Dog Park Visits: Learning to Hang with the Ruff Crowd

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Vigorous Play: 
A Common Sight at the Dog Park

Dogs, just like humans, are social beings. They need contact with their own kind. Navigating the social scene of a dog park is a learned-skill. Just like kids who enjoy wrestling, dogs need to learn their boundaries for rough play.

Socializing your dog works best when he has the opportunity to interact with other dogs in an off-leash environment. Their perceptions of one another are different when they are not connected to you by a leash.

One basic premise to remember is that a proper ‘hello’ between canines is considered good manners. This classic butt sniff helps dogs gather information about one another, as well as give permission to greet. It lays the groundwork for a face-to-face hello.

Learning to interact with a group of dogs is a skill best acquired in smaller groups, at first. You may wish to choose slower dog park times—weekdays—to offer your pup a chance to work on his skills and build up to the frenzy that is Saturday afternoon at the dog park. Another option is to locate the smallest park in your area, where groups may be less over-whelming.

© Carrie Boyko
Tight Fit!

One of my favorite parks in our area is a less-popular destination because of its small size. The watering hole at this park is often busy with pooches that enjoy a dip in the kiddie pool for some water playtime. This is a fun way to gain social confidence.

I do have some suggestions on what not to do while socializing your dog at the dog park:

1.     Toys may not play out well in your socialization efforts, so leave these at home. As a general rule, toys focus the dog on the plaything, rather than on the other dogs.

2.     The same goes for treats. Better to do your training at home, and use the park as a place to focus on building social skills.

3.     Skip the stick play. Even a friendly game of tug can turn bad when one dog re-grips, only to catch the lip of the other. Take sticks away from your dog and discourage playing with such debris.

4.     Abandoned toys in the dog park may be claimed by a new dog. While your dog is gaining confidence in his place as a part of this group, it is best he not have a negative experience. Prevent potential problems by removing these temptations.

A couple of notes:

Socializing a puppy from an early age is the ideal way to ensure the best result. However, even this perfect beginning is not completely fool-proof. If your pup is anxious, fearful, or aggressive at a young age, you need help, and quick. Turning Fido around before his problems become major issues, is critical. Seek the help of a qualified trainer or dog behavior specialist if your pooch displays these unwanted behaviors at any age.

In order to be socially accepted, your dog does not need to be the life of the party. In fact, an aloof dog that will allow a social sniff without a negative reaction may still never enjoy frolicking with other pups. Some dogs are simply loners, just as some people are. This is fine, if it works for your dog.

Remember, keeping it light and fun is your goal. Leave the park on a high note, after a particularly enjoyable romp. Return often and watch your dog blossom. 

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