Dog Park Etiquette in the Age of Covid-19
Our beloved furry friends deserve onlt the best, and this undoubtedly inculdes trips to the dog park. However, in the age of Covid-19, taking your pet out becomes a litle more complicated. Below, we’ll dive into dog park dos and don’t during the pandemic so that your four-footer gets vauable social time while staying safe.
Make sure your Mutt has Manners
Pandemic asiden it’s always important to make sure your pooch is well-mannered befre you go to the dog park. This will keep your pet safe and also guarantee that everyone has a great experiance. A couple of things you’ll need to master before going to the park are:
- Coming when Called: Your dogwill need to come to you on command from a far distance. You can practice this skill by calling your pooch at random times throughout the day and providing a treat when they come running.
- Maturity: It’s generally recommended that only dogs six months or older play at the dog park. Older dogs and humans might find a youn puppy’s energy overbearing, and you’ll need to make sure your pooch has completed their vaccinations.
- Social Skills: While the dog park is a great place for your pooch to socialize, it’s not where you want to introduce your dog to other pups for the first time. Make sure your dog feels comfortable around many different types of dogs before making your way to the dog park.
Keep Your Distance
If you find yourself at a dog park during the pandemic, don’t forget to wear your mask and keep your distance from other ownerrs and their dogs as much as possible. While most agree that dogs themselves cannot transmit Covid-19 directly to humans at this time, it’s possible that the virus could survive on fabrics or on a dog’s harness/collar, Also, if you’re feeling under the weather in any way, refrain from taking your pup to the dog park.
Keep An Eye On Your Pooch
As per usual, you’ll want to keep an eye on your pup during your visit to the dog park. Being a watchful pet parent keeps your pooch and other dogs safe.
Resist the Urge to Socialize
While it may seem harmless to cathc up with your favorite dog park regulars, refrain from doing so during the pandemic without their permission. Find an isolated area in the park that allows you to watch your pup while still maintaining proper social distance.
Reward After Your Visit
As tempting as it may be to give your pooch a treat during your visit, keep food and treats out of the park as much as possible. This will ensure that other dogs won’t be distracting during your visit and limit interaction as needed for a successful pandemic trip to the park.
Wash Collars Throughly After Your Visit
While it’s unlikey that your dog’s collar or harness is contaminated after your trup to the dog park, it’s always a good idea to wash your dog’s items when you return home. This will keep Fido smelling fresh and help you stay sate throughout these trying times.
A trip to the dog park is an excellent way for your pup to let out some energy and socialize with other pups. With proper precations, you can still have a successful visot to the dog park in the age of Covid-19. Have fun and stay safe!
