Dog park etiquette (For Dog Owners)

Many people ask me if I take the dogs I work with to dog parks.  The answer to that question depends on a few things.  Do the owners want me to takes their dogs to the dog park, are the dogs that I have with me at social, how are the dogs already in the park behaving and most importantly, how are the dog owners behaving.  First, before you even enter the dog park with your dog you should have already burned off some of the dog's energy, especially if you have a high energy dog.  If your dog enters the park with too much pent up energy, it might cause a fight.  Second, observe the dogs in the park. See if they appear to be friendly and make sure they are socializing in a way that matches up with your dog's personality.  Third, observe what the dog owners are doing.  If they are sipping coffee and gossiping and not paying attention to what their dogs are doing, it is probably a good idea to come back some other time.  If coast is clear, enter the first gate and have your dog wait patiently until he is calm.  Once he is calm, enter the park before your dog and immediately remove the leash.  Sometimes if you keep your dog on the leash while other dogs are loose, it makes him either feel protective of you or it might make him feel vulnerable and he might respond aggressively.  Once you are in the park with your dog, do not crowd him but put yourself in a position where you can react to any situation.  Most importantly, you want to remain calm and relax.  Once you see your dog and the other dogs are getting along well, you can have a seat and maybe have some coffee and gossip with other dog owners but always keep an eye on your dog.  Some things you don't want to do is bring food.  Make sure you do not eat in the park and do not give the dogs treats.  Other than protecting a mate, food is the biggest cause for fights with dogs.  Do not allow your dog to mount other dogs.  This is also a big cause of dog fights.  Most of the time mounting isn't an indication of sexual drive.  It is a way dogs try to dominate each other.  People often allow their dogs to do this and they consider it playing.  The truth is, it is not playing and it is disrespectful in the dog world so if you see a dog mounting your dog, ask their owner to stop it and if not, stop it yourself and leave.  Mounting often triggers fights with dogs that are not even involved.  One last thing you should consider before visiting the dog park with your dog is that dogs are naturally pack animals that can sometimes become uncharacteristically territorial when they are with their pack.  Sometimes when the same dogs visit the same park everyday they become a pack without even knowing it.  When an unfamiliar dog enters the dog park some members of the pack may feel like they have to protect the territory and the pack.  So remember, the next time you visit the dog park, relax and enjoy yourself but always keep an eye on your dog.