Natomas Dog Owner Group
Tired Dogs = Happy Neighbors.
One way to socialize a dog is in the neighborhood dog park. Understand that dogs will often spar for dominance and fights may occur. Don't take things personally. We are at the dog park because we care about our dogs' well-being. Use these tips to reduce injury and enjoy the park.
Tips for An Enjoyable Dog Park Experience:
1. The dog park should not be the primary exercise your dog receives. Exercise your dog before you bring him/her to the dog park. This should reduce his/her pent-up energy.
2. Pay attention to your dog at all times. Stay close enough to control or protect your dog in the face of a potential fight. Do not simply sit down and watch.
3. Owners should project a calm, confident stance while in the dog park. Avoid eye contact with other dogs for the first few minutes to indicate you are the leader. Don't use abusive language or behavior. Control your dog without triggering pain or fear.
4. Keep a collar on your dog at all times. You need something to grab, if needed.
5. If it's a bad mix, go for a walk or come back later. If you brought a small dog to the Large Dog Park and it is fearful,
try the Small Dog Park. You and the other dog owners will be better off.
Regency Park Large Dog Park; big dogs
sniff grass and each other.
If There Is A Conflict in The Dog Park:
1. Stay calm and don't take things personally. Don't make eye contact with an unknown dog. The dog may view it as a challenge.
2. Rapidly and calmly act to psychologically distract or physically block fighting dogs from their target. Start a game of fetch by throwing a ball away from the pack. A blast of water from a water bottle, a loud whistle, or a pocket air horn may also serve to distract.
3. Use a "down" or "sit" and "stay" command to put excited or misbehaving dogs into a timeout. If your dog chooses not to follow your commands in the dog park, you are not in control of your dog. Don't reward the disobedience with continued play. Leave or cajole your disobedient dog to go into a short timeout. Praise the dog when it complies. Over time, work your way toward longer timeouts.
4. Get the dogs to move away from the entrance and any crowded area. New dogs should be able to enter without getting cornered by existing dogs. Just a few seconds of feeling cornered can start a dog fight.
5. If you decide to stay, remain calm and continue to supervise play carefully.
6. If an owner is not minding their dog, inform them of their dog's behavior. Offer any tips you may have without coming off as a snob.
7. Don't judge too quickly. The fearful or smaller dog may have contributed.
8. Don't generalize based on breed or size. All dogs, even small dogs and toy breeds, can be aggressive and should be under the control of their owners.
9. When warranted, exchange contact information with the other dog owners. Remember that you are legally responsible for any injury your dog causes.
ENJOY THE DOG PARK!
Regency Park Large Dog Park; although
pugs are small dogs, this owner chose
to enter the Large Dog Park and closely
supervise the interactions.
Tired Dogs = Happy Neighbors.
One way to socialize a dog is in the neighborhood dog park. Understand that dogs will often spar for dominance and fights may occur. Don't take things personally. We are at the dog park because we care about our dogs' well-being. Use these tips to reduce injury and enjoy the park.
Tips for An Enjoyable Dog Park Experience:
1. The dog park should not be the primary exercise your dog receives. Exercise your dog before you bring him/her to the dog park. This should reduce his/her pent-up energy.
2. Pay attention to your dog at all times. Stay close enough to control or protect your dog in the face of a potential fight. Do not simply sit down and watch.
3. Owners should project a calm, confident stance while in the dog park. Avoid eye contact with other dogs for the first few minutes to indicate you are the leader. Don't use abusive language or behavior. Control your dog without triggering pain or fear.
4. Keep a collar on your dog at all times. You need something to grab, if needed.
5. If it's a bad mix, go for a walk or come back later. If you brought a small dog to the Large Dog Park and it is fearful,
try the Small Dog Park. You and the other dog owners will be better off.
Regency Park Large Dog Park; big dogs
sniff grass and each other.
If There Is A Conflict in The Dog Park:
1. Stay calm and don't take things personally. Don't make eye contact with an unknown dog. The dog may view it as a challenge.
2. Rapidly and calmly act to psychologically distract or physically block fighting dogs from their target. Start a game of fetch by throwing a ball away from the pack. A blast of water from a water bottle, a loud whistle, or a pocket air horn may also serve to distract.
3. Use a "down" or "sit" and "stay" command to put excited or misbehaving dogs into a timeout. If your dog chooses not to follow your commands in the dog park, you are not in control of your dog. Don't reward the disobedience with continued play. Leave or cajole your disobedient dog to go into a short timeout. Praise the dog when it complies. Over time, work your way toward longer timeouts.
4. Get the dogs to move away from the entrance and any crowded area. New dogs should be able to enter without getting cornered by existing dogs. Just a few seconds of feeling cornered can start a dog fight.
5. If you decide to stay, remain calm and continue to supervise play carefully.
6. If an owner is not minding their dog, inform them of their dog's behavior. Offer any tips you may have without coming off as a snob.
7. Don't judge too quickly. The fearful or smaller dog may have contributed.
8. Don't generalize based on breed or size. All dogs, even small dogs and toy breeds, can be aggressive and should be under the control of their owners.
9. When warranted, exchange contact information with the other dog owners. Remember that you are legally responsible for any injury your dog causes.
ENJOY THE DOG PARK!
Regency Park Large Dog Park; although
pugs are small dogs, this owner chose
to enter the Large Dog Park and closely
supervise the interactions.
