Before you enter the park, your dog should be on leash. Resist the temptation to give him an off-leash head start and run free into the park. Instead, keep him safe from traffic around the park by leading him on leash to the park entrance. When you arrive at the off-leash area, take a moment to have your dog sit and observe the activity inside so that you and your dog have an idea of how other dogs are playing.
Once inside the park, immediately take off your dog's leash. After sitting outside the park watching other dogs play, your dog is ready to have some fun. If you are nervous about letting your dog off leash, you should not visit an off-leash park. Take him somewhere else to play if you prefer to keep him on leash. Also, if your dog wears a chain collar, head halter or body harness, remove it so he does not get tangled up.
- Keep your dog on his leash until you are inside the off-leash park. Keeping your dog on his leash keeps him safe from cars and keeps him under your control in the parking lot.
- Use the Let's Go command to walk your dog calmly into the park. Do not allow your dog to pull you into the park.
- The first time you and your dog visit an offleash park, you should try to visit when the park is not too busy.
- Weekday afternoons are usually less-busy times at off-leash parks.
- When you arrive at the park, take a moment to have your dog sit outside the park and watch the other dogs play. Both you and your dog can use this time to evaluate the other dogs inside.
When can I be sure my dog is ready for an off-leash park?
When your dog reliably comes to you when
you call him while he is off leash at home,
he is ready to venture into a public off-leash
area. Until your dog comes when called at
home without hesitation, you should not feel
confident that he will do so with the many
distractions of an off-leash park. If your dog
does not come when called while inside an
off-leash park, go and get him yourself. To
continue calling without him responding
only teaches him not to listen to you.
What should I do when my dog eliminates while inside an off-leash park?
An off-leash park is a play area for other
dogs and dog owners. Be considerate
of other park visitors and clean up after
your dog as soon as possible after he
eliminates. You should be watching your
dog closely while inside the park, so you
will know where and when he eliminates.
Plastic grocery bags are good to use for
the waste. You are sure to find trash
receptacles throughout the park.
- As soon as you get inside the park, say the command "Sit" and then take off your dog's leash as his reward for sitting.
- Keep your dog moving while in the park. Your dog cannot get into trouble if he is busy running and playing.
- During your time at the park, call your dog to you regularly and praise him enthusiastically each time he comes.
- When you are ready to leave, go and get your dog instead of calling him to you. You do not want him to feel punished for coming to you.
- Re-attach your dog's leash to his collar before you leave the park.
Note: If you do not remove your dog's
leash, he may feel threatened and
become aggressive toward other dogs.
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