Dog Parks
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Dog parks are a great way to socialise your dog and get them some off-leash exersise in a safe area.
While there are always positives and negatives to any area the benifits you get will depend on
1. How well you understand Canine body language.
2. Weather or not you are supervising your dog
3. The times you go to the dog park,
4. Your dogs personality and the personalities of the other dogs sharing the space.
DO NOT simply let your dog go and do what they want even though it is an enclosed dog area. Also step in and help your dog if the game gets too rough for them or if there are multiple dogs chasing them.
It is important to know that dog parks are classed as public spaces and even though you may not need to have the best recall, you will need to understand Canine body language and respond to keep your dog safe and happy as well as to prevent your dog from attacking or intimadating other dogs
Good Dog Park Etiquette
- Pick up after your dog
- Make sure your dog is up to date on their immunisation vaccines and flea and worming treatments.
- Ensure your dog is not sick or on heat.
- Avoid bringing Food and treats as this may cause a fight.
- Supervise and monitor your dog's body language and ensure they are always in your control, even in an off-leash play area.
- Respect other owners and their dogs
- Avoid bringing young children and strolers into the area, as this may trigger some dogs.
- Ask the owners before feeding or petting their dogs.
The immages below are from the “DOG PARK PROJECT: The IAABC has collaborated with Dr. Jessica Hekman and artist Lili Chin to create a series of posters for use by trainers, dog parks and community dog organizations to promote safety in dog parks and dog play.
- As per the law in Western Australia, when walking your dog in a public space, such as along the street or in a park or reserve, you must keep your dog on a leash securely tethered and not allow it to wander or bother other people, animals, or wildlife.
- When in a public place (including off-leash dog parks), you must always have your dog under effective control.
- Effective control means that the dog:
- Is within a short distance from the person in control of the dog at all times
- The person in control of the dog is carrying a leash, chain, cord or harness of sufficient strength and no longer than 2m (Measured from the base of the dog's neck)
- Responds to commands and comes when called
- Does not act in a threatening or aggressive manner toward other people or animals
- Does not cause damage to flora or fauna
- Does not enter a lake or water channel
- Does not cause a nuisance to other people