is essential.
- If your dog is under-socialized, consult a professional trainer or your veterinarian before considering a visit to a dog park.
- Make sure your dog’s shots are up to date.
- Be sure your dog is well trained in basic commands like sit, stay, come(recall), and leave it. If an altercation occurs, your dog will be more likely to respond to you and leave the situation.
- Visit the dog park without your dog to be sure there are appropriate areas for both small and larger dogs to safely interact.
- Familiarize yourself with dog play styles and body language to know when to remove your dog if play gets out of hand.
At the dog park:
- Before entering, check to be sure the dogs are playing in a manner suitable for your dog, and that pet parents are watching and supervising their dogs.
- If your dog tends to be possessive of toys, be sure there are no toys around. Possessive behavior can easily lead to a skirmish.
- Don’t bring food or treats to the dog park. Competition for food is an easy way to cause a food fight.
- Always keep a close eye on your dog to ensure he’s playing nicely, and that other dogs are playing nicely with him. While you’re both there to have fun, your dog relies on you to keep him safe.
In case of a fight:
- If you notice play getting out of hand, or are uncomfortable with the behavior you see, remove your dog before a fight can begin. This is where a strong leave it and recall are important.
- If your dog won’t come to you, try making a loud noise, to surprise the dogs and make them disengage. Try a deep yell of no, or loud clap or bang. Also, bringing a small air horn or some type of metal to bang is a good precaution.
- Most dog parks are equipped with hoses or have water available. If the noise doesn’t get the dogs’ attention, try squirting a hose or throwing water on them. You may want to consider carrying a product like the citronella spray, Spray Shield. It’s a portable, harmless spray that can be used from a distance to startle dogs, and interrupt some levels of aggressive behavior.
- If you must step in to break up the fight, get get the other dog’s guardian, and both calmly approach the dogs. Never reach for a dog’s collar, even your own. Always keep your hands away from their heads. Upon approach, each person should carefully grab his dog by the upper hind legs near the hips. Lift him in the wheelbarrow position, and pull your dog backward, turning him away from the other dog. While your dog may never intentionally bite you, in the heat of a fight a misplaced snap or redirected mouth can cause injury.
