7 Park Etiquette Tips for Walking Your Dog

Spring is officially here, and March 30th marks National Take a Walk in the Park Day, a movement to get out and enjoy the fresh air at a park near you. What better way to celebrate than to hit your local trails with your best bud? Keep these park etiquette tips in mind as you get ready to go on a nature walk with your pup.

Follow park rules. Many national parks do not allow pets on their main hiking trails, but may alow dogs to walk on-leash in certain areas. If you’re visiting a park you’ve never been to before, check ahead of time to make sure you and your dog will be welcome.

Always pick up your dog’s poop. Dog poop creates a health hazard for both other park-goers and for wildlife. It can even contaminate local waterways, contribute to toxic algae overgrowth, and harm aquatic animals. Always bring dog poop bags from home and be prepared to carry out the used bags in case there’s nowhere to dispose of it in the park.

Protect your pet against fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks spread disease, and if your pet is not protected, they could pick up parasites in wooded areas, along trails, or anywhere wild animals like deer, foxes, and skunks may pass through.

Bring the right gear. If you’re going to a park with walkways, sidewalks, or trails, you’ll need a six-foot leash to keep your pup close when you’re around other park-goers or traffic. For wide-open areas, you can use a longer leash so your dog can safely explore without leaving your sight.

Don’t let your dog chase wildlife. While being in the wilderness may bring out your pet’s hunting instincts, it’s not safe for them to chase squirrels, foxes, birds, and other wild animals. Even if you do not believe your pet is fast enough to catch anything, there’s numerous risks of injury, death, and disease for both your dog and your local wildlife. Stressed animals may abandon their habitat and leave behind their young, or may attack your pet. If your pet is likely to chase animals, always keep them leashed.

Ask before meeting new dogs. If your dog is friendly or you’re hoping to socialize them, a park can be a good place to get to know other dogs. However, it’s important to ask their owner before allowing your dog to approach. The other dog might be in training, may struggle with reactivity or aggression, or may simply not be as friendly as your dog. On-leash meetings can be stressful for dogs because they may feel pressured to interact with no way to escape, so take care that neither dog feels cornered or shows signs of wanting to be left alone.

Let your dog stop and sniff. Dogs benefit most when walks aren’t rushed. Scent is an integral part of the way your dog sees the world and processes their surroundings. Opportunities to stop and sniff offer your dog mental stimulation, has been shown in studies to lower their heart rate and signs of stress, and can be just as beneficial as physical exercise. Sniff breaks can be incorporated between stints of jogging, running, or walking - that way, your dog will get the physical and mental exercise they need to be dog-tired at the end of the day.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.