JULIE’S THOUGHTS FOR MORE GOOD DOGMA, MAY 2009

Dog Park Etiquette

Spring has sprung and every body who has been hibernating for the winter is out and about. What was once a private sanctuary for you and your dog to hang out with only a few close doggy friends now has turned into a busy public playground of tons of other people, dogs and distractions. Suddenly things have become a little more interesting and perhaps a little more stressful as well. The play group of three to four dogs has miraculously multiplied into about 20. I always find the ever so popular cluster, as I call it, fascinating. I use fascinating in a very sarcastic tone. I’m just going to go ahead and rant for a while if no body minds and if any one is offended I sincerely apologize but hope that when you get over it you will think about what I’m going to write with an open mind and hopefully will learn a tremendous lesson. After all, I write these articles for the greater well being of all dogs and their owners. I mean no malice and I am simply trying to make the dog world a more harmonious and peaceful place. So here it goes

I am at the local dog park every single day rain, shine or blizzard. I live in a city apartment and I have two very energetic dogs who are not satisfied with leash walks to exert all of their penned up energy. It is most necessary for their physical and mental well being to be able to run and fetch, roll in the grass and play and do all the things that dogs love to do. In fact, it has become my favorite past time as well to take them to the dog park and engage my energy in fetching and running with them. As a matter of fact, regardless of what could be on the ground, I take great joy in lying in the grass especially when the sun beams down on us from a blue breezy sky; it is heaven on earth. I love going to the park because I know how happy it makes my dogs, but nothing makes me happier than having fun right along side them. Perhaps I’m obsessive compulsive and maybe even a bit introverted as I watch from the top of the hill down at the “cluster” of about 20 dogs all playing, running around, socializing and scary enough (in my opinion) taking the task upon themselves to develop some sort of pack ranking order. Yes, even domesticated dogs who have only perhaps known each other about ten minutes feel this strong desire and natural need to create a pack where there is competition for hierarchy. Dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds and mental states are brought to dog parks to pretty much, most of the time, fend for themselves. About 15 feet away I see the guardians of these dogs socializing with each other coffees in hand and a few with cell phones attached to their ears. I observe further, as another car pulls up with a dog hanging half way at the window barking and whining uncontrollably; the person gets out opens the door and out flies the dog who enthusiastically bolts into the cluster like a bat out of you know where! I am amused as the person frantically calls her dog’s name over and over again as if he normally listens and actually comes when called when you know he doesn’t. He rushes up to a submissive female and starts humping her; then a dominant male feels the need to compete for her affections; surprise dog fight!! Suddenly the attention from the people finally is directed towards the dogs. My heart drops as I hear the loud growling and groveling and then quite sadly a yelp from the poor submissive dog who gets caught in the middle. People’s happy conversations turn into loud yelling pleas to stop what is happening. Collars are grabbed to pull the dogs apart and some times I have witnessed the punishment by a person to a dog who was only doing what came natural to him; protecting him self or perhaps taking the responsibility of leadership when it should have been his owner. The lack of supervision and the ignorance of human beings is the reason dog parks have been labeled with the reputation of being dangerous. Phew!! I needed to get that off my chest. I apologize for such an angry tone but I needed to express my passion and my concern in hopes that people might take a more active role in making dog parks what they are supposed to be; a safe fun haven for dogs and people to play, exercise and socialize together. l

Ok, let me get my composure back. I may have represented my self a bit too harsh so allow me redirect my energy into something more positive; going back to the part where taking my dogs to the dog park is my most favorite past time. Yes, my dogs love to run and fetch and I love participating in these activities as well but it is most satisfying to see the socialization that goes on between dogs. Although I may have implied that I am a dog park snob and perhaps I may shield my dogs from any interaction with others is an incorrect. I want to state that I keep my dogs at a safe distance from the “cluster” to protect them and to prevent anything unfortunate from happening, however, I am more then pleased when we are approached by another inquisitive canine who would like to join our play session or have a sniff or two and exchange pleasantries with my dogs. I am intrigued and tickled by the non verbal messages dogs send to one another for nothing is more beautiful to see than the proper lovely greetings of animals of the same species understanding each other with out even saying a word. The part that is most fun for me is the fact that I have studied and made it my mission to understand what is being said between dogs. No, I am not saying I am telepathic but I can, for the most part, tell if a greeting or a message between dogs is negative or positive and I am confident that I am making the right decision to allow further communication or to intervene and call my dogs off to prevent any altercations. I always give them a chance to say hello and allow them to be dogs; to play, frolic and do what is natural, but I am always there to make sure all is safe and happy.
So here are some rules of thumb when taking your dog to a dog park:
1) If you have never been to a dog park before, be sure that your dog is reliable off leash. Some dog parks are fenced some are not, regardless it is most beneficial to have a solid recall on your dog. To practice this, keep your dog leashed for the first few times you bring them to the park. Keep a hand full of treats in your pocket and practice calling their name. As they turn toward you walk or run in the opposite direction and say “come” as they come towards you then lavishly praise and treat them. If they do not respond place the treat in front of their nose to get their attention then proceed with the above exercise. If they still don’t respond then you know you have a lot more work to do on building a relationship and a stronger foundation of having a dog who will be reliable off leash. More practice with less or no distractions at home should do the trick. As the dog becomes more consistent with coming when called on leash graduate to a longer leash or a long line. Leashes come in various lengths ranging from 15-25 feet. As you become more confident in your dog, allow him more distance, but always keep him/her in check and call them to you periodically. It is important to keep the leash loose and to call your dog before it becomes taunt or tight. You may even drop the line randomly to test the waters a bit. After a few weeks of solid recalls you may very well have a dog who is ready to be off leash, but always be ready as dogs will always be dogs especially with the distractions of a busy dog park.

2) Getting out of car: most dogs, especially my dogs are very excited when we enter the drive way of the dog park. It is very prevalent that they loose their composure. At times dogs will bark, whine scratch at windows even jump out of windows. It is very important for your dog to know that you are in control and that they must display calmer more acceptable behavior before they are able to join in the fun on the grass in the park. I know it can be very difficult for us to deny our dogs that much needed and satisfying freedom of bolting out of the car door to such a luscious haven of grass, dirt and friends, but safety should always be first. After all good things come to those who are patient and wait! I ask for waits at the car door. This can easily be taught by opening the car door just a crack if they proceed to squeeze their way through the door, simply shut the door and say “nice try”. Try it again this time saying “wait”. Open the door a crack again if they wait open it a little further if they get pushy again shut the door. Eventually your dog learn that each time he tries to exit with out being released by you the door will shut again prohibiting him access to his reward, the park. I use “ok” to release my dogs out the door. As the dog exits the car keep strong hold of the leash, not tight just firm. Offer him treats to keep him focused on you. Keep dog leashed until safely away from traffic and upon completely entering the designated off leash area of the park.
3) Keep an eye on your dog at all times. No body likes to baby sit your dog because they have their own dogs to baby sit. I’m not saying that the park should not be a place for you to relax and fun as well but remember it is a dog park and why not have fun with your dog as he/she is the reason you are there in the first place right? Bring plenty of things your dogs like such as favorite toys and treats. Dog parks are for socializing but keeping them entertained with games and interaction with you is what is going to keep them out of mischief. After all if you are entertaining and interesting to your dog he will not feel the need to hump the French Poodle across the way or chase the bunnies in the woods. Playing with your dogs will also provide them with plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation making the dog park visit more productive. Yes, again, socializing is very important, but always be there to supervise as sometimes dogs like children play too hard or tough. Think of it like children at recess; they would never be left unattended right?

4) Keep numbers low. When too many dogs are part of a pack they may become over whelmed or over stimulated. I always find a small group of three to five dogs is far more manageable then 8-20. Keep a close eye to make sure play and socialization is safe. All greetings and interactions should be relaxed. Keep an eye out for tension in the eyes and mouth. Head on greetings and dogs who are staring into each others eyes should be avoided. Side to side greetings are always ideal and movements should always be relaxed and fluid never tense and hard. There lots of books that illustrate proper canine greetings and relaxed body language as well as body language that may indicate warning signals to prevent bites and fights.
These guide lines are merely suggestions to make the dog park a happy positive place for people and dogs. I was once an uneducated dog park attendee and I have learned many lessons over the years, but the school of hard knocks is not a place I want to send my dog. The first time I took my dog to a dog park she was attacked and I never felt so guilty. I let what I thought was a rough play session turn into something very scary. She survived with out a scratch but I am certainly more aware of the interactions of my dogs with others.
There is plenty of grass out there for every body so spread out to have fun. There is no need to “cluster” everybody together. Get out there with your dog, play, run, roll in the grass and have fun, but most of all be safe. Just like in life there are rules to be followed because it’s all fun and games until some body gets bit or a dog runs a way.

Wishing Everybody a Very Happy Healthy Spring!! Be Safe and Have Tons of Good Dogma Fun!!