Dog Park Double Gates and the "Come" Command

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© courtesy tequilamike via Flickr
Double Gate System for Safety
at Most Dog Parks

Check out these double gates and you'll quickly see why dog parks need them. If only one gate were installed here, the dogs would all be out and the owners would be singing the blues: 

  ♫   "Who Let the Dogs Out?"  ♫

Last weekend our Sunday trek to the dog park took a sudden turn from fun into a moment of fear. Fortunately for us, Tanner's training kicked in. Here's what happened, and I share this as a lesson in what can occur if you don't have a great "Come when called" and double gates at the park that are all closed.

Tanner is a natural Houdini. He opens gates, crates, child-guard latches, zippers and yes, even dog park gates. Two of my kids (I can still call them kids, right?) were home for a visit and we all ventured to the dog park for a little fetching fun. When the kids headed back to the car for the forgotten ball, Tanner decided to let himself out and follow along. 

One of the park visitors who was coming in as Tanner was letting himself out gave a holler and alerted me to the situation, as I was at the other end tending to Oliver. One "Tanner! Come!" and he bolted back to the park, looking confused about his family being split into two groups. Nevertheless, he knew what Come means and Come he did.

"The Kiss"
Captured for Posterity

As I swallowed the lump in my throat, Tanner ran to me, licking my face and simultaneously looking back at his "kids". "It's okay, boy. You stay with me", I told him and he followed me back to the group of dogs that were enjoying a cooler than usual day of frolicking.

I'm no professional dog trainer, but COME is IMHO, THE most important command you can teach your dog to protect him from danger that he may not be aware of. Take the time to work on it; he's worth it.

Dog Park Visits: Learning to Hang with the Ruff Crowd

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Vigorous Play: 
A Common Sight at the Dog Park

Dogs, just like humans, are social beings. They need contact with their own kind. Navigating the social scene of a dog park is a learned-skill. Just like kids who enjoy wrestling, dogs need to learn their boundaries for rough play.

Socializing your dog works best when he has the opportunity to interact with other dogs in an off-leash environment. Their perceptions of one another are different when they are not connected to you by a leash.

One basic premise to remember is that a proper ‘hello’ between canines is considered good manners. This classic butt sniff helps dogs gather information about one another, as well as give permission to greet. It lays the groundwork for a face-to-face hello.

Learning to interact with a group of dogs is a skill best acquired in smaller groups, at first. You may wish to choose slower dog park times—weekdays—to offer your pup a chance to work on his skills and build up to the frenzy that is Saturday afternoon at the dog park. Another option is to locate the smallest park in your area, where groups may be less over-whelming.

© Carrie Boyko
Tight Fit!

One of my favorite parks in our area is a less-popular destination because of its small size. The watering hole at this park is often busy with pooches that enjoy a dip in the kiddie pool for some water playtime. This is a fun way to gain social confidence.

I do have some suggestions on what not to do while socializing your dog at the dog park:

1.     Toys may not play out well in your socialization efforts, so leave these at home. As a general rule, toys focus the dog on the plaything, rather than on the other dogs.

2.     The same goes for treats. Better to do your training at home, and use the park as a place to focus on building social skills.

3.     Skip the stick play. Even a friendly game of tug can turn bad when one dog re-grips, only to catch the lip of the other. Take sticks away from your dog and discourage playing with such debris.

4.     Abandoned toys in the dog park may be claimed by a new dog. While your dog is gaining confidence in his place as a part of this group, it is best he not have a negative experience. Prevent potential problems by removing these temptations.

A couple of notes:

Socializing a puppy from an early age is the ideal way to ensure the best result. However, even this perfect beginning is not completely fool-proof. If your pup is anxious, fearful, or aggressive at a young age, you need help, and quick. Turning Fido around before his problems become major issues, is critical. Seek the help of a qualified trainer or dog behavior specialist if your pooch displays these unwanted behaviors at any age.

In order to be socially accepted, your dog does not need to be the life of the party. In fact, an aloof dog that will allow a social sniff without a negative reaction may still never enjoy frolicking with other pups. Some dogs are simply loners, just as some people are. This is fine, if it works for your dog.

Remember, keeping it light and fun is your goal. Leave the park on a high note, after a particularly enjoyable romp. Return often and watch your dog blossom. 

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Help protect our precious dog parks

© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

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Why You Shouldn't WALK Your Dog Every Day

by Carrie Boyko

© Alan Boyko

Biking Your Dog

A Completely Different Sensory Experience

Did I get your attention? That was a pretty radical title, designed to get you dog exercise enthusiasts all riled up. I hope it worked, because now I'd like to show you why your dog needs more than a daily walk. Come along for a little ride with me:


Have you ever biked with your dog? Perhaps this is not a possibility for you. Neopolitan Mastiffs need not apply; Teacup Yorkies might not be able to keep up. It's okay. However, as the owner of a toy breed, Papillon, and a 70 lb. Golden Retriever, among my pack, I can tell you that biking is a very different type of stimulation for your dog. It reaches down to their DNA and reminds them of their ancestors chasing their dinner, herding the farm stock, or pulling a sled. You might find it hard to believe your toy breed could be motivated to pull a sled, yet my Pap would most certainly surprise you; he is a better sled dog than my Golden. Surprised? I was too.


All this said, the message is that walking is, at the very least, just a mild form of exercise. After a 3 mile walk, your dog's heartrate may be elevated, and he probably met a few pups along the way and enjoyed some pleasant, enticing smells. But this will never match the excitement of an invigorating run.


Runners can tell you about the 'runner's high' they get when the endorphins are released and they feel like they can run forever. I have not found this to be the case with my dogs, and yet they never sit and say "I'm done."


No, I'm not recommending that you run or bike with your dog every day. Their joints and ours need rest and down time. What I am suggesting is a variety of types of exercise, to heighten all of your dog's senses, giving him a well-rounded endurance experience.


A visit to an off-leash dog park is on a whole different level. While each dog's energy and activity is different, you can encourage exercise in a lazier pup with a ball-chucker, Frisbee or other favorite toy. Just be aware that it may not come home with you. Occasionally another dog will take ownership of your toy and not give it up. Good luck with that! You can minimize the damage to your wallet by sticking to FETCH with a tennis ball.


I've left the best part of dog park visits out. While your dog is exercising off-leash, he is getting a sense of what it is like to not be contained--no yard, house, car, small fenced yard or crate to keep him from getting to the dogs and humans he wants to meet.


My pack seems to enjoy the social atmosphere at the dog park just as much as the physical freedom. They may dream of a leash-free world, but remember that in that fantasy world there are many humans, as well as dogs, for them to befriend. This is a healthy socialization experience that you cannot get on a leash. The dynamic of a restrained dog greeting is different for most dogs. Any canine behavior expert will tell you, most dogs have some form of barrier excitement--the extreme need to run up to a passerby--dog or human--and greet them.


Am I telling you not to practice socialization skills on a leash? Absolutely not! That's where it should begin. But where? The answer is anywhere, or perhaps everywhere--everywhere that dogs and owners walk together.


As soon as you begin leash training with your new boarder, it is time to start your regular visits to places like Petsmart, Petco, walking trails, and dog-friendly areas of all types. Save the first dog park experience for when your pup is fully innoculated, well-socialized with people and dogs on a leash, and confident in his greeting behavior.  A well-mannered dog knows that giving and accepting a canine greeting sniff at the back-end is the only acceptable hand-shake in the dog world.


I'll be back another day to discuss more exercise options, not to leave out swimming, of course. For now, get out and give your dog some variety. His behavior will change markedly as a result, and you will be pleased. I guarantee it!


Related Reading:


Backpacks aren't Just for Students and Hikers
Biking with Your Dog: Fun and Fitness for Both of You
Swimming isn't Just for Lab Lovers
Teaching Your Dog to Fetch

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Celebrating National Clean Dog Park Awareness Week: March 21-27

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(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko

 Tanner is Greeted by Park Guests

What can one person do to make a difference? Here's a start:

• Visit Adopt a Dog Park for information, ideas, and to learn how you can officially Adopt your own favorite park.
• Write to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com to name the park you wish to adopt and provide your name, and email. Your privacy will be protected. Your name will be listed on the site, only IF YOU WISH. Feel free to include photos of your dog (no people please) playing at your adopted park. By sending these photos to us at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com, you agree to allow them to be posted on Adopt a Dog Park or All Things Dog Blog.  Don't forget to tell us your furry friend's name!
• Walk your entire dog park every time you visit, picking up trash, broken toys, and doggie landmines for the trash. Our government funding for public parks is dwindling, so we need to step up to make the difference. Other dog owners will notice your efforts and often follow suit, so set the example and your job will get easier.
• Train and socialize your dog properly before taking him to a dog park. For his protection, be sure he is old enough, and has had all his shots before entering. Dog parks are not an appropriate venue for shy or fearful dogs. Your veterinarian can tell you when the time is right.
• Be a vigilant owner. Keep an eye on your dog and his behavior, as well as other dog's attitude toward yours. Be his advocate when needed.
• Remember to check the rules for your park. Most suggest you do not bring in treats or other food. This is for your own protection, as some dogs may be food aggressive.
• If you choose to bring toys to the dog park, be prepared to part with them, or have them destroyed. An entire park full of dogs playing with your rubber duckie will mean certain death, so just be aware of this likelihood.
• Train your dog to "leave it", in order to retrieve another owner's toy from him, when necessary.
• Finally, you can keep you and your dog out of harm's way if you follow two very important dog park rules: (1) Mastering the COME command is essential to bring your dog to your side when a scuffle breaks out. You don't want your dog checking out the argument. (2) Know how to properly break up a dog fight: NEVER try to grasp a dog's collar, as your hand will be in danger of getting nipped. Grab your dog by the hips with one hand on each side. Pull him backwards away from the other dog until you are well clear of the problem. Sit/Stay your dog until he is completely relaxed and not paying attention to the other dog. Maintain a calm,in-control, attitude that will hopefully rub off on your dog. Do not allow yourself to become anxious or fretful. This WILL be soaked up by Fido, and will not help the situation at all. If relaxation does not occur, it is definitely time to go home.
• For more dog park tips, I encourage you to read my article on Guidelines for First Time Dog Park Visits.
• You may also wish to read my 3-part series on GREEN FAMILY FUN: Let's Visit the Dog Park. This series covers child safety as well as expanding on many of the topics included above: Part I, Part II, and Part III.

Are there questions about your dog park experiences that you would like to ask? Whether you wish to ask me, or perhaps our trainer, we would love to help you with any challenges or concerns you may have. Your comments or questions can be posted below, just left of the cute little envelope icon, or send me an email at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. Hope to see you at the park!

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Off Leash Parks ARE Independence Day for our Dogs

Imagine trying to work a party while tethered to your wife or husband? Doesn't sound like much fun, huh? That's probably how our dogs feel when they cannot have some off leash time with their friends.

Weekends at the dog park are so empowering for me. Watching the dogs play in such a purely innocent way is delightful. That doesn't mean there isn't an occasional disagreement. There would be at a human park, as well. Diligent owners stay within sight of their pups and ready to intervene in case of a problem.

Intervene, how, you ask? The safest way to break up a scuffle between two or more dogs is to grab your dog by his hips and back him out of it. Most of us can overpower our dogs when we have control over their hind quarters.

This method of intervention prevents dog bites, because your hands are not in the thick of the action. During a doggie disagreement, dogs lose their composure. They don't know who or what they are snapping at once they lose it. So your own dog could be the culprit in a bite to your hand if your hand is in the mix.

This rule includes steering clear of trying to grab them by their collar. During a fight, a dog's movements are erratic and quick. Trying to grab a collar could easily end in a wounded hand, as well.

If your dog is not involved, you can help out safely by grabbing a bucket of water and plopping it squarely on the faces of the involved pups. This often will scatter the group, giving the owners time to claim and calm their charges.

If your own dog is involved, assure that he is relaxed and ready to play before releasing him. If his energy is still assertive or aggressive, perhaps its time to call it a day. You can finish him off with walk at home, allowing the rest of the park visitors to resume play without worry.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Tanner Fetches, Oliver Chases

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Marmaduke, the Great Dane Puppy

Happily Mingles with the Adults

Marmaduke is a new addition to our regular weekend dog park group. He's going to be quite a big boy, so his owner is doing the right thing--socializing him early to assure he is friendly with both humans and other dogs.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Oliver and Tanner Play Tag with Cooper

While Oliver can rarely keep pace with Tanner in the long stretch, his sprint is quite impressive. This tag game has been going on for a few minutes, so poor Oliver is being left behind. I'm glad to see he hasn't given up. It's so good for him to run, and I'm glad he's confident to run with the big boys. Tag is a great game for dogs of all kinds, and it requires no props to play. My pack and I wish you a very happy Independence Day and a great romp at the park.

Dog Park Greetings

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

This Brittany Spaniel Puppy

Is Having His First Dog Park Visit

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Hi! I'm Handsome

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Hey, You Up There!

You're Too Big for the Bench.

Oliver is Always Right in the Middle

of the Excitement

Every weekend is another adventure at the dog park. My pack comes home and sleeps half the day afterwards. There is nothing like working a party to wear out my gang.

If you are a dog park enthusiast, I'd like to invite you to visit Adopt a Dog Park, where you can learn how to help keep our dog parks clean and healthy during this difficult budget-crunching time for our local parks departments.

I collect dog park photos and have displayed many on Care 2 Adopt a Dog Park, where you can also start a discussion with other dog park lovers. We'd love to see your dog park photos, and you can share them there by creating your own photo album. Hope to see you soon.

Late Breaking News: My latest post has just been published on Central Florida Green Guide. I hope you'll find time to stop in and check out Green Family Fun: Let's Visit the Dog Park.

National Clean Dog Park Awareness Day

The first annual National Clean Dog Park Awareness Day brought out lots of canines and their families to my local dog park on March 22. Several of us walked the park and cleaned up left-behind piles and other trash. We left the park looking great, and as clean and safe as possible.

My 12 year old girl, Xena, enjoyed her day at the park too. By keeping the park clean, I know I am doing what I can to provide her with a healthy place to play. You may think that at age 12 she can't be very playful. Wrong! She can put on quite a wrestling match and tag game with Tanner, her trusted playmate.

All sizes and kinds were on hand today to celebrate. To learn what you can do to help care for your local dog park, visit Adopt a Dog Park. You can also join our discussion forum and share your own dog park photos by joining Care 2 Adopt a Dog Park. It's free. There you will find photo albums of my dogs, my dog park photos, and my dogs' doggie daycare photos. You could say all of my favorite dogs are there. Well, almost. I still need to get photos of my dogs' agility buddies. That will come next.

If you would like to adopt your dog park, you can email me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. I'll look forward to hearing from you. Our dogs are counting on us.

Child Safety at the Dog Park

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner and Toni

Demonstrate Small Child Safety

for Dog Park Visits

It may seem common sense to some, but apparently not to all. Small children can be at risk in off-leash dog parks. This is not necessarily because of aggressive dogs; however, it could be.

Dogs are much like children when they play at the park. They often run, while looking behind to see who is about to catch up to them. Bam! They run into someone. That someone could be a small child, and this accident could be devastating.

So what is my point? While I believe that dog parks are not really good places for small children--particularly the large dog areas--I see it often. Despite the posted rules of the park including "No small children" and "No strollers or wheelchairs", many families bring in their babies, toddlers and young children.

When I see them enter, I occasionally approach the parents and warn them of my gregarious Golden Retriever, Tanner, who loves nothing more than to give everyone a welcoming kiss as they arrive at the park. I know his hellos are not exactly proper etiquette, but he is the quintessential Golden Retriever; that is to say he loves people and is very demonstrative in this love. So far Tanner has not knocked any children over, but my friend, Michele, was run into by Tanner and a group of energetic dogs who were playing tag. She hit the ground hard, so imagine what would have happened if it she were a 40 pound youngster. Ouch!

So, what can you do to protect your little one, if you do choose to take him to the park? Two things come to mind for starters:

• Go with another adult, so there is someone to handle the dog, and someone to handle the child. In case of a problem, you cannot handle both safely.
• For her safety, hold your youngster in your arms and instruct her to remain quiet and calm while inside the park. This is her time to watch and learn.

Tanner and Toni are demonstrating this in the photo above. Kind of silly, I know, but Tanner loves to be held like this. Sixty pounds of Golden Retriever is not an easy load, but Toni is strong and she loves to spoil him.

Children can be trusting too. Dog parks are simply not safe places for small children. If you have a choice, leave children at home or take a neighborhood walk instead; their safety should be paramount.

Want to learn more? I'll have a few more dog park topics coming along soon. Meanwhile, check out a book at the library, or perhaps one like this at Amazon: