How do I train my dog to behave at the dog park?

Scout the park. Make your first visit to the park without your dog. Look around, walk the perimeter, and observe the park guests (human and canine). Check for other entrances or hidden openings your dog could slip through. Avoid rush hour. As a new park visitor, your dog may be more at ease when the park isn’t crowded. Let your dog become acquainted with the surroundings during a less busy time. It will be easier for both of you to focus without the distraction of lots of dogs and owners. Obey the rules. Your dog may be smart, but they can’t read. It’s your responsibility to read and obey all posted rules. Control your dog. Bring a leash to restrain your dog as needed. Make sure your dog heeds basic verbal commands. They may get so excited to be around their friends that they temporarily forgets their manners. Supervise your dog (and everyone else’s). Spending time with your dog in the company of others is a joy. It is not an appropriate time for reading or playing games on your phone. While you are distracted, you may miss something fun — or dangerous. Always be ready to call your dog to interrupt inappropriate play. Socialize your pup gradually, vaccinate and de-worm them regularly, and let them grow a bit before venturing out into an off-leash dog park.

Many dog parks are part of larger park systems, so walking your dog, running, biking, or other activity with them, can usually replace your time at the dog park quite easily without even having to go somewhere new. Training is also an option. Working outside the dog park and using the dogs and the park itself as a distraction is how trainers use dog parks. They can be great for training when used in that manner. Hiking and long lines are also both great if you feel your dog isn’t getting the kind of freedom you want to provide. Freedom without structure isn’t a good thing though, so it’s best to make sure your dog has been trained to a level where they are reliable in these scenarios. When your dog then rushes over to a new dog, call them to you. How many times do you have to say their name before they come. Dogs quickly learn that there are little if any consequences to what they are doing in the dog park, and this is a place where humans are not in the picture.

Basic park etiquette means your dog is under control even when off the leash and you can get their attention to interrupt undesirable behavior. This means practicing basic commands at home until the dog readily responds and then expanding that training in the face of distractions. If you are uncertain about your dog's ability to respond, then invest in a longline. Start training in a place with few distractions such as your yard. As the dog gets into the swing of things, practice training at different times and in different places. You can start training with a puppy from 8 weeks onwards, just don't expect too much and always make things fun. Good behavior at the dog park is a matter of being able to control the dog by teaching simple commands such as "Come", "Look", and "Down". Your secret weapon when in the dog park is extra tasty treats. By all means, train your dog with rewards at home, but step up the ante when in public.