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

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

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.
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.
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.
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).
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.

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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.