Dog Parks and Children???
Several years ago, driving to the grocery store, I noticed an active scene at a nearby dog park. Since I’m always interested in observing dogs, I pulled over to the side of the road and stopped so I could watch the scene. There were twenty or more dogs in the park, running around and playing with each other. Everyone looked happy, and I didn’t see any signs of tension among the dogs. It looked like a good time was being had by all.
However, I then noticed something that gave me quite a start. It was a small child, toddler age, perhaps two years old, wearing nothing but diapers, wandering around the park as the dogs raced around him, chasing each other and running at top speed.
Perhaps the most disturbing part of the picture was that there was no adult anywhere near the toddler. Some distance away, a group of adults was gathered, standing together and talking and laughing. None of the adults was paying attention to the toddler, who was widely separated from them.
I got out of the car and headed across the street toward the park, hoping to intervene to help the child to a safer place, and just as I did, one of the adults finally came over to the toddler and guided him back to the group of people. Fortunately, the child was taken out of a risky situation before he got hurt, so all ended well. But a lot can go wrong at a dog park, especially for babies and children.
DOG PARKS ARE NOT A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT FOR DOGS
In nature, animals stay within their own territories, with their own group. Outsiders are driven out; this ensures a food supply for the resident animals and helps to maintain group cohesion and safety. Although dogs have evolved a long way from their wild days as wolves, they still retain an awareness of group membership. It’s clear that dogs recognize their own families and their own territories, and respond differently to outsiders than they do to their own family members.
While there are dogs that get along very well at a dog park, the setup is an unnatural one for many dogs: new dogs come in and out of the park at random, dogs are often unfamiliar with each other, and some dogs are just not a good match for the dog park scene.
In spite of this, dogs are sometimes taken to dog parks because well-meaning owners believe that it will be good for their dogs to be in a play group. But some dogs are just not relaxed or comfortable when surrounded by unfamiliar dogs, and it’s not unusual for problems to crop up, whether because of crowding, competition for toys and balls, or outright fights breaking out.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DOG PARK
General activity - What’s the tone of the park: are dogs playing in twos and threes and do they seem relaxed and happy? Or do you see tension among dogs? Are dogs barking, jumping on other dogs or chasing them? Are some dogs playing roughly while other dogs are trying to get away from them?
When going to a dog park, even a familiar one, it’s a good idea to spend a few minutes watching the activity in the park before you go in with your dog. If the park doesn’t look calm and relaxed, find another activity for that day.
Gated entrances and exits - Look for parks that have at least two separate gated entrances, preferably even more. It’s best if those gates are widely separated from each other, so that you can exit the park without having to get close to a problem dog that’s entering the park.
It’s also a good thing if there are double gates at the entrances, so that dogs can’t rush in or out but have to wait for the second gate to be opened.
Space - The larger the space, the better. In a large, open space, dogs can maintain a comfortable distance from each other. Always keep your dog away from tight groups of dogs; crowding dogs is often where problems start.
Separate areas for large and small dogs - It’s helpful to keep dogs with others of similar size. Large dogs can hurt small dogs, even in play and without intent.
Throwing balls for dogs - Some dogs guard balls and toys and may react aggressively to other dogs running for the same ball. If you see someone throwing balls for his dog, guide your dog to a different part of the park. Several dogs running for the same ball can lead to trouble.
Food treats in the park - Avoid letting your dog get close to another dog who is being given a food treat. Some dogs guard food and may react badly to a dog that’s too close when the treats come out. It’s safest not to use food when there are other dogs around.
The article below was written by dog trainer Pat Miller and offers much more information about how dogs experience dog parks. It’s well worth a read, if you take your dog to dog parks or are considering doing so.
The Pros and Cons of Dog Parks
WHAT ABOUT BABIES, TODDLERS AND OLDER CHILDREN AT DOG PARKS?
Babies - Dog parks can be rough places, and bringing a baby along is a risky proposition. If you decide to do it, here are some safety concerns to consider carefully:
Never place the baby on the ground, even for a minute; it’s just too easy for a baby on the ground to get bumped or stepped on.
Strollers put the baby at the level of dogs‘ faces (and mouths!) and can be bumped into or knocked over. Not safe!
Carrying your baby in a front pack or back pack can affect your balance and can also make it difficult to bend down safely; be aware of how you’re moving and be extra careful.
Dogs running hard and fast can bump into people and knock them down, which could be extremely dangerous for you and your baby, so avoid places where dogs are playing roughly and stick to less active locations in the park.
Toddlers - Any toddler in a dog park should always be accompanied by an adult who stays right next to the toddler. No toddler should ever wander alone in a place where there are dogs present, especially dogs off leash.
A cardinal rule for people when meeting dogs is to let the dog approach, rather than moving toward the dog. This is especially important with children; toddlers should never run after dogs or chase them. This is important at home too.
Many dogs like to chase balls; toddlers should never try to throw a ball for a dog. Dogs can get excited, grab the ball before it’s thrown, and this could lead to a bite.
Never let a child tease a dog. Children sometimes try to get a dog excited by waving a toy or ball around in front of the dog; toddlers may try to throw a toy but not really know how to do it. These motions can stimulate a dog to jump for the toy and try to grab it.
Toddlers tend to be physical in their reactions; don’t let your toddler reach for dogs or try to hug or kiss them. Never let a toddler (or any child) move his face toward a dog’s face.
Older children - Children at dog parks can get excited by the running and playing of the dogs. Whether your children are toddlers or older kids, the more active they are, the more likely it is that they’ll want to join in the fun, running with dogs and trying to play with them. But doing so can lead to problems, sometimes big problems!
Children should be taught to behave calmly around groups of dogs, walking rather than running, keeping their voices quiet, and generally staying relaxed. Boistrous, excited play in children can be overstimulating to dogs who may try to play roughly with the children.
Dogs follow movement, and in addition to chasing balls and sticks, dogs may also chase children who are running. Almost any dog can outrun a child, and when the dog catches the child, that dog may jump and knock the child down. Dogs have been known to bite at that point, out of excessive excitement or misplaced prey drive.
Running children may trip and fall, triggering dogs to jump on them. Not safe!
Dogs don’t understand teasing and can get frustrated easily. Teasing with toys, balls, sudden movements or pretending to throw something can cause a dog to nip or bite.
Children of all ages should ask permission before petting any new dog. Remember too that dogs in a dog park are busy and distracted and may not be interested in meeting people.
If a fight breaks out among dogs at the park (and it does happen), children should be taught never, NEVER to interfere with that dog fight, even to help their own dog.
Dogs that are fighting become intensely focused and can redirect aggression toward anything that catches their attention. It’s natural for a child witnessing a dog fight to want to intervene to stop it, especially to save a family pet. But doing so is extremely dangerous, and children should be taught to move away from a dog fight, never toward it. The possibility of a fight is one strong reason parents should always stay near their children when there are loose dogs around.
Even witnessing a dog fight can be terrifying to a child, even when seen from a distance, and even if the child’s own dog is not involved. The possibility of a dog fight is another reason to consider carefully if a dog park is a good place for your child, whatever the child’s age.
ARE DOG PARKS WORTH THE RISK?
A lot can go wrong at a dog park. Dogs can get injured when running and playing roughly, fights can break out, and just one dog that doesn’t play well with others can change the mood of the whole park in seconds.
Babies and children at dog parks can easily get caught in the fray of intense activity, putting them at risk. If you’re considering a dog park, especially one that’s unfamiliar to you, think carefully about the wisdom of taking your baby, toddler or older children along. And if you do, supervise, supervise, SUPERVISE!
OTHER OPTIONS FOR FUN FOR YOUR DOG
If you decide you’re going to pass up the dog park experience, there are many other ways to give your dog a good time. Here are just a few suggestions; others are found in several other articles on this blog.
One of the best and most satisfying experiences for a dog is a walk (on leash is okay) during which the dog is given all the time he wants to sniff. Sniffing is a major activity for dogs, using their most important sense, and although not physically strenuous, sniffing offers great mental interest to dogs. Have you ever gone to a museum and gotten tired after looking at objects or paintings? Dogs get tired the same way after lots of sniffing!
Play dates with friends can give your dog plenty of exercise and fun.
If a dog walker works out for you, that’s another option for dog-dog time.
Family hikes with the dog will give your dog a wonderful time: family contact, exercise, and a chance to investigate the world around him.
Being accurate about your dog’s personality will help you choose the best activities for him, especially with a baby in your home. This FREE Checklist will give you lots of valuable information.