Finding ways to exercise a dog can be challenging when you live in a heavily populated area. Leash laws require dogs to be on leash in most places. Most city dog owners don’t have any property of their own where they can let their dog run. In response, dog parks have sprung up all over, and many owners take their dog to let them run and interact with other dogs. There are advantages and disadvantages to these parks.

One of the main advantages of dog parks is letting your dog exercise with other dogs. Dogs can keep up with one another and can play tag much longer than we humans. Some dogs will spend minutes or even hours playing tug or keep away with one another. Dog parks can be an opportunity to meet other dog people, as well as a place to watch different breeds and mixes enjoy time together. It is one of the few places in the city where dogs can run off leash, and an hour at the dog park will have most dogs tuckered out for the rest of the day.

However, many people view dog parks as dog sitters. That is, they come in, let their dogs loose, and proceed to ignore them until it’s time to go home. It’s not unheard of for someone to come drop off their dog, leave, and return later to pick him up. Dog walkers often come to dog parks with four or more dogs, letting them all loose at once. In our culture, there seems to be a sense that dogs who don’t get to play with other dogs are missing something.

While some dogs might disagree, most primarily want to be with their people. In fact in the same way not every person would relish the idea of spending an hour a day in a room with fifty strangers, not every dog likes going to dog parks. Shy or sensitive dogs can be completely overwhelmed by more boisterous canines. Young bossy dogs get to practice their bullying day after day.

Many young pups are brought to dog parks because their owners hope they’ll learn good doggy manners from other dogs, but instead they learn how to be bullies. Dog parks with a single entrance can create issues as well. Dogs will crowd around the entrance and bombard a new arrival, often creating a frightening experience for everyone. Many owners bring their dogs to dog parks with the best of intentions, but they simply do not know how to read canine body language. They allow unacceptable behaviors to go on, because they don’t understand what they’re seeing. Although many dogs go to dog parks, not all are good dog park dogs.

It takes a very specific personality for a dog to enjoy and play well at a dog park. Observe your dog playing with another, one on one. What is your dog’s playing style? Does she like to grab and wrestle? Does she chase? How much time does she spend trying to make her status known, and how much time does she spend playing? Does she like toys? If so, what does she do if the other dog shows interest in her toys? Her treats? What does she do if another dog shows interest in you? How does she handle herself when another dog grouses at her or does something she dislikes? How does she respond to a much larger dog? A much smaller one? A dog who would play well at the dog park must be very respectful of other dogs’ play styles and personal space. He must both have a play style that most other dogs would enjoy (no intense wrestling) and also deal with rude or pushy dogs without starting a fight. Dog park dogs shouldn’t spend much time worrying about status. They should be flexible and more interested in playing than in social structure. They shouldn’t mind when other dogs approach their owners or their possessions. They should be able to interact peacefully with dogs of all shapes and sizes, and they should be able to remain calm and cool when being approached and sniffed by multiple dogs at once.

If you decide to try a dog park, begin slowly. The first time you go to a dog park, go without your dog. Make sure it is well fenced, and that the owners are attentive to their dogs. If you’re comfortable with the park, bring your dog during off-peak hours giving her a chance to get her bearings and not feel overwhelmed. Bring some treats with you and reward your dog for checking in with you from time to time. Also, watch your dog closely. Does she seem nervous or relaxed? If she seems frightened, you may want to re-evaluate your decision to take her to a dog park.

If dog parks aren’t right for your dog, there are many other ways to give him daily exercise and excitement. Hiking on trails where dogs may pass each other, but they aren’t expected to play, or enrolling him in agility or Rally-O classes are good alternatives. If your dog loves tennis balls, you may want to consider teaching him the sport of Flyball. Teaching your dog tricks is both good physical and mental exercise. If you jog or hike, take your dog along with you.

Check out http://www.dog-play.com for information on many sports and activities you can do with your dog.