OkcPets Magazine March 2021

26 OKC Pets • March/April 2021 Self-Serve DogWash and Local Home Delivery NORMAN 360 24th Ave NW (405) 310-2549 YUKON 335 S. Mustang Rd #E (405) 265-2950 www.Pawtopia.net Like us on I LOVE Pawtopia! greet other dogs on his own terms. 3 Keep an eye on your dog. Know where your dog is at all times and who else is nearby—both other parents and other dogs. You can’t spot a potentially bad interac- tion if you’re playing a game on your phone or texting. It has been suggested that possibly the worst kind of pet parents are people who bring their dogs to the park so they (the parent) can have “alone time.” Other people are not here to babysit your dog for you. This is their time, not yours. We do try to foster an environment in the dog park where owners receive the opportunity to socialize as well, but please keep a sharp eye on your furry friend at the same time. Watch your dog’s demeanor and make an informed judgment about how happy he is in any situation. 4 Know your dog’s personality. The dog park is a great place for exercise and socialization, but it is also a great place to get into trouble. Mud pits after it rains, snakes to step on, squirrels to chase, over-possessiveness over toys or sticks, dogs (or people) with a bad attitude—you need to make sure your dog is capable of handling these types of challenges as they are all ways your dog can ruin your day and/or get himself into a load of trouble. Watch how well your dog does in new situations, especially if you’ve recently adopted an adult dog. A course in basic dog training/ handling like we offer at the dog park, through Steve Debono and his company Debono Dog Training, will help you gain insight to nip trouble in the bud when you see it coming. “Knowing and paying attention to your dog’s body language is a key factor in having a great time with your dog,” Debono says. 5 Do not bring unneutered and in-heat dogs to the park. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) states vehemently that intact males or unneutered dogs over 1 year of age should not be taken to the dog park. They are just coming of age in their maturity and may become a threat to other male dogs, and fights may occur.