Tips for first time dog park users.
In addition to the official dog park rules, here are some other things you might consider to help make your (and your dog's) visit to the dog park a success.
First time users should consider coming at off-peak times for their initial visit. Don't put pressure on your dog by forcing it into what it thinks could be a threatening situation. Instead, come back at another time when it is less crowded. consider keeping your first visit to the dog park rather short to minimize the stress on your pup. Leaving early when your dog is having a good time will make it more likely that your dog will be anxious to return for subsequent visits. Keep the experience positive and let your dog build its confidence gradually.
Keep your dog leashed at all times while OUTSIDE the fenced dog park area. Any dog off-leash outside the fenced area violates Providence's leash law so remember to keep your dog leashed until you enter the park. While many dogs are responsive to voice control, they are still required be leashed in public.
Remove your dog's leash in the double-gated transition area. Some dogs can feel threatened if they are leashed in the presence of unleashed dogs. When entering or leaving the off-leash area, do not enter the double-gated transition area if there is already someone in there. This will eliminate the possibility of both gates being open at the same time.
Move away from the entrance after you enter the park. That helps disperse (thus reducing tension/excitement) the group of dogs that will come to welcome your dog to the park. Move away from the fence so that your dog will not feel cornered or threatened. This will lessen the problem caused when several off-leash dogs, already in the park, come running over to greet the new arrival, perhaps overwhelming the arriving dog.
If children are allowed in your dog park you should SUPERVISE THEM VERY CLOSELY!!! Please understand that the play area is provided for dogs to interact with dogs and that your child could be considered an interruption in dog play. Teach your child proper dog park behavior. Children should not run around, scream, pick up and wave sticks, or approach animals that they do not know.
Please watch your dog closely. Many dogs will be experiencing the off-leash environment for the first time and may not be used to the experience. If your dog acts aggressively, please leash your dog immediately and let the animal "cool down". It takes time for a new dog to become comfortable with the fact that other dogs all share the neutral environment. Keep in mind that everyone at the park wants the same thing – socialized dogs that can have fun together. If you are not sure how your dog will react, try to come to the park when few other dogs are there to keep the intimidation level as low as possible.
If your dog is wearing a choke chain collar, remove it before letting the dog off-leash. This is for the dog's own safety. Unfortunately, there have been reports of dogs who were strangled during play simply because another dog was either caught in or was tugging on a choke collar.
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