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  1. Home
  2. Better Life

The do’s and don’ts of taking your dog to an off-leash dog park

How to make it a happy and safe experience for all. - by Laura Barry
  • 27 Aug 2019
The do’s and don’ts of taking your dog to an off-leash dog park

Taking your beloved canine companion to an off-leash dog park for an afternoon of running around, making friends and getting some fresh air is a wonderful way to ensure your pooch is happy, healthy and well-socialised. However, not all dog parks have the same rules, and not all dogs enjoy going to dog parks.

We spoke to RSPCA vet Dr Zito about dog park etiquette, and what criteria your dog should meet before being allowed off-leash in a dog park. Here is Dr Zito’s advice on how to have a happy and safe dog park experience.

Dr Zito says you should not take your dog to an off-leash park if…

  • They are not fully vaccinated
  • Are not desexed
  • When your dog is unwell
  • Your dog is fearful or uncomfortable in a dog park – as not all dogs love dog parks
  • Your dog is aggressive towards other dogs or humans
  • Your dog is not trained to come back when called
  • Your pup has recently had an infectious disease, or is still potentially infectious
dog park
Getty

Dr Zito’s top 5 tips for a fun and successful dog park visit

  1. Make sure that your dog is healthy, vaccinated, up to date with parasite control treatments, microchipped, is registered and has identifying details (including your phone number and address) attached to their collar.
  2. Ensure your dog is well socialised and has good basic training, it’s very important that they come back to you when called. Ensure that your dog is polite, respectful and this will help them have good relationships with other dogs and people, and help keep your relationship with other dog owners positive.
  3. Ensure you abide my any dog park rules and pick up your dog’s waste and dispose of this in bins. This is an important part of being respectful of others using the space.
  4. Don’t just stand in a huddle with all of the other people in the dog park. Pay attention to your dog and what may be happening in the park. Move around the dog park and engage with your dog by practicing recall (making sure you reward your dog and then allow them to go back to play as long as everything is OK).
  5. Bring a leash and monitor your dog continually. Keep an eye out for any potential problem situations or dogs that seem aggressive or overly rough. If you see any problems developing, act early to avoid problem situations by recalling your dog and moving both of you away. It’s also important to always closely supervise any children in your care and do not visit off-leash dog parks with more dogs than you can safely manage (preferably 2 small dogs or 1 large dog at a maximum).

Looking for a dog park?

Struggling to find a dog park near you? Check out Aussie Dog Friendly, an online resource with more than 4000 listings for dog-friendly parks, plus listings for dog friendly businesses, restaurants, accommodation and more. 

You might also like:

Science proves your dog can identify an untrustworthy person

Study finds cats recognise their name, but ignore you anyway

Study proves dog owners are happier than cat owners 

Watch the video below to learn how to make a first aid kit for dogs. 

  • Pets
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Dr Harry meets some hero hounds

Dr Harry meets some hero hounds

How to prevent sunburn in dogs

How to prevent sunburn in dogs

Dr Harry helps a kelpie that won’t drop the ball

Dr Harry helps a kelpie that won’t drop the ball

Dr Harry meets Bindi the labradoodle

Dr Harry meets Bindi the labradoodle

{headline}

{headline}

Dr Harry helps two cavoodles with a wee problem

Dr Harry helps two cavoodles with a wee problem

Dr Harry visits Wookie, a sock-stealing labradoodle

Dr Harry visits Wookie, a sock-stealing labradoodle

How to treat a dog with anxiety

How to treat a dog with anxiety

{headline}

{headline}

What is the biggest dog in the world?

What is the biggest dog in the world?

Study proves dog owners live longer, happier lives

Study proves dog owners live longer, happier lives

People are happier and work harder when there’s a dog in the office

People are happier and work harder when there’s a dog in the office

Pet owners could now be fined up to $4000 for not walking their dog

Pet owners could now be fined up to $4000 for not walking their dog

How to stop your dog from digging up your garden

How to stop your dog from digging up your garden

RSPCA fights disease outbreak by offering free vaccinations for Sydney dogs

RSPCA fights disease outbreak by offering free vaccinations for Sydney dogs

You can now take your dog on a gourmet food and wine tour

You can now take your dog on a gourmet food and wine tour

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