OkcPets Magazine January 2022

28 OKC Pets • January/February 2022 Barepaws in the Park Dog Training Helps Keep Visit Positive by Michael Bell Y ou begin to walk in a certain direc- tion or you pile in the car while your four-legged furry friend leans out the window all excited because he knows you’re headed to someplace he enjoys. He will get to socialize with other dogs run- ning around and will spend time with you. The dog park can absolutely be an enjoy- able place to visit with your furry friend, but it can quickly become wearisome for you and your pup if you fail to train him on what to do or expect at the park. Most dogs might not be fully trained or properly prepared for a long stay in that environ- ment. First, I would like to point out that there are several best practices that are agreed on by many trainers and veterinarians for any visit to a dog park. The list below is the most recommended. • Do not bring an adult dog that hasn’t been neutered or spayed. Intact dogs are more likely to cause a fight. • Because the risk of disease is high, do not bring puppies that are younger than four months. • Do not use a chain collar in the dog park because it can be a choking hazard. • Make sure to supervise your dog so you are prepared to step in when needed. • If you and your pup are new to the dog-park scene, do not go there when it is crowded. The secret to having an enjoyable time at the dog park or anywhere your dog might be off-leash resides in the dog’s under- standing a few basic commands that allow you to divert attention or to recall him. No matter where you are, whenever you and your fur baby are in a public setting, you should be able to control the dog even when off-leash. Practice the Recall Command So the first step is to make certain your pup understands the recall command. You should master this command before visiting any places where your pup will be off-leash. You can do this at home by practicing with a long lead line. A long line is not the same as an extending line, which teaches a dog that if he pulls, he will get more leash. There is no instant easy fix to getting your fur baby to respond to a recall command. It will take time, commitment, and work to build a relationship with your pup. That relationship can only be earned; it cannot be bought or bribed. A word of warning: If your leashed pup overreacts to other dogs — evidenced by barking, pull- ing, whining, and lunging — you must teach him to first be calm and not to react when another dog or human approaches. There are two schools of thought on that subject. Both have their merits, and nei-