Dog-Park Tips

The Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus is temporarily pausing adoptions while it houses many dogs from other shelters to assist those shelters as they work through an animal-health situation (visit wihumane.org/news to learn more). It will resume regular adoption processes soon.

Until information about pets looking for new homes returns to this space, here are some considerations as the weather improves and you start taking your dog to dog parks.

To make it a successful and fun outing for everyone:

• Never force dogs to engage in play at a dog park if they aren’t willing. They won’t “get used to it,” and you will instead put them in a stressful situation that can lead to defensive behavior.

• Dogs may play with opposite-gendered dogs as long as they have been spayed or neutered.

• Leave favorite toys at home so your dog doesn’t become possessive of them around other dogs.

• If dogs seem afraid or overly excited or are playing too roughly, remove them from the situation to help them calm down. If they return to play with the same behaviors, it’s time to go home.  

• Take bags along, and always pick up after your dog.Visit wihumane.org to read more dog-park and other pet tips.