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Dog Park Safety
By Jessica Ward, Operations Manager of The Board Hound.
There are many benefits to having access
to dog parks. In densely populated areas
with heavy traffic and leash laws, it can
be difficult to stimulate your dog’s need for safe
socialization and exercise. Dog parks give us and
our dogs the freedom to run, play, and socialize
off-leash in a safe and secure place. However, not
all dog parks are equal, and not all dogs do well
at every park. There are key aspects to examine
before determining if a dog park is the best place
for your pup.
Cleanliness: All dog parks should have dog
waste bags and trashcans for owners to clean
up after their dog. If these supplies are not
provided, please bring your own and encourage
other owners to clean up as well.
Drinking water: A good dog park will have
a water source with clean bowls. If the water is
frequently dirty or inadequate, it is recommended
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to bring your own water and collapsible bowl.
If it is a shared water source, it is recommended
that your change the water out before your dog
drinks from it. Shared water and dirty water can
spread illnesses and bacteria. Also, be sure that
your dog does not drink out of standing water
like puddles and ponds.
Shade: It is very important that in the
warmer months that there are accessible shaded
areas for dogs to rest if they begin to overheat.
Size & Crowd: A dog park that is too large,
can pose unforeseen problems if your dog wanders
too far from you. It is recommended that
you can spot your dog quickly in an emergency.
Furthermore, a park that is too small can cause
problems between dogs that cannot move away
from each other easily. If a dog park has too
many dogs in a small space, that can create a
targeting environment. Dogs need to be able to
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