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It’s no secret that dogs need exercise and a place to run free. They need a place where they can simply be dogs. It’s vital to their development and quality of life. By exercising our dogs, it helps to reduce anxiety, stress and behavior issues that result from boredom.
The DC area is filled with dog owners who have demanding jobs and little free time to provide ample exercise for their dog. Apartment living and tiny backyards don’t provide enough space for dogs to run free. For all these reasons, dog owners seek comfort in knowing they can take their dog to a dog daycare or dog park, which is typically fenced and designated as an official off-leash canine play area. Unfortunately official dog parks are not overly abundant in this area, and because of this, some owners risk fines by allowing their dog to be off leash in public parks. However, dog daycare and dog parks are completely different environments.
A well-run dog daycare will provide an environment where dogs are supervised at all times, no exceptions. Dogs should be prescreened for appropriate temperament, vaccinations and illnesses before attending. Staff should be properly trained on canine body language and know how to respond if there are any issues. They should also have a policy on the maximum number of dogs allowed to attend, to ensure adequate space for dogs to run and play without being overly crowded. These safety precautions are necessary for both the safety of all the dogs as well as the staff.
Parks do not necessarily enforce the same safety protocols or have someone on site at all times monitoring play. Therefore it is essential that dog owners understand what their responsibilities are when allowing their dog to play off leash in a park.
Dogs at Play
I recently visited Lincoln Park on a beautiful Saturday morning. While enjoying the scenery, I observed a guided tour of about 40 people and kids, children running through the park, bikers and joggers, and parents out for a walk with their child in the stroller, including one mom carrying an infant in her arms.
In the midst of all of this activity were many dogs playing off leash. I made some positive observations such as dog owners keeping their dog at a distance from the main walkways to limit their dog’s exposure to distractions. I witnessed dogs with excellent recalls; the dog would turn on a dime when they were called avoiding any tricky situations. Other dogs were obsessively fixated on playing ball – their only interest was getting that ball back to their owner for another toss, and this kept them focused and out of trouble. Even with these positive signs, I still thought the situation was precarious.
We want to believe our dogs are 100 percent predictable, but unfortunately they are not. How would the ball-obsessive dog respond if a kid running though the park picked up that ball or another dog intervened? Even a dog with an excellent recall can get distracted. Can you say with certainty how your dog would respond to that mother walking through the park consoling her crying newborn? And what of the stroller, the jogger or the bicycler? How does your dog respond to moving objects? And what about the dynamics of two dogs greeting when one dog is on leash and the other is not?
To minimize the risks inherent in off-leash play at a park, here are some things you should keep in mind as a responsible dog owner.
Reading Your Dog
Know how to read your dog’s body language from head to toe. Ears back, tail tucked and hackles raised are all good indicators that your dog is uncomfortable, so it’s your responsibility to remove him from that situation.
Look for signs of fear or stress in your dog and respond accordingly. Do not assume the dog will get over his fear by simply being put in fearful situations repeatedly. This can have a damaging effect on the dog and allow other dogs to bully your dog, causing even more fear and anxiety. Be a good leader by taking charge and showing your dog how to back away from a stressful situation. Then watch as he shakes it off.
Know where your dog is at all times. If your dog is meeting strange people and dogs he does not know, you should be present to supervise. This requires you to be in close proximity so you can intervene if necessary. You do not have enough time to respond to a situation if you are 30 yards away from your dog. When your dog is off leash, this is a time to be hands on with your dog; you can enjoy that cup of coffee and conversation later.
Know how to greet other dogs. It’s unfair to assume all dogs get along. After all, do you like everyone you meet? And what about the circumstances in which you meet people, do they always create great first impressions? Never assume that your dog should meet every dog he encounters or that dogs will “work it out.” It’s your responsibility as a dog owner to ensure the encounter goes smooth. You can accomplish this by creating a low arousal encounter.
When On Leash Meets Off Leash
I observed many dogs on leash being greeted by dogs off leash. In one instance, three small dogs on leash were greeted by an off-leash adolescent German shepherd that ran up to these dogs in a stalking pattern while the owner was a good 30 yards away. The three small dogs on leash were pulling, and tensions were high.
When dogs meet on leash with a tight lead, it creates higher arousal levels. A dog with an elevated arousal level is more likely to act aggressively rather than retreat. If your dog greets another dog while on leash, the leash should remain loose at all times. In addition, the three dogs banding together creates a pack mentality that also increases arousal levels.
The owner of the German shepherd should not have allowed his dog to approach these dogs under these circumstances. And the owner of the three dogs should have walked in another direction to avoid the German shepherd if at all possible.
Be Proactive
Know how to stay in front of any unpredictable situation. This is the most important lesson of all. Being proactive and giving your dog guidance on how to respond by retreating away from a stressful situation is important. It’s up to the owners to provide a stable environment for the dog to learn how to be social by providing guidance and protection.
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