Off-leash dog parks offer many physical and mental benefits for dogs and people including the opportunity to exercise, socialise, and enjoy fresh air, training, and play.
Are off-leash dog parks suitable for all dogs?
When you take your dog to an off-leash park, you need to be confident that they will reliably come to you when called (recall) and relate to other dogs without becoming fearful or aggressive. For most dogs, this can be achieved with appropriate socialisation, reward-based training classes and ongoing reward-based training, daily walks, and/or attending doggy day care.
Before going to an off-leash park, ensure your dog is microchipped, tagged, registered, fully vaccinated, wormed, treated for external parasites, and desexed. The consequences of undesexed dogs visiting off-leash parks can include females being harassed, dog fights, and unplanned mating. If your dog is unwell, avoid taking them to an off-leash park without first seeking advice from a veterinarian.
How can I make visiting an off-leash dog park a positive experience for my dog?
Actively monitor your dog continually, keeping them in your sight at all times. Observe their interactions with people and other dogs and be alert to their body language. Behaviours such as cowering, hiding, running away, a tucked tail, or snapping may indicate your dog is stressed. Time your visits to the dog park at cooler times of day and provide sufficient fresh water and shade. Calmly end the session and provide necessary support if they show signs of stress or heat stress.
How can I reduce the potential risks of off-leash parks?
People and dogs have been injured at off-leash parks (e.g., dog fights, being hit by a car). While these incidents are thought to be rare, observe the park before entering to assess potential risks, visit when the park is less crowded, actively supervise dogs and children at all times, avoid or leash your dog near hazards (e.g., roads), and ensure you can safely manage the dog(s) in your care.
What should I look for when choosing an off-leash area?
Choose features that suit you and your dog such as different activity zones (e.g., open areas to run, agility equipment, quieter areas to rest), secure fencing, multiple entry and exit points to prevent dogs converging, and adequate water and shade.
