4 Benefits of Bringing Your Fur Baby to a Dog Park
Is it really necessary to bring your fur baby to the dog park?
There has been a 40% increase in the number of canine-friendly places in the largest U.S. cities, from 466 in 2009 to 744 in 2018.
According to The Trust For Public Land, this significant increase in the number of parks for dogs shows that it’s quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing amenities in a city’s park system.
Why you should spend time outside with your dog
Off-leash areas are specifically designed for your canine companion. This means it has all the necessary amenities Fido may need for a fun day out.
Amenities can range from obstacle courses to drinking fountains and play areas. These come in handy if you don’t have enough space at home where Fido can roam and play.
A great majority of fur parents strongly believe that parks specifically for dogs offer a lot of benefits. Experts agree, saying as long as you know the dos and don’ts, there is no harm in bringing your pooch to a park near you.
Here are some reasons why a day out can be beneficial for your doggo—and you, too!
1) It’s a great place for dogs to socialize
Dogs are social animals, and they love many forms of play. A trip to an off-leash area provides opportunities for Fido to interact with other dogs and all sorts of people.
On the other hand, professional dog trainers like Nick Hof advise against bringing your puppy to the park if it’s less than a year old.
He says it’s better to go to puppy classes where your pooch can find age-appropriate playmates.
Letting your fur baby socialize with other dogs their age helps them react and interact with the world around them without unnecessary aggression.
Poorly socialized dogs are usually fearful of new things and unusual situations. A healthy amount of socialization under the right circumstances can help prevent that.
2) It’s a safe space for dog activities
Dog parks are fenced and filled with dog-friendly amenities.
Pet parents don’t need to worry about oncoming cars, poisonous plants, or other things that can be dangerous for Fido.
Make sure you choose the right one for your pooch to prevent accidents or injuries.
3) It allows your pet to get plenty of exercise
Enough exercise reduces the risk of obesity.
Make sure you know how much exercise your dog needs. This way, you can choose the right activities for him.
Well-known dog trainer Cesar Millan emphasizes the importance of exercise but reminds fur parents that trips to the park should not substitute for a walk.
4) It helps your dog get a lot of mental stimulation
Keeping Fido’s mind active is as important as keeping his body moving. Experts say frequently scheduled walks help increase your pet’s confidence and trust.
All in all
Going to dog parks can also be good for fur parents like you. For one, it improves your relationship with your pet.
Apart from that, trips to the park can also provide plenty of opportunities for you to learn new things from other pet owners. You’ll see new ways to train and discipline your dog.
You’ll also learn how other dog parents handle difficult canine-related situations.
Letting Fido make new canine friends can also help you see how your dog reacts to new things.
There is no place like the park to learn more about your dog’s behavior, personality, and body language. But before taking Fido to a park, check its amenities, size, and layout.
Remember to look for safety features like well-maintained fences, double gates, and separate spaces for big dogs and small dogs.
You also need to make sure you don’t forget to bring pet essentials like water and poop bags just in case the park near you doesn’t provide any.
Apart from doing your research and bringing essentials, you also need to train and socialize Fido before taking him to parks.
This can help ensure that he doesn’t get into fights and that you can keep him under control.
Don’t take this part for granted because untrained dogs may have a hard time outside, especially if they have not been properly socialized.
Most dog parks also have safety precautions and rules to make sure nothing bad happens to park-goers, but you have to do your part to help keep canine-friendly parks safe for our four-legged friends.
