Dog parks, surrounded by lush greenery and friendly owners with lots of happy tails, are becoming increasingly popular in Australian towns and cities.

Sharing a space with many dogs can be dangerous. Dog owners must ensure that dog parks are a welcoming and safe environment for everyone.

Ground Rules

Not all dogs will fit in a dog park. The dog park does not have a screening process. It is up to the dog owner to decide if their dog is comfortable in this environment.

Before visiting a park, it’s important that your dog is vaccinated and has received preventative care. (This includes flea and worm control). It should also be in good health. It is particularly important to do this when dogs interact with each other. There is a greater chance that they will spread disease or infection through play, shared toys, or communal water bowls.

The key to socialization is

Dog owners must be sure that their dog is able to interact with other canines without becoming aggressive or fearful. Dog parks can be very stimulating, with new sights, sounds, and people to meet. Therefore, dogs must be calm and well-socialized in the presence of other dogs. This is especially important in a dog park that allows dogs to run off-leash. Interactions such as rough play, rough tumble, mounting, sniffing, and chasing can be misinterpreted as being threatening.

Ideally, the dog will have been to a doggy play group or spent considerable time with a variety of breeds and sizes of dogs. A reactive dog may do better in quieter parks or streets without other dogs.

Recall Recognition

It is important to have a good recall as there is a possibility that your dog will escape from the leash. It could lead to them running into the road, becoming lost, or getting into an altercation.

The two things are different. A dog that knows their name is not the same as one who can recall it. With consistent and positive training, recall can be taught to dogs at any age.

Respect other’s wishes

Communication and mutual respect between dog owners are essential for the safety of a park. Someone with a reactive pet may request that other dogs be kept on a lead until the dog has passed. Respect the feelings of other people, and don’t take this personally if it happens. Even if an off-leash canine is friendly, just one unreliable pet is enough to cause a dangerous situation. This risk can be avoided by listening to other dog owners.

Unpredictability, risk, and assessment

We can’t predict the behavior of a dog with 100% accuracy. It’s impossible to predict a dog’s behavior if they have never shown any aggression or fear toward other dogs.

Owners of dogs should be aware of the warning signs to intervene before a dog becomes reactive. Lip-licking and yawning are signs of anxiety. Walking low to the floor, a tense posture, a pinned-back ear, or a tucked or low tail can also be indicators.

Aggression is usually easier to detect. These include snapping, growling, snarling, or displaying teeth. Deescalating tDeescalatingons is crucial.

Follow these tips to ensure that your dog’s experience at the dog park is a positive one. RSPCA Knowledgebase has more information about how to maintain peace and safety in dog parks and de-escalate fights.