17 Steps To Assist You When You Are Venturing Out With Your Dog After Quarantine

I’m fairly certain at least one of my five dogs is excited at the thought of going to the park and playing with other dogs for the first time in weeks. 

As excited as you are for your dog, your dog will be even more excited when this happens. This is a great dream for your dog to start playing with their dog friends though for some dogs with behavioral issues, their dysfunctions are omni-present so keeping that in mind will help you ease your dog into a graduated socialization as your daily routine returns to a normalcy.

You’ll be competing with a bunch of dogs, in some cases there will be dozens of dogs crowding into the same off-leash dog park areas. Even if your dog is not dysfunctional there may be other dogs there that will have dysfunctions that their parents may not be aware of as they let their dogs join into the dog park mileu. 

Planning The First Trip, Even If Your Dog Is ‘Fine’:

1. Make your dog’s first trip as simple as possible.
2. Bring plenty of water.
3. Bring a human snack/meal that is safe to share with your dog. Your dog will understand this as a shared meal which serves maintenance to your dog’s familial bond in a ‘new’ environment.
4. Don’t pack too many toys and games and snacks so you’re not distracted and focus on your dog.
5. Don’t pack any personal toys that may cause your dog to narrow focus.
6. Let your dog inspect everything to establish scent anchoring.
7. Plan for a shorter time at the dog park for one hour or less.
8. Go to a location that will have a smaller area to play in the event there is an overwhelming influx of other dogs. 
9. Don’t pick an area that’s too large in the event another dog begins to chase after your dog even if in friendly play as this will elevate your dog’s anxiety trying to escape a much larger area.
10. Watch your dog’s behavior for physically manifested feelings of being overwhelmed by other dogs.
11. Remember to check in often with your dog by recalling them and resetting them with at least 30 seconds of personal time with you. This reinforces your connection.
12. If another dog is stressing your dog, calmly walk toward them and recall your dog.
13. Keep to the preset play time to acclimate your dog back to their schedule.
14. Before letting them in your vehicle, reset your dog with a hug.
15. Inside your vehicle, reset your dog again.
16. On the drive home, confidently praise them for their behavior with the same tone as I blogged in my earlier article (LINK HERE).
17. Plan your next doggy park trip ASAP <3