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Health & Fitness

Dog Parks: A User's Guide

Tips for getting the most out of the Bay Area's off-leash dog parks.

Dog parks are places where dogs can be allowed off leash to play, exercise, and socialize. Many Bay Area communities, including Half Moon Bay and Pacifica, have dog parks.

A typical dog park is an open field completely enclosed in chain-link fence. They vary in size from postage stamp to several acres. They also vary widely in amenities such as shade, seating, restrooms, water availability, and pooper-scooper or bag availability.

You’ll find lists of local dog parks here and at the Peninsula Humane Society web site. You can find reviews of some area dog parks on Yelp!

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Scout out a park online and in person before taking your dog. Figure out what the amenities are and whether you’ll need to bring pick-up bags, toys, or water. Read over the signs that list dog park rules, hours of operation, and so on. Talk to owners and play with their dogs. Try different times of the day; before work, lunch hour, and right after work tend to be busiest.

Many dog parks have two sets of gates that give owners a holding pen in which to unleash their dog upon arrival. Avoid entering the park with the dog’s leash still attached; if the park has a single gate, remove the leash as soon as the gate is closed behind you. Other dogs will quickly approach every newcomer, and your dog may feel at a disadvantage and act unusually defensive with the leash on.

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It goes without saying that your dog should have a good recall before you take her to a dog park! Work on getting her to come to you on command before your first visit.

(If you feel you need to keep your dog on leash because she is typically aggressive towards other dogs, do not bring your canine companion to a dog park. Ask your vet or contact the Peninsula Humane Society for a referral to a trainer who specializes in working with aggressive dogs.)

If your pooch is already used to interacting with groups of dogs at training classes or doggie day care, he will likely charge through the gate, happily take part in the meet-and-greet routine of sniffing, and begin to play. Tell owners of other dogs that this is your first (or second, etc) visit. Plan to keep your first few visits short -- the novel stimulus of a new place and new companions can quickly exhaust your canine companion and erode his usual good nature.

Most dog parks prohibit food, so reward your buddy’s good behavior with petting, throwing a ball, or clapping and making a fuss about what a good dog she is. Many parks have an assortment of balls, frisbees, and other toys lying around. If you bring a toy for your dog, realize it may be taken or destroyed by another dog.

If your pooch is shy, plan your first few visits for a time when the park isn’t too crowded, so your dog isn’t overwhelmed. If she is unwilling to leave your side, walk around with her so she can can sniff and explore. Give your dog lots of attention and encouraging talk. One way to motivate your canine companion to play with other dogs is to throw a ball they can all chase.

If your canine companion is rowdy around other dogs, interact with your pooch a lot, but keep corrections to a minimum. Use a whistle or playful, high-pitched voice to call your dog to you frequently. Run away from him so that he will follow you.

Vary the distances and circumstances under which you call him back. Tell him to come when he’s just a few feet away, then again when he’s far across the park. Call him when he’s just picked up a thrown ball, when he’s wrestling with other dogs, or as he goes over to greet a new dog coming through the entry gate. Challenge him to sit and stay for just a moment when he returns to you -- great impulse control practice!

If your hound is loud, she’s probably saying, “Pay attention to me!” Give your dog her favorite style of attention, whether it’s talking, petting, wrestling, a one-on-one game of fetch, or playing tug of war (if you don’t have a tug toy with you, try using your leash). Keep her too busy to even think about barking.

Finally, be sure to leave your smartphone and other distractions in the car. No matter what your dog’s demeanor is, it’s important to pay attention and have fun while you are in the park.

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