The Ultimate Dog Park Survival Guide for New Dog Parents

Congratulations. You have a dog and you have found your local dog park. Now what?

The dog park can feel like high school all over again. There are cliques, unspoken rules, that one person who thinks their dog can do no wrong, and a surprising amount of social politics. But once you crack the code, it becomes the best part of your week.

Here is everything you need to know.

Before You Go: The Essentials Checklist

Bring:

• Poop bags (more than you think you need)
• Water and a portable bowl
• Treats (for YOUR dog, not everyone else's)
• Your phone (you will want photos)
• A comfortable outfit with pockets

Leave at home:

• Food (yours or your dog's - it causes chaos)
• Prong collars or retractable leashes inside the park
• Your ego (your dog will embarrass you at some point)

The Unwritten Rules Nobody Tells You

Rule 1: Always Ask Before Petting

Not every dog is friendly. Not every owner wants their dog touched. A simple "Can I say hi?" goes a long way and shows you respect boundaries. This applies to both the dogs AND the humans.

Rule 2: Watch Your Dog

This is not the time to doom-scroll Instagram. Your dog needs supervision. Play styles differ, and what looks like fun to one dog might be stressful for another. Stay engaged.

Rule 3: Pick Up After Your Dog. Always.

No exceptions. No "I will get it on the way out." No pretending you did not see it happen. This is the fastest way to become the least popular person at the park.

Rule 4: Know When to Leave

If your dog is being a bully, if another dog is being a bully to yours, or if the energy feels off - leave. There is no shame in cutting a visit short. There will always be another day.

Rule 5: Small Talk Is Expected

You will be asked your dog's name, breed, and age approximately 400 times. Embrace it. It is the easiest socialising you will ever do because dogs are the ultimate icebreaker.

What to Wear

Dog park fashion is its own category:

• Pockets are essential - you need somewhere for treats, bags, and keys
• Dark colours hide dirt - your dog WILL jump on you
• Comfortable shoes - you might need to run
• Layers - early morning walks are cold, but you warm up fast

Our hoodies are basically designed for this exact scenario. Kangaroo pocket for treats, comfortable fit for running after your dog, colours that hide muddy paw prints.

Making Dog Park Friends

Here is the secret: you do not have to be friends with everyone. But having a few regular park buddies makes the experience so much better. Your dogs play together, you chat, and suddenly you have a community.

Start by remembering dog names (easier than human names anyway). Compliment someone's dog. Share a treat recommendation. Before you know it, you have a park crew.

When Things Go Wrong

Dogs are dogs. Scuffles happen. Here is what to do:

1. Stay calm - your energy affects your dog
2. Do not reach into a fight - you will get bitten
3. Use distraction - loud noise, water, treats
4. Check for injuries - both dogs
5. Exchange info if needed - like a dog park fender bender

The Bottom Line

The dog park is one of the best inventions in modern civilisation. Free entertainment for your dog, socialisation for both of you, and an excuse to be outside every single day.

It takes a few visits to find your groove. But once you do, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

See you at the park.

Gear up for park life with our collection of dog parent apparel. Comfortable, practical, and designed for people who actually go to the dog park.