What should I do if my dog becomes overly excited or aggressive at the park?

Here are some tips for how to handle the situation if your dog does become aggressive at the dog park.

It’s always best to take your dog calmly out of the dog park and allow them to settle. Stress hormones from excitement or aggression can take days to reduce to normal so it is best to not take your dog straight back into the dog park even after a little walk around. Perhaps try again another day, consider the triggers which may have caused the excitement or aggression, and avoid these in the future.

Avoid getting angry at your dog, as even though it’s embarrassing if your dog is the ‘anti-social’ one at the park, it just makes you unpredictable and your dog may not even really know what they are getting into trouble for.

Dog parks are not suitable for all dogs, and it is absolutely fine if your dog is one of those dogs. In fact, you are being very responsible for not putting your dog in a situation that may cause them physical and emotional harm.

For further help contact a qualified trainer.