Dog Park Essentials: What to Pack?
If you’re a first-time dog owner or are new to a neighborhood or dog park, the thought of going can sometimes be intimidating. What are you supposed to bring? What should you leave at home? We’ll help break that down for you, so you and Fido can spend more time looking forward to your dog park visit, and less time worrying about your dog park checklist.
Fido’s Leash & Collar
Some parks do allow for canines to be off-leash, but you should always have a leash hand just in case. You never know if a situation will arise that will require you to regain control of your furry friend.
While it should be an apparent item to bring, sometimes it slips our minds – especially if you take your pooch’s collar off when they’re inside. But when going out, especially to a dog park, having identification information attached to your canine is essential.
You may want to even consider getting your pup a special break-away collar for when they go to the dog park. They’ll ensure your canine doesn’t accidentally get entangled to another furry friend while playing around.
Doggy Bags
Some parks do provide doggy bags, but it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. You don’t want to be that pet parent empty-handed when your pooch relieves themselves, and you have nothing to use to pick up after them. Also, consider using biodegradable doggy bags – they do just as good as a job as ordinary doggy bags, except they’re also great for the environment!
Travel Bowls & Water
While there are plenty of dog parks that provide water fountains – some do not. Or maybe when you go, the fountains are out of service. Whatever the circumstances, always bring some water for your canine as a backup. Their hydration is a crucial component of their survival that should always be taken seriously.
Travel bowels are also great to help easily provide your pooch with water or considering the length of your dog park adventure – food as well.
Treats
The dog park is an excellent place to reinforce your canine’s training skills, and treats will help you do it. Go over recall response with Fido, rewarding them when they listen and when you notice they’re displaying good behavior around other dogs. Healthy and friendly socialization with other dogs is a great way to keep your pooch mentally healthy.
But also keep in mind that these treats are for your dog. Don’t try feeding other dogs without their owner’s permission.
What Not to Bring: The Toys
When we say toys, we mean don’t brig your canine’s prized possession or anything they might get territorial with. A tennis ball or a frisbee can work as long as you ensure your furry friend isn’t starting to resource guard while around the other dogs.
The dog park is a great place to stimulate both your pup’s brain and body – ensuring you’ve packed the right items for your trip there will help things run a bit smoother and put you more at ease.