How do you socialize dogs at dog park?

Get Them Out There Young. The most important step in learning how to socialize a dog is starting early. Change Up Your Dog's Walks So They Get Used To New Things. Going on daily walks with your pup will allow them to encounter everything the world has to offer. Don't Be Afraid To Bribe Your Dog. Whenever your pup behaves when meeting new people or other dogs, make sure to reward your dog. Choose The Right Dog Park, Not The First One. Organize Smaller Dog Playdates For Practice. Start Slow When You Arrive At The Dog Park. All the preparation in the world, however, doesn’t excuse metaphorically “throwing them into the deep end.”

As handlers, we need to understand our dog’s type and level of play, understand what types of play are not conducive to a good time, and watch our pet’s body language and interpret it correctly. Assessing the situation before entering the dog park, I consider the following factors: What is the layout like, and does the entrance cause my dog more stress that could lead to negative behavior? Taking a dog with high energy into the dog park can also lead to confrontations as they enter, so I try to release some of that energy by walking around beforehand or utilizing controlling commands at the gate. One helpful hint is to practice desirable behaviors and commands at the dog park when others are not there to ensure the distraction and excitement don’t get the better of them. Using the right equipment for your dog and on a leash while entering the dog park, as well as being a proficient handler in commands, will help ensure that your dog is successful from the moment they enter. Survey the area, another important factor to consider before entering the dog park is the size and number of dogs in the area. Prepare and train your dog before going to the dog park, rather than later having to fix what happened at the park. Dog parks are ideal for socialized dogs, not dogs that are learning to be social.