Bark Park Etiquette

While many dog owners greatly enjoy taking their furry friends to the Bentonville Bark Park, I have met some that are wary of the experience.  This is often because they have not gone before or are nervous of how their dog will act.

Dogs are pack animals, they love to socialize and play, and a dog park is a great way to socialize and exercise your dog.  A couple pieces of advice.

1.  Watch your dog at all times.  Be aware of the other dogs s/he is interacting with.  Most dogs just want to play, but sometimes a couple of "alpha" type dogs won't back down to each other.  Note if you see any interactions like that and watch your pet carefully when with those dogs.

Kora the Blue Heeler

2.  Encourage your dog to "check-in".  Freya is wonderfully social and submissive to other dogs, and so I don't worry about her scampering to the other end of the yard.  However I will call her every couple of minutes back to me.  This is a great training moment as I am able to teach her to obey the "COME" with great distraction all around.  (Because Freya is part Australian Shepherd, she also does this instinctively with me as she is aware that I am her "ward or herd", it may be harder to train other breeds to do this.)
3.  Chat with other owners!  This is a social exercise for you too!  People love to talk about their dogs and it's easy to strike up a conversation with strangers in a safe environment.
4.  Note when your dog is tiring.  Tell tale signs: lying down, overly barking, getting testy with other dogs, sitting by you.  These things all mean it is time to go home.

One of Freya's special friends, Kora does not get on well with other dogs.  She is a Blue Heeler and is very attached to her owner, thinking she must defend her at all costs!  My friend is trying to work with Kora on this and has taken her to the dog park to help socialize her.  Kora is kept on the leash at all times and is praised when she lets other dogs and people sniff or pet her.  With time, we hope that she will get friendlier with other dogs and eventually be allowed off the leash in a controlled setting.

Don't miss another exciting opportunity to socialize your dog in downtown Bentonville with upcoming First Fridays and Farmers Markets!  Special "Dog Days of Summer" Farmers Market on May 19, 2012.