If your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy dog park, don’t force it, Modesto pet trainer says

Q. I have been taking my 4-year-old dog Frankie to the dog park in our neighborhood for about six months. He likes to sniff around the area but avoids other dogs and has snapped at a few that have come too close. What can I do to get him to enjoy the park and get some good exercise playing with other dogs? – Gene

A. In a word, Gene, stop. You are doing both your dog and the other dogs at the dog park a great injustice.

The neat thing about a dog park is that anyone can go there with their dog — that’s also the worst thing about a dog park. I’ve been to many, and it’s troubling to see the inappropriate behavior of both dogs and humans on any given day.

The idea that dogs both require and rejoice in spending time playing with other dogs is not at all accurate. Many dogs, while in various stages of puppyhood, welcome a good romp with other dogs, but as they mature into adulthood those desires often disappear. This does not indicate a problem with the dog, but merely a dog that has grown up and no longer finds it rewarding to play with others. It’s disturbing to see owners placing their dog repeatedly into situations it clearly doesn’t enjoy, while the owners drink coffee, become absorbed in their cell phones and leave the dog to figure it out or fend for itself.

Equally disturbing are the armchair dog enthusiasts who insist they know what’s going on with the dogs due to their many hours spent watching canine TV shows, and take it upon themselves to discipline the group of dogs present.

Your dog’s behavior, Gene, is a clear indication of his increased level of stress when he’s there. Do him a favor and remove him, permanently, and find other ways to give him the exercise he needs. Long walks or jogs with you, and general play sessions with you are a good start. Perhaps some regular contact at home with a specific canine friend that shares the same level of energy and interest would be a good fit, instead of a group of unknown dogs at the park. Bottom line, your dog doesn’t need interaction with lots of other dogs to be happy.

The best way for dog owners to utilize a dog park is to remain connected with their dog, in the visual sense. Study body language and watch how other dogs behave and respond. A dog that avoids interaction with others and tucks its tail, continually avoids eye contact, backs up, clings to or hides behind its owner, lowers itself toward the ground, pins its ears, shows its teeth or snaps is a dog that needs to be rescued and removed from the situation. There is nothing that needs to be disciplined or corrected — it’s simply a dog’s way of expressing its feelings, and we as their owners and advocates should “listen.” The dog that wags or wiggles, seeks out other dogs, sniffs genital areas and allows others to do so, goes into play bows or other exaggerated movements, etc. is clearly enjoying the company of those particular dogs.

Even if your dog is enjoying himself, it’s smart to frequently interrupt play. Failure to do so can result in play getting more intense and drifting into inappropriate behavior. So dog owners should have treats on them, and occasionally call their own dog away from others, praise and deliver treats when it comes, and spend a bit of time lavishing it with praise and petting. After a few minutes, when general arousal levels have dropped and the dog is once again calm, permission can be given to go and resume play.

Bottom line, when taking your dog into a social situation with others, be present, be aware and be your dog’s advocate.

Lisa Moore’s pet-behavior column appears once a month on the Pet Page. Write to her in care of LifeStyles, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352.

This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 9:16 AM.