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Keep dog parks a happy place to play |
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Written by Augusta Farley
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Wednesday, 26 September 2007 |
 Augusta Farley
A recent American Kennel Club study found that a “whopping 88 percent of those surveyed consider their dogs a beloved family member.” They have human names, designer accoutrements, academies for all ages, vacations at resorts and camps and their own parks to romp and play with likeminded canines.
A recent skirmish at our Patterson dog park, plus the increasing number of local parks, made this month’s column timely. Thanks to Marlena Cardinal and Friends for Sophia’s Dog Park, there is a new 10-acre dog park in Turlock and another pending in Laird Park near Grayson. For information: westsidedogpark.com.
Along with the opportunity for safe exercise and socialization comes a need for an awareness of the accompanying rules and owner responsibilities. Danger lurks with uneducated, careless and irresponsible owners who ignore a few simple rules.
The most important skill you need is to be able to read canine social behavior well enough to predict a dog’s intent and intervene when the play becomes unsafe. Stay observant, leash in hand, even while chatting with friends. Dog parks are not day care centers — stay with your dogs.
In general, the body language of good play behavior should be loose and relaxed. Play starts with polite invitations and ends with all dogs respecting one another’s signals.
Chase and wrestling games should rotate partners; otherwise, the pack could become highly aroused, and predatory behaviors could kick in.
Dogs should break off frequently to calm down and refocus potential negative behavior. They may find another game or resume play carefully.
Bullying (not allowing another dog choice in its response), cheap shots, and posturing (up on the toes, tail up, head or eyes focused intently on one dog) for more than a few seconds should be stopped. If necessary, a dog can be removed for a time-out session or for the day. If a dog or pup shows more than an occasional sign of fear or more than relaxed submission, it may play better in a smaller or quieter group.
The best playgroup dogs are skilled communicators and great negotiators. They can have a rousing good time and chill instantly. Good groups have a crabby old lady who keeps the youngsters in line without hurting them, an indulgent adult who lets puppies learn the ropes and a few adolescents who keep the game lively.
Dogs and puppies learn these skills early in good playgroups, day care and puppy school. Certain breeds, such as hounds and retrievers, are often born more tolerant of dogs in “their” space. For every generality, however, there are individuals exhibiting the opposite behaviors. Some pit bulls are better playgroup dogs than some retrievers.
Non-neutered males, even of the mildest temperament, are often the catalyst for a rank order fight. Never take females in estrus to a dog park. And by minimizing retrieving games or the presence of food, you'll avoid problems with dogs that guard “their” resources.
A trained dog is an asset, because its behavior can be manipulated with a gentle verbal reminder by the owner. It can be recalled when the energy of the group needs to be redirected. Dog parks are for dogs schooled in social etiquette and obedience.
A final consideration when taking dogs to the park — keep your dog’s vaccinations current and practice parasite prevention to keep parks clean and safe. Licensing and microchipping your dog demonstrates your commitment to responsible ownership.
Few things in life are more rewarding than watching our dogs take pleasure in something we have shared with them. As one sage commented, “Our dogs may not be our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.”
Augusta Farley has been a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant for more than 25 years. She raises, trains and competes with her Belgian Malinois.
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This article gives me the tools I need to allow my dog to join in and
make us both happy at the same time
Anne Simpkins, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada