Dog park etiquette: 8 unwritten rules every owner should know

Dog parks are the town squares of the dog world. They're also where a lot of avoidable drama happens. Here are the unwritten rules that experienced owners live by.

1. Watch your dog, not your phone

Most park incidents escalate in seconds. The owners who prevent them are the ones actually watching. Scroll later - your dog is doing something hilarious right now anyway.

2. Learn the difference between play and trouble

Loose, bouncy movement and role-swapping (chaser becomes the chased) is play. Stiff bodies, pinned ears, cornering and one-sided chasing are not. When in doubt, call your dog and reset.

3. Don't bring a dog that doesn't want to be there

Some dogs simply don't enjoy dog parks - and that's fine. Forcing a nervous dog to "socialize" usually teaches them the opposite lesson.

4. Leave the toys at home (usually)

Many dogs share space happily until a prized ball enters the picture. If your dog guards toys, keep them in your pocket.

5. Pick up. Every time.

No exceptions. Carry more bags than you think you need, and offer one to the person patting their pockets in despair.

6. Ask before you feed

Treats are wonderful training tools and terrible surprises. Allergies, diets and resource-guarding all mean one thing: ask the owner first.

7. Know when to leave

Overtired dogs make bad choices, just like overtired toddlers. Ending on a good note is a skill - ten great minutes beat forty chaotic ones.

8. Introduce yourself, not just your dog

You already have something in common with every person there. The dog park is one of the last places where strangers actually talk to each other - lean into it.

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Clan helps you find dog owners near you, plan park meetups and stay in touch with the friends your dog makes. Dogs today, cats very soon. 🐾