Having a Positive Experience at the Dog Park

Dog parks: they are great for socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation for many dogs. But certain dogs may feel threatened or anxious. Whether you and your dog have a good dog park experience or a bad one depends largely on your understanding of your dog, advanced preparation, proper training, and good etiquette.

Know Your Dog’s Temperament

Is your dog usually playful and sociable? Does she get along well with other dogs, or can she be aggressive? Is your dog nervous or shy around other dogs? Animal welfare groups say to let your dog's temperament guide you on visiting a dog park1—or whether you should opt for other activities instead.

Preparation and Training

National veterinary associations urge dog owners to ensure dogs are trained well enough to come when called at a dog park, even in spite of all of the other enticing distractions at the park.2 Ask your veterinarian about a good dog training class in your area and make sure your dog learns how to focus exclusively on you when you issue a command, especially when other dogs are present. This is crucial if you need to call your dog away from an escalating situation.

Good Etiquette

Being pounced, sideswiped without warning, or having a bunch of high-energy dogs come at you like a speeding train can scare certain dogs, as well as people. Train your dog to greet other dogs and people politely. Also, be present while your dog is playing so that you can interrupt if your dog becomes aggressive, involved in ganging up on another dog, or if your dog becomes the target of an attack.3

Not all dogs enjoy the dog park, and that is all right. Toy breeds should avoid dog parks altogether because their size can make them an attack target for larger dogs. Sometimes a walk around the neighborhood, a game of Frisbee in the backyard, or a smaller play group with dogs your dog already feels comfortable with is a better option.

Sources:

1. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, staff: Pet Care: “Dog Parks”
2. Yin, Sophia, DVM, MS, The Art and Science of Animal Behavior, “Dog Park Etiquette Poster”
3. Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Dog Park Information: “Dog Park Tips”
4. Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Dog Park Information: “Dog Park Etiquette”

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am

1:00 pm

Saturday:

CLOSED

CLOSED

Sunday:

CLOSED

CLOSED

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Thank you all for your wonderful care of Mau. It means a lot to have a vet's office that I completely trust with my animals. Mau is doing great, but I think he misses all of you!"
    The Redmons / Bradenton, FL
  • "Words can't express how thankful I am for all your love, help and support with Sheba. You are truly special people and it meant a lot to myself and my son."
    Lori - Lakewood Ranch, FL
  • "Thank you so much for caring for Tyler while we were at a funeral... Thank you for a kind and caring heart and standing in the gap for us Bless you all!"
    The Bennett Family - Lakewood Ranch, FL
  • "We wish to thank you for your care & kindness during the loss of our beloved Molly. You provided her wonderful care for 16 yrs! Dr. Sookra saw her the second day I had her and was with her to the end. You all are such a kind, loving family and we are grateful for the care you extend. Thank you so much for all you do! We appreciate you all very much."
    The Stutts Family - Apollo Beach, FL
  • "hank you all for your wonderful care of Mau. It means a lot to have a vet's office that I completely trust with my animals. Mau is doing great, but I think he misses all of you!"
    The Redmons - Bradenton, FL