The last article I wrote was covering some general information about our upcoming Dog Park, and these next three articles will be a more detailed examination on what you need to know to have a safe, enjoyable and memorable visit to the Moberly Dog Park.
While The Dog Park Is Being Built
The simple fact is that not every dog and owner will enjoy the dog park in the same way. And it must be said that I am sure there are dogs out there that should not be brought to the dog park at all. Each dog/owner team will need to determine several things before their first visit. The following are some things you may want to consider, do/have done before you come:
*Evaluate Your Dog’s Behavior. You are the person who knows your dog best, and should be able to read his/her moods, behaviors, etc.
-If your dog is not a social animal, and prefers limited contact with other dogs or humans, it doesn’t mean your dog cannot enjoy the park. What it may mean is that you are coming to the park at off-peak times, when there are fewer dog and people. As your dog becomes more socialized, then consider coming during more busy times.
-If you have an overly dominant or overly submissive dog, you may want to consider a more “easing-in” approach to the first visits. Plan on coming the first couple of times for very short periods (5-10 minutes), and then gradually increase as your dog becomes more confident.
-IF YOUR DOG HAS EVER INSTIGATED A FIGHT, IS OVERLY AGGRESSIVE ON A REGULAR BASIS, OR IS KNOWN TO NIP, BITE, LUNGE, GROWL OR EXHIBIT ANY OTHER AGGRESSIVE TENDENCIES, DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG TO THE PARK!
-Remember, dog owners/handlers are legally responsible for the actions of their dog at all times, even when your dog is off-leash. Your dog should always be under either voice or leash control.
*Make Sure Your Dog Is Healthy. A healthy dog is a happy dog, and healthy dogs keep the Dog Park clean and healthy as well!
-You should NEVER bring your dog to the park with any open wounds, cuts, stitches, etc. This can cause very serious problems in a dog park setting.
-Make sure your dog is completely up to date on all of its vaccinations. At a minimum, your dog should be immunized against the Rabies Virus, but Dr. Cliff Miller from Green Hills Veterinary Clinic also recommends Distemper, Bordetella (Kennel Cough) and a de-worming regimen. You should also sure your dog is up to date on its Heartworm and Flea/Tick Protection as well. Just like a child in day care, dogs can and will pick up parasites/diseases from other dogs.
-Puppies under 4 months, or those that have not had their second round of puppy vaccinations, are not allowed at the dog park. They are more susceptible to catching something from another dog.
-Female dogs in heat are not allowed at the dog park, for obvious behavior problems that can result.
In the next article, I will cover:
-Dog Park psychology
-How to prepare for Fido’s first visit.
-Do’s and Don’ts for dog park behavior.
-Explanation on dog park rules.
A special Thank You goes to the Moberly AKC Club who, without their financial contribution for this project, the dog park would still be a concept on paper.
Another Thank You goes to Dr. Cliff Miller and the staff at Green Hill’s Veterinary Clinic, who has donated the Pet Waste Pickup Stations for the Dog Park. Thank you for your continued support!
As I pleaded before, donations are still being accepted through the Friends of the Park Foundation. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution specifically to the dog park project, please make you check payable to Friends of the Park, 200 N. Clark St. Moberly, MO 65270. Your contribution will go toward the continued improvement of this new feature of Rothwell Park. For questions, comments or suggestions about the dog park, you may contact Parks and Recreation Director Michael Bork at (660) 269-8705 Ext. 2013.