alldogssportspark.com -Dog parks are one of the happiest places on earth. Cute puppies playing, exploring and running together, what’s not to love? Dog parks are also a great place for high-energy dogs to get the exercise they need, while also building their socialization skills. Whether you’re a dog park connoisseur or planning to go for the first time, there are a few things you should know before letting your dog loose at these fun spots. Here’s a list of slot dos and don’ts at dog parks!
1. Update all vaccinations
To protect your dog and others, it’s important to keep all of your dog’s photos up to date when you go to the dog park. According to Preventive Vet , here are the core vaccinations your dog should have:
- Canine Parvovirus
- Dog Distemper
- Adenovirus
- Hepatitis
- rabies
Puppies under 4 months of age should not enter dog parks as this can expose them to viruses such as Canine Parvovirus (Parvo), a dangerous canine disease with a high mortality rate if left untreated. Veterinarians even recommend waiting a week after your puppy has finished all their “puppy shots” (around 17 weeks of age) before going to the dog park, thus giving their bodies time to build immunity,
Note: 4 Paws Veterinary Care also recommends your dog receive Bordetella, Canine Influenza, Lyme, and Leptospirosis vaccines for extra protection to health. Please consult your veterinarian about the recommended vaccines for your area, as they may vary from state to state.
2. Know Your Dog’s Temperament
Every dog has a different temperament, and it is important to know your dog’s temperament before taking him to the dog park. Do they feel uncomfortable around large groups of unfamiliar dogs? Are they a runner and need to be in a fenced garden? How do they react to big dogs versus small dogs? These are all questions you should ask yourself before taking your dog to the park.
If your dog is new to your family, we recommend that you wait until you know his behavior before taking him to the park. Let them meet your friends and family to see how they get along with new people, and take them on walks to see how they react to unfamiliar noises and being outside your home. Want to learn more about temperament testing? Check out our WikiHow.Pet article on How to Test a Dog’s Temperament for more information.
3. Big Dogs vs Small Dogs
Many dog parks have different sections for large dogs and small dogs, and these rules must be adhered to. While small dogs are usually welcome at large dog parks (at your own risk), larger dogs should not enter small dog parks. Small dog parks are intended for dogs that typically weigh 30 pounds or less, and the presence of large dogs can put pressure on smaller dogs, and can even be dangerous.
4. Fenced Garden vs Open Garden
Choosing between a fenced and unfenced garden depends on your dog’s temperament and the relationship between you and your dog. While some dogs thrive in wide open fields, playing frisbee, and running, this is not suitable for all dogs. Taking your dog off-leash to an unfenced park means they could potentially run off without you and get lost. If your dog tends to run away, isn’t fully trained, or is new and doesn’t have a strong bond with you yet, we highly recommend you visit a fenced park.
However, if your dog tends to stay close to you when off-leash, comes when called, and the two of you have a strong relationship, an outdoor park can be a fun opportunity to explore and exercise, but always make sure the dog has a microchip or has a collar with a tag latest identifier!
