Thinking of visiting a dog park with your furry best friend?
Dog parks can be a great way for dogs to run free, burn off energy, and make new friends. For you, it’s also a chance to enjoy some fresh air, meet other dog lovers, and take a break from the usual walk around the block. But here’s the catch – not every trip to the dog park turns out the way we imagine. Sometimes, things can get a little too wild. And if you’re not prepared or familiar with basic dog park rules, your pup might come home more stressed than happy.
I remember taking Leksi to a local dog park when she was younger. At first, she absolutely loved it. She was curious, playful, and so excited to be around other dogs and people. But after a while, I noticed a shift. She started becoming more reserved – even a bit protective. She didn’t want other dogs to come near me, and it felt like she was guarding her little pack. Looking back, I think it happened around the time I was preparing to move to Denmark. Maybe she felt something was changing, and that made her cling to me even more.
After that, I stopped taking her to parks. Every dog is different, and that’s exactly why knowing your dog – and how they react – is so important before you go.
Dog park rules to follow before and during your visit
Every dog is different, but a little preparation goes a long way in making the dog park a positive experience. Whether you’re going for the first time or just want a refresher, these simple tips will help you and your pup stay safe, relaxed, and happy. So, let’s dive into the most important dog park rules every owner should keep in mind.
1. Visit the park first – without your dog.
Before taking your pup to a new dog park, swing by alone for a quick look around. Watch how the dogs interact. Are they calm or a little too wild? Are the owners paying attention or staring at their phones? Is the space clean and fully fenced?
If the park feels chaotic or unsafe, it’s okay to skip it. Your dog’s first experience should be in a calm, well-maintained space with respectful owners and friendly dogs. A peaceful environment makes it easier for your dog to feel confident and enjoy the experience.
2. Find the right crowd – by size.
Size matters when it comes to playmates. If you have a small or toy-sized dog, avoid letting them play with much larger dogs. Even if both dogs are friendly, things can get risky. A playful paw swipe from a big dog can accidentally hurt a tiny one.
When Leksi, my tiny Jack Russell, started living with Kari – my mom’s German Shepherd – things got tense at times. Leksi often felt cornered when Kari wanted to play. She’d growl to show she wasn’t comfortable. And in the first few years, there were moments when Leksi would get so frustrated that she’d snap and attack. Kari, much bigger and stronger, would then pin Leksi down – not aggressively, just firmly – as if to say “Calm down.”
It always looked scarier than it was, but it reminded me how important it is to match dogs with the right playmates. Not every dog enjoys roughhousing with a larger buddy, even if they live under the same roof.
Many parks have separate areas for small and large dogs – it’s best to use them. Your pup will feel safer, and you’ll both enjoy the visit much more.
3. Be part of the play.
Some dogs love group play. Others? Not so much. Leksi was definitely in the second group. She always preferred playing with me rather than with other people or dogs.
There were moments when she’d join another dog in a game – but mostly because I encouraged it. Her favorite thing was chasing a ball I’d thrown in the garden (not at the park, since I eventually stopped feeling comfortable letting her run off-leash there). She’d launch herself after it with full excitement and rush right back to me, tail wagging. She also loved our tug-of-war sessions with her rope toy, far more than anything involving Kari or even my grandma’s little Yorkshire Terrier.
Being involved in your dog’s play – even in a park – makes a difference. Call your dog over every few minutes, reward them with a treat or praise, and let them know you’re still part of the fun. It keeps you connected, helps your dog stay calm, and gives you better control in case things escalate.
Also, if you’re not sure which toys are safe to bring along, I’ve written a short post on safe dog toys you might want to check out.
4. Double-check vaccinations before you go.
Before your dog dives into the fun, make sure they’re fully vaccinated. Dog parks are full of unfamiliar pups, and you don’t always know who’s healthy and who’s not.
Core vaccines are usually enough, but depending on where you live, your vet might recommend extras like leptospirosis or canine flu. A quick check-up gives you peace of mind – and keeps your dog protected.
5. Keep the leash on until you’re inside the off-leash zone.
It might seem like a small detail, but it’s an important one. Always keep your dog leashed until you’re fully inside the designated off-leash area. That short walk from the car to the park gate? It’s full of potential distractions – dogs, people, squirrels, moving cars… you name it.
A leash helps you stay in control and keeps your dog safe until it’s actually time to let loose. Once inside, you can remove it and let your pup enjoy the freedom of the park.
6. Put your phone away – your dog needs you.
It’s tempting to scroll through messages or take a quick call, but your dog needs your attention during playtime. Not just for safety, but also for bonding.
You don’t have to stare nonstop, of course – just stay aware of what’s happening. If a situation starts to shift (maybe a rough play session or a dog acting too dominant), you’ll be ready to step in. Plus, being present builds trust. You’re showing your pup that they can count on you, even in the middle of all that fun.
7. Make sure the play is fair and fun.
It’s tempting to scroll through messages or take a quick call, but your dog needs your attention during playtime. Not just for safety, but also for bonding.
Leksi made that very clear. She hated when I had my phone in hand. If I picked it up while we were outside, she’d immediately turn her back to me – like she was saying, “Excuse me? I’m right here!” It was her not-so-subtle way of asking for my full attention.
And honestly, she was right. Being present helps you spot any tension or rough play before it escalates. It also shows your dog that you’re part of the fun, not just a bystander. So if you can, switch to silent mode and enjoy the moment with your pup. They’ll appreciate it more than you know.
8. Be careful with high-speed chase games.
Chasing is natural, especially when dogs are excited. But high-speed chase games, especially with more than two dogs, can quickly turn from fun to frenzy. What starts as a game can sometimes trigger a pack-like hunting instinct, where one dog becomes the target.
So, keep your eyes on the action. If the game feels too fast or one dog starts to look uncomfortable, it’s time to step in and calm things down. A quick distraction (like calling your dog to you for a treat or short cuddle break) can help reset the energy.
9. Always pick up after your dog.
It might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: no one wants to step into a park full of “surprises.” Picking up after your dog isn’t just about good manners – it also helps keep the park clean, safe, and disease-free for everyone.
Dog poop can carry parasites and bacteria that spread easily in shared spaces. A quick clean-up means a healthier environment for all the dogs (and humans) using the park. Plus, it shows you care – and other dog owners will appreciate that.
10. Practice basic training while you’re there.
Dog parks are full of distractions – other dogs, smells, people, squirrels. That’s exactly why they’re a great place to practice dog commands like sit, stay, come, and down.
Of course, not all dogs are the same when it comes to training. Leksi, for example, was never one of those food-motivated pups. She didn’t eat just because a treat was offered – she only ate when she was actually hungry, and sometimes that meant skipping meals entirely. So, treats didn’t always work for her as a training reward.
On the other hand, Kari was the complete opposite. She picked up commands effortlessly and didn’t need much repetition or reinforcement. Training her felt almost too easy sometimes.
If your dog is more like Leksi, you might need to get creative. Use praise, toys, or quick games instead of food. What matters most is keeping their focus on you – even for just a few seconds – and making those small moments of connection count.
11. Skip the park if your dog is under 12 weeks or unvaccinated.
If your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated yet, hold off on the dog park for a bit. As exciting as it is to socialize your pup early, the risk of illness is too high.
Dog parks can carry germs, viruses, and parasites that your puppy’s immune system isn’t ready to handle. It’s always best to check with your vet and wait until your little one is fully protected – usually after 12 weeks and a full round of shots.
12. Don’t bring a dog who’s pregnant or in heat.
Bringing a female dog in heat to a dog park? That’s a recipe for chaos. You may think you can keep her close, but male dogs can pick up on that scent from far away – and they’ll come running. Fast.
Things can spiral quickly, and even normally well-behaved dogs can become difficult to control. It’s safer for everyone – especially your pup – to skip the park during that time.
13. Don’t pick up your small dog if things get tense.
It’s natural to want to scoop up your tiny dog when another dog gets too close or things start to escalate. I totally get it – small dogs look fragile, and you just want to protect them.
But here’s the thing: lifting them can actually make things worse. It can trigger what’s called a “treeing instinct” in other dogs. They might see your dog as prey and jump up, trying to reach them – which puts both of you at risk of being scratched or even bitten.
Instead, calmly call your dog to you and walk away from the situation. Creating distance is often the best way to defuse tension.
14. Avoid dog parks if your dog guards toys or gets possessive.
Dog parks are all about sharing space – and sometimes toys. If your pup tends to guard their favorite ball or gets snappy when another dog comes close, the park might not be the best fit.
Some dogs are totally fine playing with shared toys. Others, like Leksi, preferred one-on-one play with familiar humans and weren’t too excited about sharing. If your dog gets anxious or protective over toys, it’s safer (and kinder) to avoid putting them in that situation.
You can always find other ways to socialize your dog in a more controlled environment, like neighborhood walks or smaller playdates with known dog friends.
15. Leave little kids at home.
As much as dogs and kids can love each other, dog parks aren’t the place for small children. Many dogs don’t know how to interact with kids – some get scared, others get too excited, and a few may even act aggressively.
Even well-meaning dogs can knock over a toddler or misread a child’s movements. It’s better for everyone’s safety to leave young kids at home and enjoy the park one-on-one with your pup.
16. Don’t get in the middle of a dog fight.
It’s scary to see dogs fight – especially when your own dog is involved. But stepping between them is never safe. You could easily get bitten, even by your own pup.
Instead, try one of these safer ways to break it up:
- Throw a jacket or blanket over the dogs to distract them.
- Make a loud noise (like clapping or a sharp “Hey!”).
- Use the wheelbarrow method: grab your dog’s back legs and gently pull backward.
- If available, place a barrier (like a trash can lid or large object) between the dogs.
After things calm down, leash your dog and take a break. You both need a moment to reset.
17. Let your energetic dog burn off steam before the park.
If your dog is full of energy (especially the zoomie kind), it’s smart to give them a bit of exercise before heading to the park.
A short walk, a few games of fetch in the yard, or even a quick tug-of-war session can help them release that extra excitement. It doesn’t have to be long – just enough to take the edge off.
This way, your dog enters the park calmer and more focused – and much less likely to overwhelm other dogs with too much enthusiasm.
Final thoughts
Dog parks can be a fantastic place for dogs to play, explore, and burn energy – but only if everyone follows a few simple dog park rules.
Every dog is different. Some love the social buzz, while others (like Leksi) prefer quieter time with their favorite humans. The key is knowing what makes your dog happy and comfortable.
So, take it slow, stay present, and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to leave. Your pup will be happiest when they know you’ve got their back – no matter where the adventure takes you.