- 1). Scoop your dog’s poop. It’s only good manners to pick it up and not leave it where others can step into it or smell it. Many parks have plastic bags and garbage cans for this purpose. But, don’t take a chance. Always carry your own plastic bags and take the poop with you to be disposed of if there is no designated receptacle.
- 2). Leash your dog if he does not obey you with simple commands such as sit or stay. Actually, many dog parks have an off leash area that is usually enclosed. However, if your dog is not trained to listen to your commands and respond, you must keep a leash on him. You don't want your dog running wild, doing as he pleases. It’s just bad manners.
- 3). Have respect for other dogs and their owners. Keep your dog at a fair distance from others unless it is clear they wish to approach in a friendly manner. This can usually be discerned through body language, both the dog’s and the owners. A wagging tail and a sniffing nose in your direction (the dog’s) and a smile with a step or two in your direction (the owner’s) is a good clue.
- 4). Always have a leash in hand, even when it is a “no leash” area of the dog park. If another dog is on leash and your dog approaches him, off leash, it creates an imbalanced situation that could cause one or both dogs to become more aggressive.
- 5). After an initial trip to a dog park, you will be able to discern if your dog is a good candidate for this kind of dog socialization. Gauge your choice as to return to the park by your dog’s reaction. How socialized is your dog? If he has been the only dog in the family, into adulthood, with little or no contact with other dogs, the dog park may not be a good place to take him.
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