Park Etiquette

With the bulk of the winter behind us, the dog owners rejoice. Spring is here, and the dog parks are more popular than ever before. While the rural areas have the luxury of open spaces, the urban dwellers rely on their dog parks. Along with that comes the realization that the dog owners must also rely on each other for an unwritten code of ethics when it comes to dog park etiquette.

First, most obviously, comes the need to keep the area clean. Make sure you carry enough poop and scoop bags for each park outing and then one additional bag for emergencies. Instead of always searching for bags, you might look at the option of adding an attachment to your leash. You can get small containers or material bags that go on the handle of your leash. Make sure these are kept full, and you are all set to go.

Once you get to the off lead Dog Park, the fun begins. Make sure you are well aware of the rules and bylaws for your area. Many parks will post the rules at the perimeter. 
Although the rules might be posted, they may appear to be slightly vague. It is understood that off lead areas are not the best idea for an aggressive dog. One problem with that is that the word “aggressive” can be misinterpreted.

Aggressive does not mean that your dog has drawn blood in the past. The dictionary states that the word aggressive means “openly hostile, forceful, assertive, or energetic”.  Keep this in mind when assessing if a dog park is suitable for your dog.

The great majority of people who use the Dog Park simply let their dogs run and cavort with their 4-legged buddies. It is common to see dog owners discussing the events of their day, sipping on a cup of coffee, while the dog pack runs amok. This might look great, and in fact it can be great, if all is going smoothly. But don’t take your eyes off the dogs. The trouble begins when things start to go un-noticed or when well meaning owners decide that the dogs should work it out by themselves. Again, this may seem like a good idea, but can prove to be an accident waiting to happen when the wrong two dogs get into a scuffle. 

It is in the best interest of all dogs and owners, to have dogs that are well mannered…indoors and outdoors. It is well worth your time to do some training at the park, mixed in with their play session. Your dog will soon understand that it is fun to go to the park, but it is not about being a hooligan. 

One problem that a fair amount of dog owner have, is their dog being chased in the park.  Chase can of course be a neat, fun game that dog play with each other. That is all fine if all the participants are willing. You will be able to see if all the dogs are enjoying themselves as the game often changes direction, and the chaser will then encourage the others to chase him. Be aware that some dogs who are being chased, or picked on, not only are uncomfortable with it, but might be traumatized long term. Again, a dog does not have to experience bodily harm to have an experience that will change him. If you have a dog that does not love that many interactions, use the park in off-hours. And, if you have a dog that seems to bully others, even if it seems “playful”, please give him a time out immediately. If you find that your dog tends to be a bit of a bully, it is time to use the dog park as a place to work on attention and focus prior to play time.  Teaching your dog park etiquette, and how to politely interact, is a great training exercise.

How about taking toys to the park? This can seem innocent, but in fact is often the cause of many altercations between dogs, and even between dog owners, when their favorite toy gets stolen by a dog who is intent on keeping it. Bringing your dog’s toy to a busy off lead Dog Park is not always keeping the best interest of the group in mind.  It might be fun for your dog, but might set up a lot of competition amongst the group of dogs that are there on that day. 

It is one of the more frequent calls we get regarding dog park behavior. People who are experiencing some object guarding issues or who simply cant get their dog to pay attention if there is a ball being thrown around, are unable to use the parks. Perhaps having your dog chase a stick instead of a ball is an option. Another option is to have your dog play Frisbee or fetch in an area that is slightly more secluded, or in hours that are not prime time, and join the others once the toy is put away. This way, everyone can enjoy the park.

If you are using a dog park that is unfenced, there may be times when the public will cross into it unknowingly, or they may need to cut through. Keep in mind that not everyone loves your dog as much as you do…in fact, I would guess that no one loves your dog more than you do!

With this in mind, I feel that we need to be ambassadors for all dogs. We need to keep the good name of dogs first and foremost in our minds, and not only the good name of our own individual pets. There are many people who are afraid of dogs. Period. 

If you run across someone who is afraid of dogs, or children who appear to be apprehensive, please call your dog to you and leash him until they pass. One of my pet peeves is dog owners who call out “he’s friendly”. At that moment in time, the person who may be slightly nervous is not comforted. They will not be able to overcome their feelings by having your dog run up towards them. Imagine something you are afraid of.  With me it is roller coasters. Now imagine yourself in that situation, where you are bombarded and then simply told it will be okay. Strapping me into a roller coaster, and standing below with cotton candy in hand calling out words of encouragement would simply not help me.

Wouldn’t it be much nicer to call your dog over, attach the leash, and ask if they would like to meet the dog? You could show off a neat trick at a distance or simply have your dog sit still. Not only will the person breathe a sigh of relief, this will go much further in helping them to see the better side of dogs.

Being an ambassador for dogs is the best way we have as dog lovers to counter balance the effect that the media has on the public. Give it a try. All dogs will love you for it.

Gillian Ridgeway, AHT, has worked with dogs for over 33 years. She is director of Who’s Walking Who in Toronto and Ajax. A consultant for TorontoBarks.com, Gillian also writes for Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!, Dogs in Canada. She has appeared on Dogs in Canada TV, Global television, Q107 radio and in Toronto Life, and is co-author of the book, “Citizen Canine.” She travels with the Iams SuperDogs Performance team and teaches learning theory at University of Toronto. Gillian can be contacted at 416-465-3626; www.whoswalkingwho.net

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