Dog Etiquette 101: How to Be the Owner Everyone Likes at the Park

We’ve all seen them: the well-meaning dog owners whose idea of “socialization” involves letting their enthusiastic Great Dane steamroll through a group of nervous chihuahuas like a furry wrecking ball. While their intentions are good, their execution leaves other dog parents scrambling to protect their pets and wondering if it’s time to find a new park.

Being a responsible dog owner at the park isn’t just about picking up poop (though please, for the love of all that’s holy, do that too). It’s about reading the room, respecting boundaries, and ensuring everyone—both two-legged and four-legged—can enjoy their outdoor time safely.

Size Matters: The Golden Rule of Dog Parks

Let’s address the elephant in the room—or should we say, the German Shepherd charging toward the senior pug. Just because your dog is “friendly” doesn’t mean every interaction is appropriate. A 90-pound dog playing at full throttle can seriously injure a 12-pound senior dog, even during “gentle” play.

Most well-designed dog parks have separate areas for large and small dogs for exactly this reason. Use them. If your park doesn’t have separate sections, it’s your responsibility to manage interactions based on size, age, and energy levels. Your exuberant puppy might be having the time of his life, but that doesn’t mean the arthritic 14-year-old beagle wants to join the wrestling match.

Read the Body Language (Human and Canine)

Before unleashing your social butterfly, take a moment to observe. Is that owner nervously hovering near their small dog? Are they actively moving away from the crowd? These are signals that they might not want their pet to become your dog’s new best friend.

Similarly, watch the dogs. Tucked tails, cowering, excessive panting, or attempts to hide behind their owner are clear signs that a dog is overwhelmed. A polite “Is your dog okay with meeting new friends?” goes a long way toward preventing uncomfortable situations.

The Recall Reality Check

Here’s a hard truth: if you can’t reliably call your dog away from a situation, your dog isn’t ready for off-leash park time. “He never listens when he’s excited” isn’t an excuse—it’s a training gap that puts other dogs at risk.

Practice recall extensively in controlled environments before hitting the busy dog park. Your dog should respond to their name and “come” command even when distracted by the most enticing smells, sights, and sounds. Until then, consider on-leash walks or smaller, less crowded spaces for socialization.

Intervention, Not Explanation

When your dog is causing problems, resist the urge to shout explanations across the park. “Don’t worry, he’s friendly!” or “She just wants to play!” won’t comfort the owner whose small dog is being cornered by your overeager pup.

Instead, immediately call your dog away and redirect their attention. Apologize briefly and move to a different area of the park. Actions speak louder than words, and other owners will appreciate that you took responsibility rather than making excuses.

The Art of the Graceful Exit

Sometimes the best thing you can do is leave. If your dog is having an off day, being overly dominant, or simply too energetic for the current crowd, there’s no shame in cutting the visit short. A 15-minute positive experience is infinitely better than a 45-minute stressful one that ends with hurt feelings or injured dogs.

Pay attention to the park’s natural rhythm. If multiple owners are packing up when you arrive, or if tensions seem high, consider coming back at a different time.

Beyond the Big Dogs: Other Common Courtesy Crimes

Dog park etiquette extends beyond size mismatches. Don’t bring toys unless you’re prepared for them to become community property. Keep your phone conversations brief—you’re there to supervise your dog, not catch up on gossip. And please, don’t use the dog park as a bathroom break for yourself (yes, this needs to be said).

If your dog is in heat, recovering from illness, or showing any signs of aggression, leave them at home. Dog parks are for healthy, well-socialized dogs only.

Creating Positive Experiences for Everyone

The goal isn’t to keep dogs from interacting—it’s to ensure those interactions are positive for everyone involved. Successful dog park visits happen when owners are engaged, aware, and willing to advocate for their pets’ needs while respecting others’ boundaries.

When you see good behavior, acknowledge it. A simple “Your dog is so well-trained” or “Thanks for being so considerate” can brighten another owner’s day and reinforce positive park culture.

Dog parks should be spaces where pets can exercise, socialize, and decompress while their humans connect with fellow dog lovers. By following these basic etiquette guidelines, you’ll be the owner other people are happy to see coming through the gate—and more importantly, the one whose presence makes the park a better place for all dogs, regardless of their size, age, or personality.

Remember: your dog’s fun shouldn’t come at the expense of another dog’s safety or comfort. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and courtesy. Your fellow dog parents will thank you for it.

Rick Wedding

Got Dog Envy is a community built by Rick and Eric Wedding, a father-and-son duo who love their dogs and want to connect fellow dog owners in fun, local ways. We share events, resources, and ideas that help dogs and their people feel more welcome in their communities. Starting in Cincinnati and Asheville, we’re growing city by city—one wag at a time.