12/09/2021
"Today: The dog park
One of the first things we banish from our practice is the dog park.
We explain, in our experience, why:
- Dogs need to explore and roam. Going from being at home to a place they already know by heart and full of people does not meet their need to explore and roam.
- In the dog park there are many different humans with their canine companions, unfortunately many of these humans use punishment or rely on obsolete theories such as dominance... thus generating dogs that do not yet know how to relate properly, because they are insecure, or are afraid of punishment, or simply the rough treatment leaves them stressed and anxious or defensive.
- Intense, sustained play does nothing for the dog. Playing is one thing, but only for a few minutes. One hour of intense play will not make for a relaxing walk.
- There are opinionated people who have no idea about dogs, but spend their days acting as if they know. Giving advice to everyone. Even if they don't even look at their dog. You can tell them apart because they shout at their dog friend, or put choke collars on him, plus they always accuse someone of spoiling their friend.
- They are not always clean, and we know of cases of dogs leaving with external parasites.
- Not everyone understands canine body language, what sometimes seems funny for our species... is not so funny for dogs.
- Too much stimulation at once. Exposure is not socialisation. Neither is saturation.
- There is almost no involvement of the human guide person... they often look like a picture painted around a bench. Walking also serves to reinforce bonds; running around and smoking will not reinforce anything.
There are many more reasons, but we think you already have an idea.
Encourage you to walk in safe environments, explore and allow your dog friends to choose their own way, and sometimes even company.
Text: Universican
