How to prepare your dog for a dog park?

Margarita Herzog
2025-07-30 21:14:39
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Bring the Essentials: Pack water, your dog’s favorite toys, and treats for positive reinforcement.
Check Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and is flea and tick-free.
Plan Around Your Dog’s Energy Levels: Schedule your session during a time when your dog is most likely to be active.
Know Your Dog’s Behavior: If your dog has reactivity or anxiety, consider booking a solo session to give them time to adjust.
A little preparation goes a long way!
Follow these tips for a successful first visit, and don’t forget to book your session in advance to guarantee your spot.

Lazaro Conroy
2025-07-30 18:40:25
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: 18
To prepare your dog for a dog park, you can start by teaching them to come back when called, make it fun and get your hands on them every time they return, you can use some yummy treats or their favourite toy. Play with them, really play, and instead of throwing a ball ahead, drop it behind you or in the long grass, so they have to find it. You can also show them how to weave in and out of the weave poles or jump the low poles, use their toy or treats and guide them through the obstacles. Before taking them to the dog park, consider doing a little lead walking and dog training too, it will help you retain control of your dog whilst they enjoy their visit. As you move from one point to another, allow your dog the freedom to enjoy the venue, then call them back to you and play with them, making yourself the focus of your dog’s attention.

Kenny Davis
2025-07-30 17:58:58
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: 10
To prepare your dog for a dog park, make sure your pup is vaccinated before your first visit, especially young puppies. Better safe than sorry. Ensure your dog has good recall, meaning they reliably come when they’re called, whether you’re in a fenced or unfenced park. Do some 1:1 socialization if your pup hasn’t had much experience with other dogs, introducing them one-on-one in a safe, neutral environment can help them learn to socialize in a gentle way. Exercise your pup beforehand, try to ensure that your dog gets some exercise prior to going into the dog park, especially for the first time, this will help to prevent over-excitement. Time your first visit outside of peak hours, this gives your pup a chance to get the lay of the land while also making some new friends along the way. If you have a young puppy you may want to consider introducing them to the small dog side first, although your pup may eventually get big enough to play with the large dogs, it can be an overwhelming experience for a young puppy to be introduced to a lot of large dogs all at once. If your dog isn’t reliable on their recall, attach a long line to their collar or harness so that you can retrieve them if you need to.
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