Our pet dogs are companions for so many experiences, but sometimes we want to bring them somewhere that’s all about their entertainment. This is typically a dog park, but there is a bit of controversy that has surrounded dog park experiences. Dog parks are similar to children’s playgrounds. There is only sometimes a separate area for smaller players. Not all participants share the same manners. There are sometimes bullies. Some players are rough. Etcetera. Let’s look at the pros and cons and management at dog parks!
Is it worth it?
Well, what are your goals? Is your dog social? Does your dog like to run independently? Are you working on dog reactivity? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then I say yes to dog parks. Dog parks offer a designated space containing… well, dogs. If your dog likes independent social dog play - great. If you have a reactive dog, you can work on managing reactivity from a controlled distance while the trigger dogs and their owners are too busy with their own fun time to think anything of it.
How do you know if your dog is happy at the dog park?
Having an understanding of dog behavior and body language is important for your relationship with your dog in general, but specifically, if you are in an environment that may be stressful.
Some Typical* behavior cues:
Ears forward - Alert
Ears back - Fearful or Submissive, Appeasement
Tail upright - Confident, Alert, Assertive
Tail tucked - Submissive, Fearful
Philo Erection - Aroused, Dominant, Assertive, Fearful
Head Turned Away - Disinterested Rejection
Grimace Bearing Teeth - Polite Rejection
Air Snap - Forceful rejection
Head to the Ground - Submissive
Muzzle Licking - Submissive Appeasement
Tail Wagging - Playful Interest
Pawing - Rude play gesture to a stranger, but acceptable play solicitation to a friend.
*Typical because it is important to look at the whole picture for accuracy and have some breed knowledge.
The next time you are at the park look for these behaviors and their progression. Learning to read and interpret dog language will help you in managing your dog.
The Handlers’ Role
The role of every handler at the park should be to observe and manage their dog’s interactions with the other dogs. Look for your dog’s response as well as how other dogs are responding to yours. If your dog is not reading cues it is your job to redirect. If another dog is not listening to your dog it is your job to keep your dog happy and safe. This is where a good recall becomes important because you will not always want to, or be able to reach for your dog’s collar in these moments.
GAMES
Gotcha! (Collar Grab)
Practice holding the dog’s collar when you are petting or playing. This becomes part of the recall cue for the dog and ensures that not only does the dog come, but you are able to take hold of them, leash them or redirect them as necessary. Making a collar grab a positive association is the first step.
Come the Classical Way
Classical conditioning - think Pavlov’s dog. Food makes a dog’s mouth water, so anything associated with feeding triggered salivation. Call the dog and when they come give them a treat. Do this somewhat randomly and you will classically condition the dog to expect food when they come. This ensures the habit of coming in the future is linked to a benefit for the dog.
Recall
Using a long leash, allow your dog to explore a minimally distracting environment. Call their name then COME one time. Use the leash to apply gentle pressure to encourage their movement toward you while you walk the other direction and clap your hands to encourage movement. Once the dog is at your side offer a treat and slide your hand into a collar grab while they eat and praise them. You will work on this in a more distracting environment over time while ALWAYS making it beneficial to arrive at your side.
Desensitizing to Dogs
I like to use dog parks to desensitize dog-reactive dogs. Starting far from the sight of the park we will work on listening skills like sit/ down and stay as well as other polite and fun behaviors. The dog can smell and hear the other dogs but is being asked to focus on YOU under their threshold for reacting. Once your dog is doing well at this you can decrease the proximity. Soon you will be able to get very close to the other dogs contained in the park without a reactive response from your dog.
Notice your dog’s behavior at home, then away from home. Are they outgoing and confident? Do they take time to warm up? Are they quick to react or more patient? The ability to predict how your dog may respond to a new environment or another dog’s behavior will help you to manage their time at the park and enjoy it. If your dog doesn’t seem to care for the experience, that’s ok. There are SO many other fun things to do with your dog.
Set up for success and reward the behaviors you want.
Jackie Ward; Citali Dog Training