The Bark Report | Watson Dog Park

There's a New Park in Town
By Jenn Barg MS, CPDT, CDBC

In June 2008, the Watson Upper Valley Dog Park officially opened its gates to people and their canine companions. Located in Hartford, Vermont, the dog park is the product of 5-years of work, spear-headed by a group now known as the Upper Valley Dog Park Supporters (UVDPS). Their vision was to create a safe, clean place where dog-loving folk could meet and socialize while exercising their dogs. The Watson Upper Valley Dog Park is the first of its kind in this area, and is currently frequented by dogs from all over the Upper Valley and beyond.

There are many advantages to having a dog park in the area. The dog park can be a great source of socialization for your dog, both in terms of meeting new people and meeting new dogs. It is also a great opportunity for people to meet other dog owners, exchange doggie insights and information, and schedule play dates for dogs that play well together. If you don’t have a fenced yard at home, the dog park offers a secure, fenced area to let your dog run and explore. Since a tired dog is a well-behaved dog, having the opportunity to allow your dog to regularly run at the dog park might curb some of his bad habits at home!

However, dog parks are not for every dog. Dogs that have aggressive tendencies toward other dogs or people are not appropriate for dog parks. Likewise, very shy or fearful dogs are not likely to overcome these issues by attending a dog park where they are overwhelmed by too many new people and dogs. Unfortunately, many owners don’t understand their dogs’ behaviors well enough to decide if the dog park is right for their dog and can unknowingly put them in situations that either worsen existing behavior problems or cause new ones to develop.

When you are at the dog park, pay attention to what your dog is telling you. Is your dog constantly being chased by other dogs with its tail tucked and ears back? Does your dog get cornered by other dogs and then feel the need to defend itself? Does your dog attempt to hide frequently? If so, your dog is probably telling you it is afraid and would rather enjoy some quiet time with you in the backyard. On the other hand, does your dog spend its time chasing the same dogs relentlessly, possibly barking at or mouthing them? Does your dog corner or pin other dogs to the ground? Does your dog bark at or bite at other dogs frequently? If so, your dog might be the “playground bully” and is probably causing others to have a bad experience, not to mention developing some very bad habits. Stop your dog as soon as it starts to exhibit these behaviors and if it won’t stop, take your dog home.

The owners of small dogs have special issues with which to concern themselves. Every good dog park offers a secure area for small dogs to play with other small dogs separate from the large dogs’ play area. There is a very good reason for this. Small dogs racing around a dog park with larger dogs can easily be hurt accidentally during rough play. They can also be seriously hurt or killed if even one large dog suddenly sees the small dog as prey. Even if your small dog is used to playing with a larger dog at home, it is not safe to do so at the dog park. You don’t want to learn this lesson the hard way. Fortunately, the Watson Upper Valley Dog Park offers a safe place just for small dogs to play together.

The Watson Upper Valley Dog Park offers a great opportunity for us all if we use it properly and know when the park is and isn’t appropriate for our dogs. Don’t feel badly if the dog park isn’t for you and your dog; dogs are individuals and should be treated as such! However, if the dog park is right for you and your dog, grab your leash, some water and a poop bag and head over to the Watson Upper Valley Dog Park for a great time with your canine friend.