If you live in the city, then your home may not have a backyard for your dog to run around in. Taking your pooch for walks through city streets is fine, but you also want to make sure your furry friend has opportunities to run around and interact with other dogs. Dog parks have grown in prevalence in recent years due to the growing demand. There might be several near you to pick from, and there is certain criteria you need to keep in mind. However, the quality of a dog park often comes down to the people who use it, and there are things you can do to make your community just a little better.
1. Plenty of Space
Some dog parks are incredibly expansive, allowing dogs to run around and play. Other parks are small because that is how much space was allotted by the city. If a lot of people rely on a dog park, then a small lot of land could quickly become overrun. You do not want too many dogs in close proximity to one another because you never know when one will get agitated.
How You Can Make It Better
You can always go at less busy times of days if you want to avoid an overabundance of dogs in one space. For people who want to get involved with city ordinances, you can look into the local processes for opening another dog park. If people have more options, then they can spread out more, so everyone is given more breathing room.
2. Amenities
Dog parks should have plenty of amenities for canines and humans to enjoy. Benches are nice to have, so you can sit down for a while. Plenty of trees are also good, so dogs and people can get some shade if it is too sunny out.
How You Can Make It Better
Volunteering at your local dog park is an excellent way to make a difference, and you can talk to the other dog owners to try to get other people involved. If there are currently no trees, then consider having a day where you plant some foliage. You can contact city council to see if they can provide the park with benches, pools for the dogs or a waste bag dispenser if the park is currently lacking those.
3. Cleanliness
Dog parks should be properly maintained, but over time, the party responsible for cleaning the local dog park may start lacking. It is very easy for these parks to fall into a state of disarray. Not only is it annoying to take your dog to an area filled with trash, but it is also unsafe. You do not want your dog sticking its nose in something it should stay away from.
How You Can Make It Better
This is an easy thing to take care of on your own. All you have to do is pick up after yourself and your dog at the park. Even if the park does not have a waste bag dispenser, you can always bring your own. You should bring your own poop bags anyway in their own bag clip just in case the dispenser has run out of bags. You should also be mindful to never bring your own food into the park. You never know what other dogs can and cannot eat. You also do not want to have a bunch of wrappers littering the area.
4. Separate Play Areas
It may seem nice that all dogs could play together in perfect harmony. However, you need to be mindful that certain dogs can pose a threat to others. Most dog parks are designed in such a way that there is a section for large dogs and one for small dogs. It is important for dogs to be in the right one because a large dog that likes to run around and bounce could accidentally hurt a smaller pooch that gets in the way.
How You Can Make It Better
The easiest thing to do is abide by the rules and take your dog to the right area. If your local dog park does not separate for the two types of dogs, then you can be proactive about the situation. You can look into ways to get the park divided into two areas. As cute as it can be to see a Chihuahua playing with a Rottweiler, it also poses its fair share of risks. Additionally, you want to establish clear signage about which dog park is which. This sign should also include basic rules of the park.
5. Responsible Dog Owners
This is perhaps the most important quality you want to see in whatever dog park you decide to visit often. When settling on a park, you want to find that most of the people who go there are kind and courteous. You want to see people who are abiding by the rules and cleaning up after their dogs. Additionally, you want to pay attention to the type of supplies other people bring. A good leash is beneficial to see even though the dog might be walking around freely temporarily
How You Can Make It Better
Simply put, you can help in this endeavor by being a responsible dog owner yourself. When you are at the park, you always want to keep an eye on your dog. While it is OK to let it walk around and interact with other dogs, you want to ensure it is playing safely and not being a nuisance. In the event your pooch gets a little too rowdy, you want to step in to break it up. Everyone goes to the dog park to have a good time, and you do not want to be the one ruining it for everyone.
Dog parks are often fixtures of the community. They are a place for people and dogs to gather and make friends. You do not want this fixture to fall into a state of disarray. Fortunately, there are various ways you can improve upon your local dog park, so everyone will enjoy going there.
from Baxter Boo
also, you may like an app called 'Dog Park Buddy" and modify it for your area (on Play Store)
