Introducing Your Dog to Other Dogs in Public Spaces

posted on Friday, July 8, 2022 in Pet PSA

Introducing Your Dog to Other Dogs in Public Spaces

It's the time of year we all love - long walks and visits to public dog parks (click here to see a list of Des Moines area dog parks)! As dog owners, we want to be sure that crossing paths with other dogs in public spaces is safe for all parties involved. Here are a few tips for when you are out and about with your dogs this summer.

• Keep your dog on a leash, and once your dog has made eye contact with the other dog, allow them to sniff the approaching dog. If you are at a dog park, walk around the perimeter (outside the fence) with your dog on the leash, this gives your dog an opportunity to meet the other dogs through the fence before entering.
• While your dog is meeting other dogs, humans should remain calm, with low voices to keep excitement out of the situation and to help reduce stress.
• Know your dog's body language, when they are stressed or becoming aggressive, it's time to move on.
• Be sure to pay attention to your dogs in the dog park. Your dogs may not be afraid, but other dogs in the park may be fearful and may need some space. Know when it's time to call them away from other dogs if situations become tense.
• Always be sure your dog is wearing their collar with updated tags, and your dog's vaccinations are up to date.
• It should be fun! Remember to reward your dog along the way for good behavior.

If you would like more tips about behavior, training, and health, click here to visit our website for more resources about dogs!

Questions?
Email our pet behavior team at petbehavior@arl-iowa.org.

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