Running Wild And Running Safe

If you’re a dog parent like I am, there’s not much of anything more thrilling than seeing your dog running wild and free, unbound by a leash, racing along with their heads held high and tongues lolling out in the wind with the joy of freedom.

Dogs are social animals, pack animals. They often relish the freedom of being able to sniff, chase, wrestle and run with their own kind without having ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad’ getting tangled up in leashes attached to them like big, two-legged anchors. They like to play fetch as a group or exercise with each other by galloping full speed ahead—the taller, leggier ones like Standard Poodles, German Shepherds and Borzois leading the pack while the bouncy Corgis, Frenchies and Dachshunds bring up the rear on their short legs but still having fun in the chase. Shared play amongst their peers is also good for a dog’s mental health, as well as for their physical health by getting them out in the sunshine and fresh air.

However, before you take your best boy or girl out to one of the many off-leash areas in the Twin Cities metro and beyond, there are many things that need to be considered. First, and foremost, ask yourself if your dog wants to be there or, in some cases, can be there safely. Some dogs, like some people, are natural introverts and prefer staying in their own spaces, secure in their familiar surroundings. They may act like maniacs in their own yard or house, but close in on themselves in the presence of other dogs or in strange situations. Getting them used to the idea of being at the dog park can take a while for these dogs, and some may never enjoy it or feel comfortable with it. But that’s okay—that’s what nature trails for, and you can enjoy one-on-one time with them on long, secluded hikes!

Other dogs can be overly aggressive, and can be a danger to themselves and to others at the dog park. Starting fights with other pets will win you no brownie points at the off-leash area, and can result in you and your dog being banned or perhaps looking at legal ramifications if your dog seriously injures another dog or a person. Know your dog’s personality, and be truthful to yourself when evaluating him or her. What may seem ‘cute’ or ‘mischievous’ to you can be a serious red flag to another dog when yours won’t back off, and result in the other dog seeing yours as instigating an attack. Nobody wants a fun day’s outing to result in hefty veterinary bills or legal fees.

Most dog parks and off-leash areas have general rules that they expect participants and guests to follow. For example, the Three Rivers Park District, which boasts a number of off-leash dog parks, has the following policies:

• Dogs must be under their handler’s control

• A maximum of two dogs per handler

• ALWAYS clean up after your dog; carry your own waste bags, or use waste bags provided by the park, and dispose of the waste in proper bins

• Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine

• Aggressive behavior is not allowed or accepted

• Do not bring dogs which are exhibiting symptoms or signs of a contagious illness

• Children under the age of 15 must be supervised by an adult

• Dogs should remain leashed until entering off-leash area

• All off-leash visitors must carry a park pass; either an annual pass or a day pass

In addition to following park rules, make sure to follow general etiquette rules as well. Don’t let your dog harass or bully other dogs, and if the other dog’s owner requests that you call your dog away, please comply with their request. They know their dog, and it’s better to manage the situation before things get out of hand. Similarly, if you notice someone else’s dog exhibiting behavior that you don’t feel comfortable with, speak up! Ask the owner to call their dog off while you call yours, and walk away from that area. Most times, the dogs will lose interest in one another, and run off to play elsewhere and with companions that are less intimidating.

Also, while it’s fine to have small training treats on hand for your own dog, don’t take large treats or edible toys that can result in squabbles and fights if other dogs decide that they want a snack as well. Some dogs are on restrictive diets, but the main thing is to not start a fight over food or high-value treats. Dogs, like children, see others getting to have goodies and they want to have some as well, and food can often lead to unexpected altercations.

When entering or leaving the off-leash area, you should always have your dog on a leash, and be vigilant about opening and closing gates so that you don’t inadvertently let other dogs escape. Be sure to not congregate at the entrance, as that can cause anxiety and fearfulness or aggression in dogs that are being led through the throng by their owners.

Another thing to keep in mind, if your dog is an unspayed female, do not take her to the dog park if she is in heat. Doing so can cause dog fights, even among neutered males, and result in your dog being injured or possibly becoming pregnant with an unwanted litter.

When choosing a dog park, make sure that you read the description of the park or area that you’re wanting to visit. Many are fully enclosed, with fences that are high enough that most dogs will not be able to jump over or climb them. However, some off-leash areas such as Three Rivers Park District’s Crow-Hassan park are largely, if not completely, unfenced so you will want to make sure that your dog has excellent and unerring recall to keep him or her from running off and getting lost within its 40 acres, and adjoining nature areas.

Many off-leash parks also offer fenced areas within the larger off-leash park itself for smaller dogs, shy dogs, puppies or elderly dogs to be able to enjoy time without being run over by younger, larger and more exuberant dogs.

If you follow the rules, and take your dogs out to the off-leash areas, it can be a wonderful way of spending time and bonding with your dog, and making new friends. Here are links to some of the dog parks and off-leash areas available.

Three Rivers Park District: www.threeriversparks.org/activity/dog-leash
Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board: www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/dog-parks/
Ramsey County: www.ramseycounty.us/residents/parks-recreation/parks-trails/dog-parks
Anoka County: www.countyoffice.org/mn-anoka-county-dog-park/
Greater Minnesota: www.countyoffice.org/mn-dog-park