25 Nov Dog Park Etiquette
LEASH YOUR BEAST
Leash your dog in the parking lot. It is safer for the dog. You won’t get a ticket from by-law and most importantly you won’t stress out people who are trying to find a parking spot with their own excited animal in the vehicle.
MOVE OUT OF THE WAY
Do not crowd the gates and entry ways. A crowded space may cause some dogs to respond aggressively which can cause even more heightening excitement, from owners and dogs, leading to more bad behaviour from owners and dogs.
WATCH FOR POOP
Watch our dog. Dogs are most likely to poop within the first few minutes at the park and just after getting out of the river. Put away the distractions and clean up after your dog.
TOSS GARBAGE
toss poop, broken toys, coffee cups and wrappers in the garbage cans. Poop left laying around in bags will be marked by other animals and garbage can, and will be, ingested by some breeds of dogs (retrievers) and cause major tummy troubles.
EXPECT DOGS TO “STEAL” TOYS
If you choose to bring toys for your dog EXPECT other dogs to want to play too. They are social creatures and taking toys is their way of initiating play. Be patient and enjoy the interaction. Its pretty cute sometimes!
HUMPING
Humping is NOT a sexual assault. It can be a sign of anxiety or a means of relieving stress. More often it is an invitation to play, such as teasing, to entice the other dog to chase or wrestle. If a dog humps any person, he/she should be leashed and removed from the park immediately.
ROUGH PLAY
Growling, tugging on collars and chomping on each other’s necks NORMAL dog behaviour when playing. Dogs at play will take breaks to shake or sniff (to calm themselves) if they get too aroused during play. Only when the play become so intense that they aren’t taking these natural breaks do we have to step in and make them take a break.
RELAX
Enjoy the dogs, nature, and bit of exercise. Dogs take their behavioural cues from us. If we are relaxed and joyful, they will be too.
ASK FOR HELP
If you have questions, ask a dog walker. They are always ready to help, offer advice or poop bag.
The Beast Boutique Ltd. now offers group off leash in SE and SW Calgary (south of Glenmore Trail). Call 403 452 -5232 for more information and to set up your in-home meet and greet.
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