A Know-Before-You-Go Guide
Written by: Rachel Holly
Middle Tennessee residents are fortunate to have a great choice of dog parks around the region. Dog lovers can find plenty of wide open spaces to let their furry friends romp and roam. But while play time at the park can provide great exercise, entertainment, and socialization with other dogs, pet parents need to stay alert to keep their dog safe.
Dog parks present the need to be more in tune about your dog’s safety. Unlike walking trails and other park areas, you have a number of unleashed dogs whom you know nothing about, running around freely in an environment where they can easily get overstimulated. Yes, there are posted rules at every dog park but people ignore rules and there are plenty of dog owners who will knowingly bring a dog to a park that is unsuitable to be there. Here’s how to make sure a fun afternoon at the dog park doesn’t end with a trip to the vet.
1. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on heartworm/parasite/ flea prevention and vaccinations- other dogs may not be.
2. If your dog is not neutered or spayed, they don’t belong at the dog park, plain and simple.
3.Be very cautious taking an older dog or any dog with mobility, sight, or hearing issues to the park. They may not be able to maneuver out of the way of fast moving pups and can become easily overwhelmed.
4.If your dog is a toy breed or very small, seek out parks that have size-specific play areas. Tiny chihuahuas don’t need to play with a pack of 80lb dogs.
5.Know when harmless play crosses the line into roughhousing- growling, nipping, thrashing, or excessive barking means it’s time to go home.
6.Take water for hydration in the summer and have a leash handy so you can get control over your dog if needed. A leash is of no use when left in the car.
7.Eye up the dogs already there. Is everybody behaving or is there a trouble maker in the group? Give the area a once over before letting your dog off-leash.
8.Don’t give your dog treats or toys that can trigger guarding behavior or a fight with another dog. Save them for play at home.
9.Stay off your phone and pay attention to what’s going on – is another dog stalking your dog? Staring, crouching, growling, or shadowing are all signs of challenging or assertive behavior that can turn ugly. You won’t see it coming if you’re checking your Facebook feed or chatting with another pet parent.
10.If you sense aggression or questionable behavior from any dog, get your dog out fast- dogs are pack animals and if two start a fight it can quickly escalate to a group brawl.
Just like us, dogs aren’t one size fits all. Some dogs shouldn’t go to a dog park – those that are disabled, elderly, fearful, socially timid, easily triggered or reactive, aggressive, poorly trained, or incessant barkers. Also, if your dog simply doesn’t seem to enjoy it, don’t go. Some dogs aren’t into dog parks and that’s fine. Perhaps a leashed walk in the main park or a visit with a friend’s quiet dog is more his speed. For those that can go to the park, keeping it safe will make an enjoyable outing for you both. After all, it’s only fun until somebody ends up with a cone around their neck.
You can find more info on Middle TN Dog Parks at:
Nashville Dog Parks: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/parks/dog-parks
Brentwood Dog Parks: https://www.brentwoodtn.gov/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails-greenways/barkwood-dog-park
Franklin Dog Parks: https://www.franklintn.gov/government/departments-k-z/parks/park-locations/dog-parks
Thompson Station Dog Parks: https://www.thompsons-station.com/2439/Nutro-Dog-Park
Columbia Dog Parks: https://www.columbiatn.com/514/Muletown-Bark-Park
Clarksville Dog Parks; https://topdogparks.com/places/liberty-park-2/
