Tips for Hosting a Dog Park Social
Tips for Hosting a Dog Park Social
Krebs, K./plainpicture/Corbis
Dogs are social animals that thrive on healthy interactions with others. A dog park social is a great way for them to burn energy, build muscle, increase stamina and bone up on body language skills.
Comb through your guest list and invite owners whose dogs are generally well-behaved and non-aggressive. Think of the play dates you've attended, the friends you've made at puppy kindergarten or the fans you've met at breed association meetings or dog shows. You may want to limit your social event to either small or large dogs instead of a mix -- very small dogs can be unintentionally injured during the course of play with larger pups. Most parks don't allow puppies under 5 months because they haven't received their rabies' vaccination, and females in heat and intact males may also be politely declined.
If the dog owners on your guest list have children, check the park's rules. Some dog parks don't allow children younger than 12. If you do include children, set a few ground rules of your own. Running or screaming (even in play) could trigger a dog's chase instinct. Not all dogs are accustomed to the quick movements, loud sounds and unexpected approaches of children, so supervise child guests and encourage them to ask the owner's permission before petting any dog.
But what should a host bring to the party? A sampler of dog treats or yogurt-based doggie "ice cream," from either your own kitchen or a local shop, is sure to be a hit with hungry hounds. Most parks provide fresh water in tubs or fountains, but bringing a few doggie bowls won't hurt, and you should have bottled water or sports drinks on hand for your two-legged guests. While most parks provide poop bags and a place to dispose of them, bring your own bags in case the bag dispenser doesn't enough to go around.
Keep the party moving by organizing a few activities, such as friendly races through an agility course or tug-of-war competitions to see which owner and dog can hang on the longest. Offer inexpensive prizes to those who compete, such as gift-wrapped treats or dog toys. And don't forget to leave time for free play.
When your dog can zip around the park with other dogs, the freedom is physically and mentally satisfying -- something that's definitely difficult to replicate in your living room.
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