Tanner is Greeted by Park Visitors

Visits to my local dog park are always the highlight of my days off. I love the outdoors, the exuberance with which my 3 dogs run and play, the long nap they take after our visit, and the opportunity to talk with other dog owners while I’m there.  

For families with young children, the opportunity to observe dogs at play and learn about nature is an excellent lesson for all, and good, green family fun. 

Bonding with our dogs can sometimes mean helping them learn to socialize with their own kind, and this is where the dog park comes in. Animal behavior lessons are an added bonus for you and your child.  

Sometimes I overhear conversations between parents and children about the birds, trees, flowers, and how best to approach a strange dog. Herein lies the learning experience of a dog park visit—nature and how to interact with it.  

For first time visitors, safety is paramount. Each time I see a family come in with a toddler in tow, I dread the moment they set her down. Tanner, my ultra-friendly, energetic Golden Retriever, loves to swoop by anyone low enough to reach, giving them a quick kiss as he barrels past. It’s clearly a friendly gesture, but not always welcome by an unsuspecting recipient.    

I’ve now taken a more proactive approach. It goes something like this: “Hi. I’m Carrie and I own that happy-go-lucky Golden Retriever over there (pointing at Tanner) who loves to run, jump, and give kisses. Keep an eye on your little one, as I wouldn’t want Tanner to accidentally bump into her.” That does the trick. Mom holds the child close and all is well.  

Toni and Tanner Demonstrate Safety for Small Children at the Dog Park

 So, are dog parks a good place to take your young children? Maybe, and maybe not; but of course, it is your call. A shy, nervous or fearful child will most certainly be noticed by the dogs. Keep this in mind when considering a dog park visit with your youngster, and let your instincts guide you.  

Your 10 year old, who is confident and used to playing with neighborhood dogs, may be better prepared to act calmly in a large group of active canines, than a two year old who is still a bit wobbly on her own legs and not altogether aware of the nearby group of playful dogs.   

Before you go, help your young ones to understand that their first visit to a dog park will be a time to watch and learn. Interacting with the dogs should wait until the child is feeling confident around groups of dogs. Here are a few other tips I would offer to keep your children’s adventure green, safe and healthy:  

• Keep kids from playing on the ground.
• Instruct children to keep their hands off lower items, such as benches, poop bag stands, trash cans, water fountain stands and bushes.
• Children should not run in the large dog area of a dog park. Watching from the bench or shade is a much better plan while your child is learning about canine behavior.
• When you, the parent, have met an owner whose dog you would like your child to meet, teach this safer, friendly way to do it. Have your child start by standing with her back to the dog, allowing the dog to sniff her. Then, rather than petting the dog’s head, she should stroke its front neck area slowly and gently.   

In Part II of this series, I will share some additional tips on dog park safety, helping your dog learn to socialize, and keeping your family healthy, while you enjoy some green family fun. Some will be familiar rules of most parks, while other tips will be my own thoughts based on nearly years of observations and dog park experiences. I hope you will join me.

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