As a professional dog walker and pet sitter in the city of Aliso Viejo, it’s very exciting to announce that the brand-new dog park is opening in Aliso Viejo this week.  I thought it would be a great time to mention some safety tips for you and your dog to keep in mind when visiting a dog park:

• Take your dog to the park on a leash. 
• Bring the necessary supplies with you.  Always have fresh water for your dog, I personally love the Gulpy, a super easy to use portable watering device. 

You may want to attend a park that has an area for small dogs and an area for large dogs.  Or you may have a small dog who likes to play with big dogs so that might not be a consideration for you.  But remember, big dogs may not like to socialize with small dogs so keep that in mind. 

It is best to find a park with small and large dog sides.

• Have your cell phone with you in case of an emergency. 
• Have plenty of poop bags with you as well.  A well-stocked dog park may have these items on hand, but they may run out and the water may not be as fresh as you would prefer, so play it safe and bring your own.  
• Pick a park that fits your dog and you properly.
• The park entrance should be a double-gate entry, have secure fencing and post the Rules of Conduct at the entrance.
• It’s always nice if the park has shaded areas for both you and your dog to rest in.
• Trash cans are a must.  Water fountains are important as well. 
• Don’t bring a puppy younger than 4 months old to the park and be sure they are properly immunized when you do bring them. 
• Be sure your dog is up-to-date on their rabies vaccine.  Most locations will not accept a rabies titer and my dog Makena is titered for all vaccinations except rabies. 
• Be aware of the weather conditions.  Many parks close after a rain to allow the soil to dry out before allowing dogs back onto the grass.  Also, extremely hot days or hot times of day should be avoided.  Be aware of signs of overheating in your dog:  rapid breathing; excessive drooling; bright red tongue; lack of coordination is just some of the signs to watch for.  Please remove your dog promptly to your vet if these symptoms occur. 
• Be sure your dog is obedience trained on at least the basics.  The most important command, and usually the hardest to train, is the recall or “come” command.  “Sit”, “stay”, and “leave it” are also vitally important. 
• Please be vigilant and pay attention to your dog while in the park. 
• Don’t be one of those puppy parents who go to the dog park to socialize with your friends and ignore what your dog is doing.  It’s your responsibility to clean up after your dog but if your chatting away, you won’t notice that your dog has pottied in the middle of the dog park.  Stay aware. 
• Also pay attention to how other dogs are reacting to your dog.  If they are crowding him or you see that your dog is anxious, go to him or call him to you. 
• Don’t enter the dog park if there are a lot of dogs surrounding the entrance.  Wait until they wander away to have your dog enter the park and remove his leash. 

Be aware of the differences between dog play and dog aggression.

A playful dog usually looks relaxed in stance and facial expression with a happily, relaxed wagging tail – their hips may even wiggle, and a bouncy stride.  On the other hand, an aggressive dog has a much stiffer stance and tight mouth or bearing teeth, the tail stands much more vertically and wags in a rapid motion.

• Growling is a warning to all around that the dog is feeling uncomfortable or threatened.  Try to remain calm and do not correct your dog’s growling, instead redirect your dog’s attention away from the other dog(s) and maybe head to another part of the park or even out of the park. 
• It’s a good idea to have an air horn or something similar with you to activate in case a dog fight does break out.  Try not to reach for your dogs’ collar or harness as you could get injured.  Breaking up a dog fight is best handled by pulling the dogs apart from each other by grabbing their hind legs and moving backwards.  This requires someone to be doing the same with the other offending dog. 
•  If you feel your dog is uncomfortable or being threatened by another dog, it’s probably best to leave the park.  Come back at other time or another day. 

Not all dogs enjoy the dog park environment. Know your dog and his temperament and access whether he’s just having an off day or if dog parking is not for him and you.

Please enjoy our new dog park. It’s been a long time in the making.

Need help walking your dog, please get in touch.  We are happy to help.

I hope this article has given you some good tips and advice. I welcome your comments.