Is 30 minutes enough at the dog park?
Aim for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of combined play and exercise each day, depending on your dog Read More
What's the best time to go to a dog park?
Norma Kassulke
2025-11-03 14:10:28
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Choose off-peak times when fewer dogs are present, such as weekday mornings or early afternoons.
A quieter park reduces stress and allows for calmer introductions.
Avoid busy weekends or late evenings when dog parks might become overcrowded or overexcited.
Puppies should have completed their full vaccination course before their first dog park visit, typically at around 16 to 17 weeks old.
Some vets also recommend waiting until your puppy is 6-8 months old, allowing for social maturity and reducing risks of intimidation by bigger dogs.
However, early, gentle socialisation with controlled encounters before this age is beneficial.
If the park seems busy, rough, or has overly boisterous dogs, it’s wise to keep your puppy on the lead at the edges or consider returning another time.
Lempi Stoltenberg
2025-10-27 12:50:44
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Imagine trying to make 100 new friends today - Feeling overwhelmed, I know I am, this is how your pup can feel during their first park visit. That’s why we recommend planning 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. Try to ensure that your dog gets some exercise prior to going into the dog park, especially for the first time. Rather than driving to the dog park, walking there should be enough to calm your pup if the park is within a reasonable distance. When you go to a fenced dog park for the very first time it’s a good idea to walk the outside perimeter of the fence, if possible. If it appears that there is any sort of canine bullying going on it is best to plan to come another time so that your pup will enjoy a happy introduction to this new experience. Many dog parks will have separate fenced areas for large dogs and small dogs. If you have a young puppy you may want to consider introducing them to the small dog side first.
Read also
How do dog parks help dogs?
Dog parks are places where dog owners can let their dogs run free in a purpose-built, secure environ Read More
Reuben Mraz
2025-10-17 10:36:23
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: 25
The best time to go to a dog park is when your dog is fully vaccinated, which is around 16 to 17 weeks of age.
If you have adopted a dog that is already an adolescent or older, make sure you check with your vet to confirm they have had all the necessary vaccinations to safely play with other dogs.
You will want to make sure they are up-to-date on any parasite preventatives such as flea, tick, and heartworm medication.
Before you bring your dog to a dog park for the first time, you will want to make sure they feel comfortable around dogs they do not know.
You will also want to know whether they panic or become anxious when introduced to new places that are unfamiliar to them.
Before you head to the park, you will also want to make sure your pooch understands that you are in control.
If your dog has trouble listening to your commands, or doesn’t come when called, you will want to brush up on these basic commands before introducing them to any kind of off-leash situation.
Spring is the perfect season to explore new ways to have quality time with your dog.