Going to the dog Park

Going To The Dog Park is a sample from two new classes Furry Tail Dog Training is offering called A Dog's Life Class and A Puppy's Life Class.  These classes are to help you better understand your dogs needs to reduce stress and anxiety in everyday life situations, such as vet visits, introduction to new people and dogs, and more.  For more information on these classes, please visit furrytaildogtraining.com.  

Going To The Dog Park

• When getting ready to take your dog to the park, your dog will pick up on behavior cues just like when you take him for a walk.  If you have a routine, your dog will catch on and get excited.  Most people use a high pitch voice when asking their dog if they want to go to the park.  With all these rituals, you want to make sure your dog is in a calm state.  If your dog is excited before walking out of the door, you will have an out of control dog at the park.
• The next challenge is the car ride.  Most dogs enjoy their car rides.  It is important for the dog to stay in a calm state while in the car.  An excited dog in a car can cause an accident. 
• Because dogs are aware of their environments (through scent), they get excited 2-3 blocks away from the park.  If this happens, stop the car and practice some obedience until the dog is submissive.
• Most people think a trip to the dog park can replace a good walk.  This is false.  It is a good idea to take your dog for a walk before entering the park.  A good walk will release some pent-up energy.  If a dog has a lot of pent-up energy, this can become frustrating to other dogs and possibly cause a fight.
• Before entering the park, your dog needs to be calm and submissive.  If there are other dogs crowding the entrance area, it is best to have your dog focus on you with his back turned toward the others.  When they go their own way, then enter the park.  You don’t want to risk a possible attack by entering a park full of overly excited dogs.
• Just like any other doorway, the dog needs to wait until you invite them in the park.
• People tend to take their dog to the park and check out for a while.  This is not a responsible thing to do.  It is important to watch and study the dogs that are in the park.  Some dogs are shy, others playful, and some play rough.  Naturally, your dog will match up with a dog with the same energy, but you want your dog to follow you if you feel there is another dog in the park that would be a better influence on him.
• After that, let your dog do whatever he wants for 10-15 min.  Then ask your dog to follow you again.  This will give your dog the freedom you want him to have.  But, it is important for him to remember you are still the pack leader.  It is important for you to have control if a fight breaks out, you can call your dog away from the fight.