At The Park With The Dog: Tips For Being Responsible Owners
When you go to the park with your dog, it can happen that you run into owners with little civic sense. Not only do they not collect their pets’ needs but they do not care for them. Often favoring accidents and unfortunate situations. So here is a short guide that will allow you to be responsible and faultless owners when you go to the park with your dog .
What to keep in mind when you go to the park with your dog
Before you leave the house to go to the park with your dog, you need to think locally about how to behave. Let’s talk about a few but basic rules of coexistence that will allow you to avoid problems with other people and other dogs. Below, we have summarized 7 practical tips that you will need every time you take your four-legged friend for a walk.
Some may seem trivial to you, but it is never worth underestimating the importance of the saying ” better to be safe than sorry “.
1. Deworming
Your dog won’t be the only one in the park. Therefore, you will need to make sure that it has been properly wormed. In this way you will not run the danger that it can infect other animals. It is a basic rule that allows to prevent the spread of very serious pathologies.
Just to quote another proverb: ” Do not do to others what you would not want done to you “. Furthermore, if your dog is properly dewormed, he will also be more protected, as it will prevent the parasites in the street from taking root on his skin and coat.
2. Collect the excrement
Regardless of whether the walk is short or long, your pet is likely to take advantage of it to meet his or her needs. Regardless of the rules of respect and civic sense, know that this is an obligation enshrined in the law. And there are fines and penalties for those who transgress.
It is a simple gesture that must become spontaneous. It will help keep parks and streets clean, preventing the proliferation of bacteria and improve relations with neighborhood neighbors. Bring the plastic bags and the dustpan with you. A water bottle is also very useful, to pour it where your dog urinates.
3. What to do if the animal is in heat
As you know, a dog in heat can be a big problem, both for you and for other dogs. If he is male, he will have a tendency to run away attracted to females. If it is a dog, the risk is to discover an unscheduled pregnancy, which can lead to having to manage an unwanted litter. Obviously it is neither possible nor healthy to keep the animal indoors. The advice is to go to the park at times where there are fewer people and animals, at dawn or very late. Go to less frequented places.
4. Educate the dog to obedience
Before you go to the park with your dog and allow him to interact with others like him, you need to be sure that your pet is able to understand and obey at least basic commands. Like “Stop”, “Come back here”, “Seated” or “Spring”, just to name a few. If you are unable to train your pet on your own, it is best to consult a professional dog trainer.
5. Never lose sight of him
Going to the park does not mean that you can relax, not caring about your four-legged friend. On the contrary, you will never have to take your eyes off the dog. It doesn’t matter if he is obedient and sociable or if he already knows other dogs or people. There may be an unexpected event, an unexpected reaction, something that can escape you. Always stay close to him, so that you can intervene in a few seconds to stop or immobilize him.
6. Bring whatever you might need
Remember that even if the park is fenced, it is best to keep your dog on a leash at all times. This is because you may need it in the event of a collision. In addition, the bags to collect the droppings, the bottle of water and some snacks to reward your pet, are certainly essential items to take with you, every time you leave the house together. In short, a real emergency kit with everything that could come in handy.
7. Updated vaccines
It is not recommended to let a dog out that has not been vaccinated or has not received the normal boosters. This is an unnecessary risk both for him and for other animals that you may encounter in the park or on the street. Always keep the vaccine booklet up to date: it is an obligation that cannot be ignored.
These are seven tips that will enable you to be a responsible and caring owner. We are not just talking about safety for you and your dog but also about civic sense that allows and guarantees a healthy coexistence with everyone.
