Most dogs love a trip to the dog park. It’s a time for them to run around, get some energy out, and play with other dogs. However, not every dog is suited to a dog park, or in some cases, you should keep your dog away from the dog park for a few days. Here are a few signs you shouldn’t take your dog to the dog park:

1. Your dog is anxious.
2. You hear there might be badly behaved dogs present.
3. Your dog’s recall skills aren’t very strong.
4. You have an older dog.

1. Your Dog is Anxious

While some people might think that taking a shy or anxious dog to a dog park is a good way to get them to become more comfortable, this is not a good idea. For one thing, dogs that are shy or anxious may be bullied by dogs that are more energetic or rambunctious. Instead of helping an anxious dog, this can actually cause your dog to become even more anxious, and may even lead to some reactive behavior.

A dog that is anxious at a dog park may exhibit certain behavior. There are certain types of dog body language to know, like constantly licking their lips, cowering, keeping their head down, and tucking their tail, that indicate your dog is anxious or frightened. They may also try to escape or freeze. If you notice any of these signs, you should leave immediately, but stay calm. If you leave in a frenzy, your dog will become even more anxious.

How to Help Your Dog Get More Comfortable With Other Dogs

If you want your dog to adjust to other dogs and help them gain some confidence, you need to start slow. Work on some training and behavior. This is a great way to help your dog build confidence. One of the benefits of puppy training classes is that it’s another way to help your dog gain some confidence and become comfortable around new people and dogs.

Once your dog seems a little more confident, you can try spending some time with another dog and owner that you trust. Taking your dog on a walk with a friend who has a calm, adult dog can be helpful. There are some benefits of dog friendships, and helping develop socialization is just one of them.

Keep some distance at first, so your dog can adjust, but if they seem relaxed and confident, you can move a little closer. This allows your dog to interact with another dog in a calm manner in a controlled environment. If you notice any signs of discomfort, immediately hang back and let your dog calm down. These are all tips to help your shy dog interact with other dogs and people, and get them comfortable and ready to join other dogs at the dog park.

2. You Hear There Might Be Badly Behaved Dogs Present

Not everyone is considerate of other dogs at dog parks. Some dogs simply aren’t well-trained, or just do not get along well with other dogs. If this is the case, those dogs can cause problems at places like dog parks.

If you’ve heard any stories about issues at a dog park, you may want to scout out the park alone without your dog. You can also try to check out any dog communities on Facebook or NextDoor. These places are great resources to find out what’s going on at a local dog park or if you need to pick a dog sitter or doggy daycare. If you have any hesitancy about going, trust your gut and try to find another safer dog park.

3. Your Dog’s Recall Skills Aren’t Very Strong

Having a well-trained dog is just one of the dog park etiquette tips to follow. If your dog doesn’t come to you when you call, you should probably skip the dog park until their recall is much stronger.

There are a few basic commands that every dog should know, and recall is one of them. If your dog can’t reliably follow, recall, you may not be able to keep them safe if something happens. You need to be able to call them back to you, tell them to drop something they shouldn’t have, or redirect them if necessary.

Thankfully, there are ways to improve your dog’s recall training! Work some recall training into your dog’s training schedule. Consistent training is a great way to help your dog learn and master these basic cues.

4. You Have an Older Dog

While older dogs still enjoy playtime and need socialization, a dog park might no longer be the right environment for them. Although this may not be the case for every senior dog, it is something to consider.
Younger dogs can be really rambunctious and may annoy an older dog. Plus, as a dog ages, their joints become stiffer, and it might be a little painful to try and keep up with younger dogs. These things are important to remember as you take care of a senior dog.

If your dog still enjoys playtime with other dogs, try and find other activities that are more their speed. If you have a friend with a dog in a similar age range, schedule a few play dates for your dogs. You can also try to find a dog that is just more laid-back and calm.

These are just a few signs you shouldn’t take your dog to the dog park. A dog park can be a great way for a dog to make friends and have some socialization, but a dog park is not necessarily the right fit for every dog.