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Enrichment

Before Heading to the Dog Park, Read This

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The Dog Park can be either a great way to socialize your dog, burn off energy, and have a great time or a total bust. It depends on both you and your dog, and how you approach the situation. You may not be able to control everything, but you can watch for signs.

I’ve never been a dog park person in the past, but in the last few years, I’ve decided it might be a good thing. Originally, it was due to getting a new 6-month old rescue pup, and she was our only pet. And, our neighborhood wasn’t very dog-social, so I started taking her to small dog parks with an area specifically designated for small, old, or shy dogs.

These days, I have two dogs who are both high-energy working dogs. This means they require more mentally engaging activities or enrichment, and lots of physical exercise to keep them engaged, relaxed, and happy.

My dog, Cali, loves to play ball, but our yard isn’t quite big enough for the space she needs to do that. Willow, on the other hand, just wants to run hard, and get all the energy out. She’ll run in circles, if she has to, but she truly needs it, as she’s half Husky.

Are dog parks safe?

Honestly, it depends on the park and the dogs, which you cannot control. What you can control in a dog park is your own dog, and you better have good control over them. If you don’t, or your dog is reactive, you really shouldn’t be in a dog park in the first place.

Your pup should know to “leave it” or what “no” means, in case they try to pick up garbage, another dog’s toy or ball. They should also have a strong “come” command, so if there’s an issue with another dog, you can safely call them away from the situation.

You should know that dog parks, in general, have a lot more dangers than just a fight breaking out unexpectedly. There are several other risks your dog will encounter at the dog park you should be aware of, like disease, injuries, and parasites. And, many of them you may not even have crossed your mind.

What are the benefits of taking my dog to a dog park?

There are two big reasons why dog parks are so popular. The first reason is socialization. Dogs get great benefit from being socialized early and on a regular basis, but sometimes getting them that socialization can be difficult if you don’t live in a neighborhood with dogs, or you live in a more remote area. This is where dog parks can help.

The other big reason is exercise. Not everyone can get their dogs out to do what dogs do best….run and play. People may be older and can’t walk as long. Some dog owners have chronic illness or disabilities that prevents them from exercising their the dogs as much and as often as they need. Leash training could be an issue too.

5 Signs of a Good Dog Park

  1. Cleanliness: Waste should be removed, water bowls cleaned, walkways cleaned, etc.
  2. Maintenance: Making sure the fencing is safe (no jagged or broken areas of the fence) and in place, grass is mowed, removal of any debris or waste, and repairs are made, as needed.
  3. Clear Rules: How many dogs you can bring, what size dogs are allowed in the fenced area (some parks have separate areas for certain dog sizes, which is a good thing), off-leash rules, such as no dogs in heat, no aggressive or sick dogs, licensing requirements, etc.
  4. Proper Fencing: Fences should not have any gaps where dogs could squeeze through, be strong, safe, made of dog-friendly materials, and be at least 5 foot high without any clearance at the bottom. There should also be a double-gated entry.
  5. Convenient Design: agility equipment (bonus), appropriate lighting, large grassy area (or soft turf or mulch), trees, and lots of running space, benches/seating, water availability, shaded areas, dog waste stations, and ideally, an area for small or shy dogs that is separate from the larger dogs.

Are you Dog Park material?

You may not know the answer to this question until you try out a few different dog parks. In general, though, as a dog owner, you need to know your dog. It’s important for you to understand how to read your dog’s signals and behavior, so you can prevent issues that may come up for your dog. It’s also worth noting that this skill will come in handy when watching other dogs in the park.

Is your pup dog park material?

Your pup needs to be well-behaved, aka good manners. Not perfectly trained, but one that doesn’t bully or harass other dogs, or show any signs of aggression or dominance. Your dog should also naturally disengage when confronted by a dog who harasses them.

Unspoken rules to remember at the dog park:

  • Bring you own water bowl (avoid germs)
  • Always clean up after you & your dog.
  • Don’t bring treats or toys. They foster guarding.
  • Know your dogs play style & temperament.
  • Be sure your pup’s vaccinations are up to date.
  • Make sure your dog’s license is updated and on their collar.
  • And, don’t let people, kids, other dogs harass your pup.
  • If there are dogs showing poor behavior, leave the park.
  • PAY ATTENTION. Be present & aware of all dogs, including your own.

You being relaxed will help your dog be relaxed, so if you feel like you might be anxious the first few times, consider visiting when it’s not very busy. Choose weekdays, mid-day, when only a few dogs are present, and you can do a drive-by to check before you decide. I’ve done this many times when my dog, Cali, was younger. I even started her in the small dog area when she was a puppy. As she got older and larger (although still only medium-sized), I moved her in with the large dogs because she’s a spirited playmate!

What to Do When Things Aren’t Going Well

Easy…leave. We’ve had a few bad experiences at dog parks, but overall, it’s been positive. For whatever reason, some dog owners will bring dogs into the dog park who shouldn’t be there in the first place. They’re young and afraid, completely wild, dominant and aggressive, or just too old and frail.

If you ever feel like someone has brought a pup into the dog park who is behaving inappropriately (aggression, humping/in heat, or is being obsessive with your dog), it’s okay to leave and try another park, or coming back another time when there are less dogs, or a different mix of dogs, there.

To avoid potential issues, we tend to skip going to dog parks on the weekend or holidays. It just gets too busy, and our dogs sometimes get overwhelmed. Overwhelm can happen quickly with a dog, so keep dog park visits fun and short. The longer they stay, the more stress can build up. You can also give them short breaks, and walk them outside of the dog park for a bit, then bring them back in for a short play session before you go.

When You Find a Dog Park with Dogs & People You Like

There is a reason why looking for a good fit is worth the effort. Eventually, you’ll find a place that works for you. Your dog will find a best friend that meets them at their level, and they’ll have similar play styles. And, generally, the same folks with the same dogs show up to the same park.

You’ll find someone to talk to you while you keep an eye on all the dogs, especially your own. It’s nice to compare stories, share insights, and pet all the dogs that approach you (respectfully and carefully). It’s a dog lover’s paradise.

Let me know in the comments if you’re for or against dog parks and why — what went great or what went wrong?

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Behavior

Part of the Pack: Your Dog Accepts You as Family

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There is one moment every dog owner dreams about, and it relates to bonding with their dog. It’s that subtle shift when your canine companion stops seeing you as just someone who fills the bowl, and instead sees you as part of the pack.

This is where your relationship changes, and becomes deeper and stronger. You’ll feel it, and know that it’s permanent. Becoming a family is a part of the journey that transforms routine care into genuine companionship.

Clear Signs You’re Part of the Pack

Dogs communicate social bonds in obvious and subtle ways. If your dog follows you around from room to room (aka the “velcro dog”), they aren’t actually being clingy. They’re doing what dogs do: staying close to the pack. And, a relaxed, wiggly dog greeting you with soft eye contact is showing trust and affection that usually only pack members get to experience.

Pay close attention to how your dog sleeps with you. Any dog comfortable enough to sleep with their back to you, or with their belly exposed, has put their complete trust in you (Cali sleeps this way). It’s like your pup is saying, “You’re part of the pack, so I know I’m safe.” And, dogs who bring you their toys or lean against you are showing bonding behaviors that build pack connection.

The most telling sign of you becoming part of the pack is how your dog responds to you being upset or feeling sick. Dogs that know their humans well enough may become concerned and check in on their pack members often. This type of dog behavior is based on the cooperative care pack animals provide to one another.

How the Wolf Pack Actually Works

Look where the pack concept originated: wild wolf packs. Popular culture has long promoted the “alpha wolf” as a forceful, dominating, and aggressive animal who maintained control through challenges and submission displays.

However, is it possible that what we thought we knew about wolf hierarchies is actually wrong?

The original alpha wolf theory was based on studies of captive wolves, unrelated animals brought together artificially. It turns out wild wolf packs work very differently. A wild pack consists of a breeding pair and their offspring from several years. The parents naturally lead because they are, well, the parents. The wolf pack is really less “Game of Thrones” and more “functional family dynamics”.

Wolf packs hunt together, raise their wolf pups, and defend their territory. Leadership of the pack is about past experience and parental guidance instead rather than dominance or aggression. The hierarchy adapts. A more experienced wolf may hunt while a young wolf might do other things to provide for the pack.

How Times have Changed the Dog Pack

What does all this mean as it pertains to our relationships with dogs?

Dogs do still have some pack instincts. They’re social animals who bond deeply, and generally prefer to be social over a having life of solitude. Dogs naturally  feel safer with consistent routines and leadership from their people, and not because they require an “alpha”, but because clarity reduces stress and builds trust.

However, just to be clear, modern dogs aren’t wolves and your home isn’t a wolf pack. Dogs, these days, think and behave differently after so many years of domestication. They were selected for working with humans, reading us, and adapting to our way of life.

Dogs need someone (their people or person) who communicate well, using positive reinforcement, and who also treat them with affection and understanding. Not necessarily a “pack leader”, but more of a good dog parent.

Being a Part of the Pack: Bonding

The pack bond is strong and slowly built by thousands of small moments: daily walks or hikes, short training sessions, cuddles on the couch, etc. It’s mostly about the love, and how you care for each other. Dogs automatically learn to read your signals, so you need to reciprocate and learn theirs, so you can understand each other better, further strengthening your bond.

It’s truly incredible how two very different species can become emotionally attached to one another. The relationship between human and dogs is one that’s been going on for a long time. One that started around ancient campfires and now has a place in millions of homes today. What can I say? Love is love.

Have YOU become a part of the pack? What was the most obvious clue? Let us know in the comments!

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Adoption

Should I get a second dog?

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Is it the right time for you to introduce another pet into the home? Will having a second dog work out with your first dog? How will it affect everyone? Read more on the real pros and cons of getting another dog.

The first time I thought about getting a second dog, I was watching my dog look out the window and through the backyard fence, happily, as she wagged her tail at everyone passing by. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar when spending time with your dog. The idea of adopting another dog may have you already searching through dog adoption websites. This happens to me a lot, and I already have two dogs!

The possibility of getting a second dog triggers both excitement and fear, because it means twice the happiness, but also twice the work. Adding a new dog to your home requires thorough evaluation, and could make your home more loving and beautiful. But, we need to examine both the positive effects and real consequences of bringing a second dog into your home.

What are the benefits of getting another dog?

Getting a Best Friend for Deeper Bonding

Dogs establish their own bond through body language when they interact with each other. The introduction of a new dog means introducing a companion who understands your first dog through their own form of communication. The bond between the two dogs creates a strong relationship which also enhances your connection with both pups.

For dogs who struggle with separation anxiety, like my dog, Cali, having a friend at home can be life-changing. Instead of pacing by the door or window when you leave, they have someone to curl up with on the couch. Instead of spending long afternoons by themselves, they have a playmate who’s always up for playtime or zoomies.

I’ve seen this, first hand, after adding Willow to our family. Cali had severe, heartbreaking separation anxiety, but once Willow joined the family, she taught Cali how to relax. Cali got a new best friend, and we got some of our freedom back. It was a win-win situation.

Double the Fun, Double the Love

If you’ve ever watched two dogs play, like really play, then you know it’s better than any TV show. The zoomies multiply, and get pretty crazy. Playtime wrestling is epic. You’ll find yourself laughing at their antics and strategies in ways you never expected. Dogs easily create a their own world of joy.

And then there’s the love. Each dog will provide different kinds of joy with their unique personality. One might be the little stalker who follows you room to room, while the other is the cuddler who who makes you feel like the most important person in the room.

Building a bond with your dog (now, possibly two dogs) means experiencing the depth of these two different relationships. The time you spend bonding with your first and second dog, whether individually or together, becomes twice as rewarding.

They Keep Each Other (and You) Active

Dogs tend to motivate each other. A lazy morning becomes a play session. A tired dog suddenly has energy when their friend wants to play. And you’ll likely find yourself getting outside more, taking longer walks, and being more present because your dogs are engaged with each other, and with the world around them.

These interactive activities become perfect opportunities for bonding with your dog, while also allowing them to strengthen their bond with each other.

For shy or nervous dogs, having a confident companion can work wonders. Timid rescues gain courage by watching their brave sibling navigate the world, learning that the vacuum isn’t a monster, and that new people can become new friends.

What is the reality of getting another dog?

The Long-term Outlook of Adopting a Second Dog

Getting another dog or other pet is a long-term commitment of 10-15 years (maybe longer). It’s important to look ahead before considering a permanent decision like this. How will having another dog affect future travel and financial future? It could also make finding housing more difficult, if you’re a renter, as many don’t allow pets. If they do, you’ll typically be charged large deposits or even added, monthly, pet rent. This is made more difficult by having multiple pets. I’ve been renting my whole life, and have always had pets, so I know, first hand.

If you’re older, what will your health and energy levels look like in 15 or more years from now…will you be able to handle two dogs down the road? What about your dog’s health? You need to consider that your dog’s health may be impacted in later in life, and you may have to face difficult health care issues and decisions.

Life circumstances can change on a dime. Career changes, moves, family responsibilities, or health issues or you or the dogs can all affect your available time, energy levels, and finances you’re able to give to your dogs. Thinking ahead ensures you can continue providing the stability, care, and quality of life for your dogs now and into their golden years.

Your Budget Will Feel the Impact of Another Dog

Let’s talk money, because it matters. Everything doubles, or comes close to it. Vet bills, food (and treats) costs, flea and tick prevention, grooming, boarding when you travel. An emergency vet visit that costs $300 for one dog is still $300 for one dog even when you have two, and now you’re hoping the other one doesn’t get sick too.

Those little costs add up as well. An extra $50 a month for dog food, another $100 for routine vet care, higher pet deposits on rentals. Before you bring home that second dog, take a hard look at your budget. Can you genuinely afford not just the expected costs, but also the unexpected ones? Because they will come. They always do.

Time Is a Precious Resource for Building Strong Bonds

A second dog doesn’t just mean more time spent, but divided attention. If you’re bringing home a puppy or a rescue who needs training, you’ll need to invest serious hours into helping them adjust and learn. And, you’ll need to do it while making sure your first dog doesn’t feel forgotten or jealous.

Here’s something crucial to understand about bonding with your dog when you have two dogs: each one needs individual time with you. While they’ll bond with each other, your personal connection with each dog requires dedicated one-on-one moments. There will be times when your first dog needs you while the your second dog also needs you, and you’ll have to figure out how to be enough for both. Training sessions, individual attention, and separate walks (if they don’t get along at first) all take more time than you may have realized.

What if my Dogs Don’t Get Along?

Here’s the hard truth: not all dogs will get on well, and sometimes even dogs who seem fine together at first develop issues later. Resource guarding toys, food, or even YOU becomes a real problem. Your first dog might feel territorial about their home, their people, treats, dog chews or high-value toys.

Dogs can bond quickly and become best friends, but there are also dogs living together who barely tolerate each other, or worse, get in fights or become aggressive toward one another. While careful introductions and proper training helps, there’s always a risk that the dynamic won’t be what you were hoping for. This can get in the way of you bonding with your dog, as the constant stress will make harder for dogs to relax and build connection.

Accepting Your Decision

There’s no right answer, and that’s fine. Some families thrive with more than one dog. Others find that one dog is the perfect amount, allowing them to focus all their time and energy on strengthening the bond with that one pet. What matters most is choosing what makes sense for you, the dog, and your family dynamics.

If you decide yes to taking on another dog, start slow. Take time introducing the dogs to each other, consider training, and be patient during this important adjustment period. Remember that bonding with your new dog takes time, just like it did with your first dog.

It will probably feel chaotic at first, but lots of people enjoy watching their dogs become family, which can make it all worthwhile. You’ll find new ways of bonding with each dog, individually, while also enjoying the pack dynamic.

If you decide no, or not yet, that’s also okay. Devoting all of your love to your first dog is a beautiful thing. Continue strengthening that bond with your pup through daily walks, training, cuddle sessions, and all the little moments that make your relationship so special. There’s no shame in knowing your limits.

Whatever you choose, choose it with both your heart and your head. The best decision isn’t the one that sounds perfect. It’s the one that works perfectly for you, your dog, and the life you have.

Are you considering another dog? Let’s talk about more pros and cons in the comments!

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