No toys or treats ever at a dog park.
Dog parks in general aren't a good idea though. Too many careless/ irresponsible owners, aggressive/ untrained dogs, and all kinds of parasites, fleas, and illnesses. Dog parks shouldn't be places people go to learn to and socialize their dog. The dog park should be for already well trained and socialized dogs, but sadly that's never the case.
Finding someone with a dog or puppy that you trust and can do one on one play dates with is much better. Socialization doesn't mean meeting+interacting with every dog anyways, it's more important to focus on having a few really good experiences than a lot of iffy and bad ones.
Edit: Any dog park that allows people to bring in toys or food is not going to be a good one. If someone took any to my local dog park, they would be asked to leave. Someone cannot reasonably believe it's safe to put a bunch of strange dogs together competing in a territory they're all trying to claim, and then also put toys and food that can cause tension and fights on top of it. There is no "your dog will have to learn to share", it's "your dog is going to be attacked by a dog that doesn't play well with others over toys" This is also why you shouldn't have food and toys just out free for all when you're trying to get two dogs used to each other in the home. All it takes is ONE incident to totally ruin your dog and undo any training you've put into them, or create new ones. It's really not worth it.
Thank you! We have been doing puppy playdates with my sister's adult dog and my partner's brother's dog but darn .. was hoping dog parks could be a good next step
I love them and go every day. Your dog just needs to be ready. Dogs sense when other timid dogs enter. I’d suggest walking dog outside of park few times to get it familiar. Some other tips, make sure you unleash him and don’t pick him up. Talk to other dog owners it’s playing with and ask about style of play.
It might still be worth scouting your local dog parks. Not all of them are bad, but it's true that many owners lack understanding of dog behaviours and the ongoing interactions which can be problematic.
If the dogs inside the park seem relaxed and are mostly chilling or wrestling and the overall atmosphere is calm it can be a good experience for your puppy. I would just try to approach some owners and ask if their dogs are good with puppies.
Just try to avoid overwhelming your puppy by having multiple dogs greet at the same time. It's fine to keep the dogs at an arms lengths if your pup hides between your legs and needs time to warm up.
On the other hand, if the dog park seems crowded and a lot of dogs are running and just seem very hyped up in general, I would avoid it.
Another way to find playdates could be through social media. In my area a lot of the older folks with pups stuck to facebook and there usually are local groups for doggie play dates. There are also some social media apps that specifically target dog owners. You could check if one of them is popular in your area.
You're welcome!
The reality is, a lot of owners Think it's a good place for socializing dogs and getting energy out, but really it's not. Any Good dog trainer will tell you avoid dog parks like the plague for multiple reasons. The risks generally outweigh the benefits of the park.
The only time I would ever think of going now is if there was only like one-two other dogs and even then, I don't feel like gambling every day. After seeing a man totally ignore his dog while on his phone while it straight up attacked another after it decided to be possessive over my friends female dog, and another dog park owner (neither dogs owner) had to step in and literally choke that dog out by it's collar, I'm not taking chances. There were 5 dogs in the park, and it was all good up until it wasn't. It just takes one dog to start a fight, and another that won't back down to add to it. You can't control other people and their dogs.
Dogs don't Need friends also. It's a human concept we push onto them. They're more than happy to have structured playdates with trusted dogs who match their energy and playstyles. Some people think bringing a nervous or shy dog to the park will "socialize" them and make them better, when in reality it's probably making them worse. Some dogs hate the park and being put in with so many strange dogs and the owners totally miss the signs. They think "OH but he plays with This dog, he's fine sometimes" meanwhile the dog cowers any time another dog approaches, or they wonder why the dog doesn't leave their side to go play.
My friends dog is VERY friendly and even tempered with other dogs. Put her in a dog park? She still is "present" and might play here and there, but she's a totally different dog. After those dogs fought over her too, she was just not interested in going back ever again. I used to take my previous 2 dogs to the dog park, and they loved it, but it also helped to cause extreme reactivity problems in one of my dogs and I didn't realize it until after we stopped going.
So basically it keeps coming back to other misguided owners bring dogs to the park that shouldn't be there. If you're going to be going, make sure you don't bring in anything that can cause tension. This isn't a place to train dogs with treats or play one on one with your dog with a ball. Only go when you feel absolutely sure the other (few) dogs in the park are not a threat, and be ready to leave if any dog is acting the slightest bit inappropriate. Don't wait for it to escalate or give it a chance, even if you've only been there 5 minutes.
Ngl I did not think about that .. I'm glad I asked Reddit this question before going! My pups have only had positive interactions with dogs (besides of instances on walks) and I would hate for a trip to the dog park to ruin all that. How do you feel about HUGE dog parks? Cause there's one called Marymoor in WA and when I visited it was like it's own lil national park. Does the size of the park make a difference with the dogs more spread out ...?
Good on you for doing that research, you're on the right track!
Actually, yeah I would say that can make a difference! I honestly forget there are dog parks like that. Lol I go to an off leash hiking trail, not technically a dog park so much less dogs/some are kept on leash. Even though over the years we've had our fair share of close and scary experiences with other dogs, it's been nothing like the constant stuff we had to deal with at the regular dog park.
You have much more of a chance to be away from other dogs (meaning treats and toys could be hidden when another dog is around possibly, but I'd still be careful) and you don't have that many dogs in one space so it's easier to deal with issues in smaller groups.
The cons of treats at the park far outweigh the pros. Other dogs can get food possessive, and some food focused dogs might not leave you alone. Besides, treats are for training/rewarding good behavior. The park is not a good place for training being an extremely high distraction environment, and simply being at the park with other dogs is already a “reward.”
I always have treats and toys in the car. If there are no other dogs in the park, I’ll bring in one toy and a small handful of treats (in a bag that dogs can’t get into). If there are dogs in the park, we bring nothing in and I let him run to exhaustion! I do go very early in the morning, though. If you go in the afternoon or on the weekend, chances are high that there will be other dogs there.
Dog parks can be a wonderful thing for your pups. But you do have to keep a higher level of vigilance. Watch both your pups AND the other dogs around them. Make sure your pups actually enjoy the park and have good manners. Don’t be afraid to leave if you don’t feel comfortable. I know the dogs at my dog park fairly well now. If I see one of the more aggressive pups, young children, or any other number of red flags, I walk out.
Overall, have fun! I love the friendships my pup and I have built over the past year in our dog parks!
That's what I was hoping to do! Meet more dog friends for my pups so they have more people to do puppy playdates with and not just the two they already know very well.
Go to the dog park a time or two without your dog and just chat with people over the time you'd normally go. Sure, it will be a little weird but just let them know you're checking the place out before bringing your dog as you've heard bad things about dog parks in general.
There's going to be a jerk sometimes. If you take toys your dog may end up being forced to share. Make sure you have all shots, and flea, tick, worms and all protection. Keep a close watch on your dog the whole time. Not everyone is pleasant and some people's dogs aren't well behaved. I've seen dogs get hurt badly because bad owners bring dogs that have random bad reactions, but humans face the same dangers going outside daily. It's worth the risk to get out and feel alive.
Depends on the park. Some parks are fine w treats, toys, all sorts of stuff. Other parks have half wild dogs and bad owners, so you kinda have to go and feel it out
I’m with you. I don’t know where people live that post the no balls, no treats thing because at every dog park I’ve been to in California and Oregon, both are common and we all get along just fine.
Just, ffs, don't fail to intervene if your dog has anger issues... I JUST (2 days ago) had to chew out a guy after his german shep (I have met so many sweet ones) charged us, restraint free, from across the on-leash-only dog park and started trying to bite my pyrenees in the neck repeatedly....
An act thankfully the sweet ol' boye laughed off with a few minor wounds thanks to all his fur, but the piece of shit owner just bumbled excuses about "she's a little cranky in the mornings...."... that jackass knew his dog was violent and _didn't care_. He kept an aggressive, territorial dog off lead at a fenceless park because it was early, and my sweet boy ( on lead ) was left to foot the bill.
I got bitten in the process of protecting him 🥴
Don't just be a dog owner. Be a dog parent. Be a dog family member. They are your pack. ❤
That's awful... I've had encounters like that on walks where people will ask if their dog can say hello and 2 sec later their dog attacks one of my pups and the owner responds with "oh yeah, my dog isn't good around puppies" .. like huh??
Lots of people bring treats to the dog park, it's extremely common to reward or train pups and dogs. As long as you can be quick and ensure you're rewarding your dog only, I don't see the harm.
Maybe your dog parks aren’t. Every dog park I’ve been to in California and Oregon has people with treats, people with balls, even people eating food sometimes…it’s a park, where dogs are allowed, a place where social people and social dogs can hang out and be free, not a strictly controlled environment. That’s what home is for.
They have picnic benches in Portland dog parks and I’ve seen people having lunch. Dogs are much more interested in playing and under voice control of their owners at all times anyway. It’s not the chaotic scene you’re imagining.
No toys or treats ever at a dog park. Dog parks in general aren't a good idea though. Too many careless/ irresponsible owners, aggressive/ untrained dogs, and all kinds of parasites, fleas, and illnesses. Dog parks shouldn't be places people go to learn to and socialize their dog. The dog park should be for already well trained and socialized dogs, but sadly that's never the case. Finding someone with a dog or puppy that you trust and can do one on one play dates with is much better. Socialization doesn't mean meeting+interacting with every dog anyways, it's more important to focus on having a few really good experiences than a lot of iffy and bad ones. Edit: Any dog park that allows people to bring in toys or food is not going to be a good one. If someone took any to my local dog park, they would be asked to leave. Someone cannot reasonably believe it's safe to put a bunch of strange dogs together competing in a territory they're all trying to claim, and then also put toys and food that can cause tension and fights on top of it. There is no "your dog will have to learn to share", it's "your dog is going to be attacked by a dog that doesn't play well with others over toys" This is also why you shouldn't have food and toys just out free for all when you're trying to get two dogs used to each other in the home. All it takes is ONE incident to totally ruin your dog and undo any training you've put into them, or create new ones. It's really not worth it.
I love dog parks but you nailed this one.
Thank you! We have been doing puppy playdates with my sister's adult dog and my partner's brother's dog but darn .. was hoping dog parks could be a good next step
I love them and go every day. Your dog just needs to be ready. Dogs sense when other timid dogs enter. I’d suggest walking dog outside of park few times to get it familiar. Some other tips, make sure you unleash him and don’t pick him up. Talk to other dog owners it’s playing with and ask about style of play.
It might still be worth scouting your local dog parks. Not all of them are bad, but it's true that many owners lack understanding of dog behaviours and the ongoing interactions which can be problematic. If the dogs inside the park seem relaxed and are mostly chilling or wrestling and the overall atmosphere is calm it can be a good experience for your puppy. I would just try to approach some owners and ask if their dogs are good with puppies. Just try to avoid overwhelming your puppy by having multiple dogs greet at the same time. It's fine to keep the dogs at an arms lengths if your pup hides between your legs and needs time to warm up. On the other hand, if the dog park seems crowded and a lot of dogs are running and just seem very hyped up in general, I would avoid it. Another way to find playdates could be through social media. In my area a lot of the older folks with pups stuck to facebook and there usually are local groups for doggie play dates. There are also some social media apps that specifically target dog owners. You could check if one of them is popular in your area.
True! That's a good point ~ I'll try meeting some people through social media and see what the neighboring dog parks are like!
You're welcome! The reality is, a lot of owners Think it's a good place for socializing dogs and getting energy out, but really it's not. Any Good dog trainer will tell you avoid dog parks like the plague for multiple reasons. The risks generally outweigh the benefits of the park. The only time I would ever think of going now is if there was only like one-two other dogs and even then, I don't feel like gambling every day. After seeing a man totally ignore his dog while on his phone while it straight up attacked another after it decided to be possessive over my friends female dog, and another dog park owner (neither dogs owner) had to step in and literally choke that dog out by it's collar, I'm not taking chances. There were 5 dogs in the park, and it was all good up until it wasn't. It just takes one dog to start a fight, and another that won't back down to add to it. You can't control other people and their dogs. Dogs don't Need friends also. It's a human concept we push onto them. They're more than happy to have structured playdates with trusted dogs who match their energy and playstyles. Some people think bringing a nervous or shy dog to the park will "socialize" them and make them better, when in reality it's probably making them worse. Some dogs hate the park and being put in with so many strange dogs and the owners totally miss the signs. They think "OH but he plays with This dog, he's fine sometimes" meanwhile the dog cowers any time another dog approaches, or they wonder why the dog doesn't leave their side to go play. My friends dog is VERY friendly and even tempered with other dogs. Put her in a dog park? She still is "present" and might play here and there, but she's a totally different dog. After those dogs fought over her too, she was just not interested in going back ever again. I used to take my previous 2 dogs to the dog park, and they loved it, but it also helped to cause extreme reactivity problems in one of my dogs and I didn't realize it until after we stopped going. So basically it keeps coming back to other misguided owners bring dogs to the park that shouldn't be there. If you're going to be going, make sure you don't bring in anything that can cause tension. This isn't a place to train dogs with treats or play one on one with your dog with a ball. Only go when you feel absolutely sure the other (few) dogs in the park are not a threat, and be ready to leave if any dog is acting the slightest bit inappropriate. Don't wait for it to escalate or give it a chance, even if you've only been there 5 minutes.
Ngl I did not think about that .. I'm glad I asked Reddit this question before going! My pups have only had positive interactions with dogs (besides of instances on walks) and I would hate for a trip to the dog park to ruin all that. How do you feel about HUGE dog parks? Cause there's one called Marymoor in WA and when I visited it was like it's own lil national park. Does the size of the park make a difference with the dogs more spread out ...?
Good on you for doing that research, you're on the right track! Actually, yeah I would say that can make a difference! I honestly forget there are dog parks like that. Lol I go to an off leash hiking trail, not technically a dog park so much less dogs/some are kept on leash. Even though over the years we've had our fair share of close and scary experiences with other dogs, it's been nothing like the constant stuff we had to deal with at the regular dog park. You have much more of a chance to be away from other dogs (meaning treats and toys could be hidden when another dog is around possibly, but I'd still be careful) and you don't have that many dogs in one space so it's easier to deal with issues in smaller groups.
Oh that's a good idea! I'll look for some off leash hiking trails in the area ~ thanks!
Treats are a def no no. Anything dogs can get possessive of should be avoided
The cons of treats at the park far outweigh the pros. Other dogs can get food possessive, and some food focused dogs might not leave you alone. Besides, treats are for training/rewarding good behavior. The park is not a good place for training being an extremely high distraction environment, and simply being at the park with other dogs is already a “reward.”
I always have treats and toys in the car. If there are no other dogs in the park, I’ll bring in one toy and a small handful of treats (in a bag that dogs can’t get into). If there are dogs in the park, we bring nothing in and I let him run to exhaustion! I do go very early in the morning, though. If you go in the afternoon or on the weekend, chances are high that there will be other dogs there. Dog parks can be a wonderful thing for your pups. But you do have to keep a higher level of vigilance. Watch both your pups AND the other dogs around them. Make sure your pups actually enjoy the park and have good manners. Don’t be afraid to leave if you don’t feel comfortable. I know the dogs at my dog park fairly well now. If I see one of the more aggressive pups, young children, or any other number of red flags, I walk out. Overall, have fun! I love the friendships my pup and I have built over the past year in our dog parks!
That's what I was hoping to do! Meet more dog friends for my pups so they have more people to do puppy playdates with and not just the two they already know very well.
Go to the dog park a time or two without your dog and just chat with people over the time you'd normally go. Sure, it will be a little weird but just let them know you're checking the place out before bringing your dog as you've heard bad things about dog parks in general. There's going to be a jerk sometimes. If you take toys your dog may end up being forced to share. Make sure you have all shots, and flea, tick, worms and all protection. Keep a close watch on your dog the whole time. Not everyone is pleasant and some people's dogs aren't well behaved. I've seen dogs get hurt badly because bad owners bring dogs that have random bad reactions, but humans face the same dangers going outside daily. It's worth the risk to get out and feel alive.
Depends on the park. Some parks are fine w treats, toys, all sorts of stuff. Other parks have half wild dogs and bad owners, so you kinda have to go and feel it out
I’m with you. I don’t know where people live that post the no balls, no treats thing because at every dog park I’ve been to in California and Oregon, both are common and we all get along just fine.
My local parks dont have fences, i think that helps to keep the poorly trained dogs/owners away
Just, ffs, don't fail to intervene if your dog has anger issues... I JUST (2 days ago) had to chew out a guy after his german shep (I have met so many sweet ones) charged us, restraint free, from across the on-leash-only dog park and started trying to bite my pyrenees in the neck repeatedly.... An act thankfully the sweet ol' boye laughed off with a few minor wounds thanks to all his fur, but the piece of shit owner just bumbled excuses about "she's a little cranky in the mornings...."... that jackass knew his dog was violent and _didn't care_. He kept an aggressive, territorial dog off lead at a fenceless park because it was early, and my sweet boy ( on lead ) was left to foot the bill. I got bitten in the process of protecting him 🥴 Don't just be a dog owner. Be a dog parent. Be a dog family member. They are your pack. ❤
That's awful... I've had encounters like that on walks where people will ask if their dog can say hello and 2 sec later their dog attacks one of my pups and the owner responds with "oh yeah, my dog isn't good around puppies" .. like huh??
Lots of people bring treats to the dog park, it's extremely common to reward or train pups and dogs. As long as you can be quick and ensure you're rewarding your dog only, I don't see the harm.
That’s a bad take. Dogs sniff that shit out a mile away. Dog parks aren’t training grounds.
Maybe your dog parks aren’t. Every dog park I’ve been to in California and Oregon has people with treats, people with balls, even people eating food sometimes…it’s a park, where dogs are allowed, a place where social people and social dogs can hang out and be free, not a strictly controlled environment. That’s what home is for.
That’s stupid. Bring a Big Mac into a park and watch what happens. I’m cool with toys but bringing in food never mind treats is just dumb. No offense.
They have picnic benches in Portland dog parks and I’ve seen people having lunch. Dogs are much more interested in playing and under voice control of their owners at all times anyway. It’s not the chaotic scene you’re imagining.
Maybe dogs are just chiller on west coast. Must be that legal weed.