The dog park can be the ultimate adventure, filled with new experiences for you and your furry best friend. There’s nothing like giving your dog the freedom to roam off-leash, room to zoom and an opportunity to meet new friends. A visit can be a fun, “paws-itive” experience for both you and your pooch.
However, if you’ve never been to the dog park before or you aren’t sure how your pup will react to four-legged friends, a quick trip can quickly turn into a stressful outing.
A little preparation can go a long way toward making your dog park visit safe and comfortable. Know what to expect, have confidence that your dog is ready and be aware of what it takes to be a good dog park neighbor.
Start by venturing to your local dog park alone. Observe how busy it is, what amenities are available and how the dogs interact with one another. Read the posted rules, so you know if items like water dishes and dog toys are allowed. Talk to other visitors about what they enjoy about the dog park.
Next, make sure your dog is ready. If they’re nervous around other dogs, not feeling well, not up to date on their vaccinations or displaying signs of being in heat, it’s best to avoid the dog park for now.
Orion Oaks Dog Park Supervisor Jeremy Brown said many dogs thrive at the dog park and absolutely love the experience.
If you’ve never been there before, he recommends starting off slowly by going into a pen that’s less busy. He said to keep moving, so your dog learns to stay with you.
“Don’t be afraid to ask park staff questions or other park guests for advice. Dog park visitors love their pets and want everyone to have a good time,” he said.
Oakland County Parks operates the Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks and Red Oaks dog parks. Each features a separate area for small dogs and offers amenities like benches, a pavilion shelter, picnic tables, a field training area and modern restrooms. You can learn more about each dog park at OaklandCountyParks.com.
When visiting, maintain good dog park etiquette:
- Clean up after your dog, and properly dispose of waste immediately. Some facilities provide dog waste bags, but you should always be ready with your own.
- Watch your dog closely. Observe their body language, and be prepared to step in if needed.
- Know when to leave. Let your dog run off their energy, but get them home before they completely exhaust themselves.
- Become familiar with the park rules when making your plans.
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