Expert Shepparton dog trainer explains off-leash park etiquette

Nov 24, 2021

Dynamic duo: Dog trainer Averil Coe with her dear companion Jasper.

The opening of a new off-leash dog park in Shepparton is quite rightly causing much excitement. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when taking your faithful hound for a visit. DogTech senior trainer Averil Coe, who has more than a decade of experience working with dogs in the Goulburn Valley, shares these practical tips for introducing your pooch to the park.

Health safety check

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Before visiting a park or any public space it’s vital that puppies be at least 10 days past their second vaccination, and it’s preferable to wait until they’ve had the final booster, usually at the 16-week mark.

This is crucial to protect the puppy from serious infectious diseases, especially parvovirus, which can make dogs seriously unwell and is often fatal.

It’s also important to ensure your adult dog receives their annual C5 vaccination to maintain their immunity.

Introducing puppies to other dogs

Attending a puppy preschool course for supervised socialisation in a safe setting is a great first step in getting your new puppy familiar with other dogs.

Rather than throwing your pup in headfirst, build up its confidence before visiting a dog park.

There are several good options for puppy preschool courses in the Shepparton area.

What to do on your first visit

When taking a puppy or dog to the park for the first time it can be useful to choose a very quiet time during the day for the first visit.

That way the dog can get used to the new space without feeling overwhelmed by other dogs. Just let the dog explore and sniff. Take a toy and some treats. Make it a fun experience.

Before entering the park scope out the activity taking place inside first. If it’s super busy inside, a good starting point can be just to walk your dog up and down the outside fence line for a little while. Again, the idea is for your dog to get used to and assimilate to the new environment without feeling overwhelmed.

Taking it slowly and building up exposure is the way to go.

If the activity inside the park is looking happy and friendly, take your dog in through the air lock gates and remove the lead but have it ready to use if need be.

Inexperienced dogs can feel trapped and frightened if they’re on a lead and an off-lead dog or dogs approach it.

Keep moving! Calmly walk around the space, rather than standing stationary. This will give your dog a sense that you’re relaxed and at ease with the situation.

Warmly praise friendly overtures when your dog greets or is greeted by other dogs

Keep watch and connect with the community

Chat with other owners but always keep an eye on your dog. If things are looking a bit rough or heated, clip your dog back on the lead and walk him or her away until things settle down.

Always supervise your dog. Leave the phone on silent. This is time for you and your dog.

Carry poop bags. The park supply may be empty so have extras. Pick up after your dog. No-one likes stepping in dog poo and it spreads disease.

Join the local dog park Facebook group. This is a great way to organise meet-and-greets.

Swap phone numbers with the owners of your dog’s “besties”. That way you can arrange to attend the park at the same time.

Above all it should be a happy experience for your dog. If your dog is looking overwhelmed, call it a day. Build up to it gradually.

A word of caution

I always scope out the activity at my local dog park and the participants before I enter the gates. The large majority of owners attending the parks are responsible and their dogs are well socialised. However, inevitably, there are always the occasional few who will bring dogs with significant aggression behavioural issues to a dog park.

Unfortunately this can result in attacks and fights where innocent dogs and/or their owners can wind up becoming seriously injured. So follow your gut instinct. If you don’t like the look of what’s going on, step away. Leave it for later or another day. It’s not worth risking it.

Having fun is the goal, with your dog getting to hang out with other dogs, burn off some energy and develop canine social skills. It can be an important social outlet for owners too. I’ve made some great friends and connections through walking and socialising my own dogs over the years.