How to Avoid Fights, Fleas and Fiascos at the Dog Park
How to Avoid Fights, Fleas, and Fiascos at the Dog Park
Dog parks are…controversial. Some people swear by them, others swear at them. And honestly? I get it. Half the time, I’m side eyeing the chaos, clutching Ozzy’s leash, and wondering why I keep coming back when we have a perfectly good backyard. But every once in a while, the dog park wins me over like when Ozzy makes a new friend, runs himself tired, and actually naps instead of zooming around the house at 10 p.m. So despite my better judgment (and social anxiety), here we are.
If you’re like me and occasionally brave the dog park for your pup’s happiness or your own fleeting moments of peace, here’s how to make the experience a little less stressful and a lot less gross.
Disclaimer: I’m not a vet, trainer, or expert. I am just a dog mom sharing what’s worked for me and Ozzy. Everything here’s for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always use your own discretion and check with a pro for advice about your pup if you aren’t sure.
Avoiding Fights (a.k.a. Canine Clash Prevention 101)
- Know your dog’s play style.
Some dogs are wrestlers, some are sprinters, and some are more “I’d rather sniff than socialize.” If your pup’s vibe doesn’t match the group, that’s okay. It may just be time to find a time when there is a smaller crowd or a different park. Also keep in mind that sometimes dogs are like kids and when they get together with certain other friends, they play rougher or become bullies so it helps to get to know the dogs and which combination of dogs are problematic. - Skip peak hours.
I have found early mornings and early afternoons to be calmer. A lot of the regulars at our park meet up later in the morning or around lunch time and the after-work rush is basically recess at a middle school with no teachers. - Do a vibe check before entering.
Watch the park for a minute. If you see rough play, inattentive owners, or bigger dogs bullying smaller ones, maybe go for a walk instead. A lot of dog parks have separate small and large dog areas. I like to utilize whichever side is the quietest. - Leave toys and treats at home.
Even the nicest dogs can get possessive when a squeaky ball or snack enters the chat. I have even witnessed things going sideways over bowls of water. - Leash up before things go sideways.
If you see tense body language such as stiff tails, hackles raised, or hard staring then it is time to end the playdate gracefully. No shame in the early exit. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you are over-reacting or being over protective. Your know your dog best and you know what you need to do to keep your dog safe. - Get to know the park’s layout ahead of time
If you get to know the park before you go, you can prepare yourself for emergencies. Does the park have a back gate that is used for lawn care equipment? If yes, is it locked or can you figure out how to open it? Is there a place where you can safely place your dog over the fence? Is there someplace to retreat to if a fight breaks out? I have had to utilize “emergency exit” with Ozzy a couple of times. We also have a place where we can go hide out for bit if necessary.
Avoiding Fleas (and Other Creepy Hitchhikers)
- Stay current on flea, tick, heartworm prevention and vaccinations.
The dog park is a parasite networking event. Protection is non-negotiable. - Do a post-park body check.
Ears, armpits, collar line, fluffy butt. Leave no spot left uninspected…this includes you, human! - Bring your own water.
Communal bowls are basically germ buffets. I am the crazy lady who shows up at the park and dumps out all the icky water bowls because Ozzy loves nothing more than slimy, dirty water that may or may not have been peed in! Hydrate safely and privately if possible to avoid an instances of resource guarding. If you aren’t going to be there for a long time and it’s not super hot out, it’s probably ok to save the water for the car. - Rinse and refresh.
A quick wipe-down or rinse keeps the funk (and potential allergens) from following you home. I always have to wash Ozzy’s feet after the dog park because he will find all the mud, even if it’s not muddy!
Avoiding Fiascos (Because Humans Are the Wild Card)
- Put the phone away.
The second you open Instagram, your dog will find trouble. Eyes up, thumb down. - Leave the kids outside the chaos zone.
Even friendly dogs can forget their manners when they’re excited. It’s not a petting zoo, it’s basically canine dodgeball. - Avoid turf wars – human edition.
Some owners guard “their spot” like it’s prime real estate. Smile, nod, and take your cuteness elsewhere. Although I have found that most humans at the dog park are very friendly and don’t mind telling you every little thing about their furbaby. And I will say this again – DO NOT EVER let anyone make you feel like you are over-reacting or being overprotective. - Practice recall before you go.
“Come” shouldn’t sound like a vague suggestion. You’ll need it when your dog spots a squirrel, fight, or open gate. - End on a high note.
Quit while your dog’s still happy and relaxed before fatigue turns playtime into crankiness.
Final Thoughts
Dog parks can be unpredictable, messy, and occasionally chaotic. But they can also be magical – those bursts of freedom, the happy tail wags, the rare moments when everyone gets along. If you go in prepared (and maybe slightly over-caffeinated), you and your dog can enjoy the best parts of the experience while avoiding the worst.
Another thing to remember is that not all dogs like the dog park or belong at the dog park. If you have a cranky dog who doesn’t like other dogs, don’t take them to the dog park. If you have a dog who is scared of other dogs, don’t take them to the dog park.
And when all else fails, there’s no shame in turning around, grabbing a pup cup, and calling it enrichment training.
Do you ever take your dog to the dog park?
