Visiting the Dog Park: Having Fun, Staying Safe

Have fun and stay safe at the dog park
Taking your dog to a dog park is a great way to exercise and socialize your canine companion. Dog parks offer fresh air, open space, and freedom a chance for your dog to be a dog. But not all dogs enjoy the experience and not all dog parks are safe for your dog. Visiting the Dog Park gives you inside information on deciding if your dog is ready for a dog park outing, whether the design of the park makes for safe play, and teaches you simple things you can do to prepare for a great dog park experience.

Learn practical skills
-Evaluate your dog's personality and temperament to decide if he's dog park-ready.
-Learn about design features a well-planned dog park should have.
-Teach your dog four simple behaviors to make him dog park-safe.
-How to read canine body language to avoid problems.
-Dog park etiquette for both dogs and humans.

BONUS! Information on small dogs in dog parks, conflict resolution, and how to find a dog park.

Praise for Visiting the Dog Park from experts
Cheryl Smith barks an honest appraisal of what dog parks are all about, the good, the bad, the clean and the messy. I especially appreciate the chapter "Canine Observation Skills" because she recognizes that what dogs are saying to one another is important--after all they are /dog /parks.
Steve Dale, syndicated columnist "My Pet World" and host "Pet Central" WGN radio Chicago

Cheryl Smith has hit a home run with this much-needed book. It equips the dog owner with everything he or she needs to know before visiting the dog park. Canine body language, appropriate play styles, and conflict resolution are covered in depth.
Sarah Kalnajs, author of Language of Dogs and Am I Safe? DVDs

Cheryl S. Smith is an award-winning author of eleven books on dogs, including Dog Friendly Gardens, Garden Friendly Dogs and Right On Target! She is a frequent contributor to dog magazines and lectures on a wide-range of dog-related topics. Cheryl is a member of the Association of Dog Trainers and the National Association of Science Writers and is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. She lives with her three dogs in Port Angeles, Washington where she teaches dog training, hosts a call-in radio show PetSmith, and tends her extensive gardens.