As the popularity of dog parks and dog daycares continues to rise, more and more dog owners are able to take advantage of off-leash playtimes for their dogs. But how can you tell if your dog really enjoys this type of exercise, and how do you know when it’s time to take your dog home? Here are a few things to consider when your dog is at a dog park or dog daycare.

1) How old is your dog?
Generally speaking, dogs over five to six years of age will have a shorter tolerance level for off-leash play with other dogs. This is true even if your dog grew up playing in dog parks and attending daycare. This doesn’t mean that older dogs shouldn’t go to the dog park, but it does mean that shorter periods of play may be more fun for your older dog. If they attend a dog daycare, they should be able to get some down time when other dogs allow them to rest or when they are separated so they can sleep.

2) Would your dog rather be with people or with other dogs?
Sometimes the fun of the off-leash dog park is that your dog can play with you. If that’s the case, then take your dog to the park when there aren’t many other dogs around or spend time playing with your dog one-on-one rather than taking them to the dog park. Do what is more fun for the dog.

3) Is your dog’s body loose and relaxed?
As your dog plays with other dogs, his body should remain loose, curvy, and relaxed. If you see a lot of stiffening, straightened legs, tucked tails, bodies lowered to the ground, or frozen postures, this might mean your dog is nervous or overwhelmed.

4) Does your dog try to hide?
If your dog seems to cower, tries to hide behind you, or attempts to crawl under a chair, bench, or table, then he is probably not enjoying the interactions. This might mean he doesn’t like off-leash play, or perhaps it just means there is a bully on the playground that he wants to avoid. Either way, your dog isn’t having fun and would probably like to leave.

5) Does your dog jump on you, other people, or the gate?
When a dog is asking for help, they will often panic and leap at their owners or other people to get attention. I’m not just talking about dogs who have poor greeting behaviors and jump when they meet someone new. The behavior at a dog park often presents itself outside a greeting ritual. If you are watching your dog and he repeatedly jumps up at you, it might be his way of saying, “HELP!” If you ignore his pleas for help, some dogs will run to the gate and jump on the door to get out. If you see these signs, listen to your dog and take him home.

6) Does your dog take turns during play?
Good play behavior consists of give and take. Sometimes your dog will chase, and sometimes he will be chased. Sometimes your dog will roll on the ground under another dog, and other times your dog will be on the top. If your dog isn’t taking turns, particularly if he is consistently pinned on the ground by another dog, he probably isn’t having fun. Watch for breaks in the action from time to time

7) Is your dog pacing or spinning?
When your dog plays, does he interact with other dogs and enjoy romping around with them? Or does he choose to walk in the same pattern over and over? If your dog is engaging in any repetitive sequence of behavior (such as pacing or spinning), he may need a break.

Don’t be fooled into thinking your dog loves every other dog he meets. Some dogs love off-leash play, but others prefer a more quiet outdoor adventure. Take a close look at your dog and honestly answer some of these questions to determine if off-leash play is the best activity for your pet.

Robin Bennett is an author and consultant for pet care facilities on the subjects of dog daycare, training, and off-leash dog play. The tools she teaches facility staff and dog owners are from her 18 years of involvement in the pet care industry. Her book, All About Dog Daycare, is the number one reference on owning a daycare, and her book, Off-Leash Dog Play, is the key reference on supervising dogs in playgroups. You can learn more about Robin at www.dreamdogproductions.com.

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