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.
5. You have a puppy.
6. Other dog owners don’t follow the rules.
7. Your dog isn’t vaccinated.
8. Your dog would rather spend time with people.

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 that indicate your dog is anxious or frightened, like:

• constantly licking their lips
• cowering
• keeping their head down
• tucking their tail

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.

5. You Have a Puppy

Age is a big factor in whether your dog should hang out at the dog park or not. Puppies love to play! However, a dog park is not the right place for them until they are older. Young puppies in particular are smaller; they are still growing and developing, can be easily injured by rough play, and may not have finished their vaccination schedules yet. This can leave them vulnerable and unprotected when among big groups of other dogs.

This is also because puppies are extremely impressionable, and they may pick up some bad behavior from other older dogs. They may still be getting socialized and may also feel the need to defend themselves, which may foster some bad behavior, like aggression or the encouragement to be rough with other dogs.

Socialization is extremely important for puppies, but it’s better to do it in much smaller numbers. Puppy training classes are a great place for puppies to interact with other puppies as well as people. This is a controlled environment where each puppy sticks with their owner and learns how to behave.

If you want your puppy to have some playtime with other dogs, set up safe puppy play sessions with another puppy or adult dog that you know and trust. A well-trained adult dog can actually be a great example for a puppy to follow. However, make sure you supervise both dogs at all times because sometimes puppies have the potential to annoy older dogs. Keep play dates short and sweet so both dogs can rest and relax afterwards.

6. Other Dog Owners Don’t Follow The Rules

In an ideal world, every dog owner would be extremely responsible and courteous to other dog owners and people, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. There are many ways to be a responsible dog owner, and proper training is key. Some pet parents haven’t done enough training, or they don’t step in soon enough when their dog isn’t following the rules.

This type of situation can be dangerous for everyone, so if you notice any of this happening at your dog park, you might want to take a break for a while. You may also want to look for another dog park where all dog owners are responsible and involved.

7. Your Dog Isn’t Vaccinated

Vaccination is really important in keeping diseases from spreading. A dog park is a prime opportunity for diseases to spread, so making sure that your dog is vaccinated not only protects them, but it also protects other dogs, too.

Highly contagious diseases, like parvovirus, kennel cough, and some upper respiratory infections in dogs, are a big concern for dogs who don’t have their vaccinations. If you want to take your dog to the dog park or ever board them at a doggy daycare, make sure you get your dog up-to-date on their shots!

8. Your Dog Would Rather Spend Time With People

Some dogs just don’t like spending time with other dogs. If you notice your dog doesn’t necessarily enjoy being around other dogs, especially in one-on-one situations, don’t subject them to a dog park.

While dogs historically have been pack animals, that doesn’t mean every dog loves being with other dogs. Sometimes this preference is formed from a bad experience with other dogs, or it’s just how your dog is. If that’s the case, that’s okay! Not every dog needs to go to a dog park to live a happy life.

If your dog genuinely seems to prefer spending time with people rather than other dogs, invite some friends who know your dog well over for some playtime. Your dog will enjoy interacting with some people who don’t live in their home and who doesn’t love a play date with a dog?

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.