subject: Proper Dog Walking [print this page] Walking your dog has tremendous benefits for the owner and the dog. These benefits include becoming healthier, relationship building, and emotional and social benefits.
However, there are several rules to walking your dog. Along the walk many owners will take their dogs to a dog park for an opportunity for their dog to socialize with others.
Remember that dog parks are for dogs and their owners to have fun and meet others. Children and other pets can distract you while at the park.
In addition, children and other pets may not be safe around the other dogs. Protect your children and other pets by leaving them at home.
Before you attend a dog park, make sure that you know the habits your dog with portray when he or she is feeling different emotions. For example, when he is nervous he may begin clawing at the ground.
Your dog may be anxious when entering a social setting at first. During this time keep him on a short leash so that conflicts with other dogs do not ensue.
Slowly allow them to socialize more and more. However, be completely sure that he will be safe around the other dogs before you release him from the leash.
It is also best if your dog is trained to not jump on others or bark too much. This is polite, as you would not appreciate others' dogs jumping on you or making a huge racket.
Even if a dog is properly trained, situations can arise that will cause them to feel nervous or agitated. If you notice the signs of these emotions immediately restrain your dog and command him to sit until he is able to calm down.
Due to the variety of dogs and backgrounds there, you should make sure that your dog is fully protected from disease by making sure he is up to date on vaccinations. As a result, dogs that are younger than four months should not be taken to the park because they usually do not have their vaccinations.
It is also important for your dogs to be integrated in social situations slowly. Young dogs have a habit of getting overly excited very easily.
Train them to not become overly animated in social situations by allowing them socialize with another dog for a certain amount of time every week. Then, add another dog and until it is a group.
These socialization trainings can take place on a family hike, trip to the beach, or other activity. This will make the experience fun and memorable for the dogs and family.
The dog park is a great place for young, behaved dogs to use pent up energy. A tired dog is a happy dog.
Be sure to take clean-up materials with you to clean up your dog's waste. This is only considerate and polite.
The park will have posted rules that define other park specific rules. Be sure to be polite to others and follow these rules.
These rules are there for a purpose and will help make sure everyone and their dog are safe and can have fun. There are a variety of different dog parks in a city.
The nearest one may not be the best option for your dog. Travel around to various parks to a get a feel for the type of people and dogs that go there.
Visit the parks at different times to see when they are busy, or when no one is there. Pick the ideal time according to the temperature and social atmosphere that you desire.
While you are at the park, talk to the other dog owners there. They can help you pick the right park, and give you ideas on how to train your dog properly.
Other things to consider about the park are the cleanliness, the responsibility level of the other owners, the dog to human ratio, water availability, and the effectiveness of the fences.
Before you enter the park for the first time, walk them around the parameter so that they can get used to the idea before they can interact with the other dogs. When you enter, let them off the leash so they can enjoy a day of fun and exploration.
