Dog parks should be all about enjoyment. They should be a place where your dog can burn off energy and socialise with fellow canine companions.
However, trainer Adrienne Farricelli has outlined nine common and shockingly rude behaviours she regularly witnesses at dog parks.
9 rude dog park behaviours
Here are the top nine dog park faux pas:
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- Not supervising your dog: looking at your phone or chatting instead of watching your dog can lead to missed warning signs and preventable fights
- Ignoring red flags: overlooking signs of discomfort or stress in dogs can escalate tension quickly
- Bringing a sick dog: even a “little cough” could spread illness. Farricelli warns against exposing other dogs to contagious conditions like Giardia or kennel cough
- Not picking up after your dog: leaving dog poo behind isn’t just disgusting, it spreads parasites and can even affect humans
- Bringing a dog in heat or an intact male: this can disrupt group dynamics and lead to aggression
- Bringing a reactive or under-socialised dog: dog parks aren’t ideal for working through behavioural issues and can even make things worse
- Assuming dogs will ‘work it out’: letting rough play or bullying go unchecked is irresponsible
- Bringing an untrained dog: if your dog doesn’t reliably come when called, they shouldn’t be off-lead
- Ignoring park rules: these exist for safety, breaking them puts everyone at risk
Think before you head to the park
While not all dog parks are bad, Farricelli urges owners to assess whether their dog truly enjoys the experience. “Go informed, go prepared, and always advocate for your dog.”
