Dogs Behaving Badly at the Dog Park
We’ve all been there. You take your dog to the dog park for a little socialization and exercise, and within five minutes, Fido has managed to get into a fight with every other dog in the place. Or, you’re trying to enjoy a nice game of fetch with your furry friend, but he just won’t give the ball back. What’s a dog owner to do?
Dogs, like children, need to be taught how to behave properly in social situations. Just because your dog is friendly at home doesn’t mean he’ll be a perfect gentleman at the dog park. Dogs need to learn how to interact with other dogs in a respectful way, and that takes time and patience. If you’re having trouble getting your pooch to play nice, here are a few tips:
–Be consistent with your commands. Dogs respond best to consistent commands and cues. If you tell your dog “no” when he jumps on another dog, make sure you always follow through with that cue. Consistency will help your dog understand what is expected of him in different situations.
–Keep your cool. Dogs can sense when their owners are tense or anxious, so it’s important to remain calm when dealing with misbehavior. If you get upset, your dog will only get more worked up, which will only escalate the situation.
-Reward good behavior. When your dog does something you like at the dog park, make sure to praise him for it! This will let him know that he’s doing what you want him to do, and he’ll be more likely to repeat that behavior in the future.
Conclusion:
Dogs need just as much training as children do in order to learn how to behave properly in social situations. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can teaching your furry friend how to be a perfect gentleman at the dog park!