Cesar Millan, National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer" and author of "Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems," offers his top five tips for success at the Dog Park:
- Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered, has all her shots, and is in good health. Under no circumstances should you bring a sick dog to a dog park!
- Do not use the dog park as a substitute for the walk! If you drive to the park, leave your car a block away and take your dog on a vigorous walk of at least thirty-five minutes to drain some of her energy. Never take an over-excited dog to the park.
- While at the park, don't stop using your calm-assertive leadership techniques. Be aware of your dog at all times, and take responsibility for her behavior.
- A calm-submissive dog will not attract another dog's aggression, but an excited dog, a weak, timid dog, or an aggressive dog can become a fight-magnet.
- Know your dog! If your dog has poor social skills, is overly fearful or aggressive, or if you have not yet established a calm-assertive leadership stance with your dog, find a more controlled way to introduce her to the company of other dogs such as "play dates" with one or two other dog owners.