Take me out to the DOG PARK!

I’ve been thinking about what I enjoy most, living with dogs, and I’ve come to the conclusion it isn’t participation in a particular sport, or training them, or even personally interacting with them in a loving and affectionate manner (though that comes in a close second place). I love to watch dogs play together; it is when they are the most themselves. Because I have more than one dog (I will not admit to an exact number, but I will confide I have enough to keep me QUITE entertained) and a very large fenced, shady backyard, I have the opportunity to indulge myself on a daily basis. No small added bonus, the dogs really benefit from social play with their canine peers. They are fit, mentally and physically. They are also socially appropriate around members of their own species, even ones that are not members of their inner canine circle. This is probably influenced by the fact they have been sharing our private dog park with many of my clients’ pets over the years. Many lonely-only dogs greatly benefit from coming over for play dates with them. Much of what I know has come from finding a comfortable spot and then observing dogs amongst other dogs. I know my students also gain much better understanding of their pets by observing how they interact with other dogs. Most of them seem to enjoy it as much as I do, and I know their training improvement is helped by the experience.
For those who are not lucky enough to have a fenced yard and multiple canines, there is an alternative rapidly gaining popularity in communities everywhere; the public dog park. But before you pack up and go, read through my check list of do’s and don’ts, to make sure you have the most positive and safe experience possible!

DOs
· Make sure your dog is wearing ID; this can be either a tag or information on its collar. Another option is microchipping - implanting a scannable microchip carrying your dog's information into the skin of the neck scruff.
· Keep dogs on-lead until inside a safely enclosed area; check the fences to ensure they are secure enough to contain your dog.
· Bring water from home and a bowl or a sport bottle for your dog to drink from.
· Replace training collars (choke or pinch collars) with identifying buckle collars before letting dogs loose to play; training collars can get caught in the teeth of other dogs, with dire consequences.
· Know the rules and the hours of the park, and make sure dogs are allowed to play there; call your city or village hall for information.
· Bring 'duty' bags, and clean up after your dog.
· Ask others to pick up after their dogs so they don't ruin it for you.
· Be aware of dangers such as plastic bags, and be observant enough to know when to intervene.
· Bring a cellular phone if you have one - just in case an accident happens or you have so much fun you decide to stay longer and need to phone home.
· Bring towels for cleanup and to cover seats; dogs can get very dirty!
· Bring a camera; you'll be sorry if you don't when you see all of the cute things your dog does!
· Wear sturdy, flat shoes to help you keep your balance when the weather, terrain, or jumping dogs make conditions rough. Bring a spare pair for the drive home for those times when your shoes get muddy or wet - or when you accidentally step in something someone should have picked up!
· Expect to share toys or more likely lose them to the group.
· Bend your knees to avoid hyperextension if you anticipate a playing dog accidentally slamming into you.
· Be prepared when you call your dog for more than one to respond!

DON'Ts
· Don't be abusive - if your dog is out of control, enroll in a training class before you try public participation.
· Don't bring your dog if it has been sick in the last 48 hours. When in doubt, visit your veterinarian!
· Don't feed other peoples' dogs; you don't know if their owners allow it, and your treats might upset another dog's diet or digestion.
· Don't feed your dog before riding in the car, but be sure to increase feeding proportionate to exercise when you get home.
· Don't be shocked to see canines eat feces or grass, throw up, and roll in smelly stuff - dogs will be dogs.
· Don't go too far if it's really cold; the walk back can be a big drag if you have to carry your dog.
· Don't wear white clothes!
· Don't bring a freshly groomed dog because it won't come home that way.