FREE SHIPPING FOR ALL ORDERS $80 AND OVER | AFTERPAY IS AVAILABLE XX
Designed with love in Sydney
FREE SHIPPING FOR ALL ORDERS $80 AND OVER | AFTERPAY IS AVAILABLE XX
Designed with love in Sydney
Running freely, with tongues out and smiles ear-to-ear, unrestricted by collars or harnesses—it's always a joy to see our dogs off-leash.
However, this privilege comes with the responsibility of practising proper dog off-leash park etiquette. You don't want your fur baby getting harmed or causing trouble for other dogs and fur parents, right?
Following a few simple guidelines, we can ensure the safety, well-being, and harmony of all dogs and their owners in shared public areas. After all, we share the same goal: to have fun.
So, familiarise yourself with some tips and off-leash etiquette before you unbuckle that leash!
Between you and your fur baby, be in control. After all, you’re responsible for anything they'll do in off-leash areas. Here are tips for YOU to have a fun and stress-free park trip with your dog!
Before visiting an off-leash dog park, acquaint yourself with the park's rules and regulations. Pay attention to designated zones, leash laws, and any specific guidelines established by the park authorities.
Prevention is better than cure!
Acquire knowledge of dog body language to understand your dog and others, preventing conflicts before they escalate. Here are some examples:
Before letting your dog off-leash, ensure they listen to you well to maintain control and avoid losing them in the crowd. Make sure they do the following on command:
Be prepared for the battle ahead by bringing with you your dog essentials poop bags, yummy treats, leash, and water. Place them all in a trusty Mama dog bag to ensure you got it all!
It’s basic etiquette to ensure that your dog is/has the following before going off-leash:
And, of course, your dog has to do some preparations too!
You’d be anxious if someone talked to you for the first time, right?
It’s pretty much the same with dogs. Hence, it’s best to socialise your furry friend before going off-leash. It lessens fear and aggression during interactions, allowing them to respond to their surroundings positively.
According to the Animal Humane Society, it’s good for dogs to be socialised as early as their first year of life.
Keep your dog healthy and up-to-date on veterinary visits for off-leash park visits, as interactions at these places increase infection risks. Make sure your dog are vaccinated for at least the following illnesses:
According to world-renowned trainer Carolyn Weinbaum, stable on-leash training is vital before going off-leash, as it establishes behaviour control and tests your dog's responsiveness to commands amidst distractions.
This ensures their safety since dogs are naturally curious and prone to running off. In fact, 11-16% of dogs go missing at least once in 5 years.
In addition to ID tags, consider microchipping your dogs for permanent identification. It’s simple too! A vet only needs to inject the microchip between your dog's shoulders. If lost, people can scan it to retrieve your contact information.
Easy peasy!
Ready to go off-leash? Don’t get too carried away, and keep these do's and don’t in mind!
You might ask, aren’t I taking the dog to the park to exercise?
That’s true. But dogs have lots of pent-up energy, and you would want to release that before stepping into the park. In doing so, your dog’s gonna be more relaxed for the main event—off-leash.
Dog parks are great for meeting new friends, but remember to prioritise watching your furry buddy. It’s a dog park, after all. This way, you can immediately intervene when plays get too rough.
Visiting dog parks can be hectic, especially during peak times. To avoid crowds, check the park's off-times before planning your visit.
Always have a leash ready for emergency control over your dog, even during off-leash outings.
Carry waste bags and clean up after your dog promptly. This shows consideration for others and keeps the area clean.
Awww cute!
Unfortunately, that’s not how older dogs see puppies. They’re more of a hassle to them. Besides, puppies are most likely not done yet with their vaccinations, making them more vulnerable to diseases.
If it’s your dog’s first time in the park, let him familiarise the area on a leash first. This will allow him to calm down and not go hyper with the other dogs.
Dog play styles vary greatly and may not always be compatible, leading to fights. Hence, make sure to inform the other dogs’ owners of your intentions and observe the dogs’ reactions to each other.
Pinch collars have interlocking metal links with blunted ends, creating a corrective "pinch" effect when the leash is pulled. This is often used to discourage pulling. But this can be dangerous in off-leash areas as other dogs might get entangled with your pooch.
Establish yourself as your dog's alpha, especially when other canines are present. Teach your dog to come to you when called, using a command they won't hear at the park. In doing so, you’ll always be in control.
Dog off-leash etiquette may seem a hassle, but it benefits everyone, including you and your dog. To practice it effectively, here are some ways to remember.
Off-leash etiquette is really down to being mindful of others—dogs and humans alike. Hence, it should start with you, and the least you can do is stay attentive and keep others’ welfare in mind.
Most problems in off-leash dog parks stem from inadequate training and socialisation.
Hence, dogs must at least be able to:
Off-leash areas are designed to maximise your dog’s experience while keeping everybody safe. Hence, practising off-leash etiquette also means respecting leash laws and boundaries governing these areas.
As a responsible owner, it’s your job to familiarise and honour these laws in Australia:
Mishaps can still happen even to the best-prepared fur parents. Hence, make sure you’re ready for anything—even dog fights. In case this happens:
Going off-leash with your dog is truly one for the books. Hence, it isn’t something that you’d want to go awry.
Learning dog park etiquette may take some time and effort, but it's the least you can do to ensure the enjoyment and safety of your dog and other fur babies in public spaces. Think of it as a sign of responsible and good fur parenting.
