Dog Park Alternatives

I've always opposed dog park visits. In short, I feel dogs learn a lot of problem behaviors in these environments, not to mention safety and health concerns. So below, I'd like to offer some alternative activities that owners can share with their dog(s) - ones that can be beneficial vs potentially harmful.

Walking: I tell every new client, a structured walk with your dog is the best single exercise you can do. Taking control of a walk, and teaching your dog to follow instead of lead, is the first step on the leadership trail. Leadership is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship with your pet. Slow walks are a great way to calm hyper dogs, and slow walks are more enjoyable for you AND your dog. What a great way to start bonding!

Training: You can read dozens of articles on my website regarding the benefits of training. Training teaches dogs how to live well within a human environment. Training is also a language that improves communication between an owner and their pet. Finally, training provides mental challenges which can drain a dog's energy more effectively than hours of exercise or play.

Games: Beyond the basics above, teaching your dog to think during play is a great way to build focus and improve obedience. Try some tug, with sits or downs sprinkled unexpectedly in the mix. How about having your dog do sits or downs while running during fetch? Or teach your dog how to find things by scent in the home. All of these are great ways to spend some quality time with your canine companion.

Agility: There are many ways to work agility exercises in your own neighborhood or community. Agility builds teamwork, as dogs are directed by their owner through various mental and physical challenges. Can you walk on this knee wall, or crawl under this bench? How about heeling, sits, downs, etc. on elevated beams or platforms? Use your imagination, and you and your dog can have a great time working together.

Road Trips: Most dogs like to travel, so why not practice some (or all) of the suggestions above away from home? Mixing up venues is a fun and simple way to provide additional opportunities and challenges for your dog, and to improve current obedience levels. I've spent time just having my dogs stay in a down outside a Target while my wife was shopping. Nothing fancy, but definitely a fun trip for the dogs, and beneficial for their obedience.

All of the above can provide mental challenges for dogs, improve obedience, and build stronger human-k9 relationships. This, versus chauffeuring a dog to play dates at dog parks. Un-structured play among dogs is a recipe for building hyperactive behaviors, and increasing anxiety in timid dogs. Use your time productively! Imagine how much better your dog could be if you spent "dog park time" working the activities above.