Dog Parks: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Tips and Tricks to Making Sure Your Dog has Fun

Photo by Matt Jones on Unsplash

Here is a truism that actually is true — a tired dog is a good dog.

I have discovered this anew since I recently adopted a German Shepherd puppy. He’s adorable, really smart and very energetic. He wakes up in the morning ready to go, go, go.

Not that I’m complaining. I mean, I could have it worse. I could share my life with a Border Collie or Belgian Malinois. Which are also great dogs, but I’d have no hope of meeting their exercise needs.

I am managing with Snowy, my shepherd, thanks to dog parks and play dates as well as hikes.

I like to switch things up. Part of the reason I got an active dog is that I love to hike and I wanted a hiking buddy. So on alternate days, I’ll take him for a long walk or hike. Then I give myself a rest day and take him to the dog park or set up a play date with friends.

It seems to be working really well. However, I take several precautions. Dog parks are not always safe. There are things every pet parent needs to be aware of before rushing in.

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