EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 If your dog turns into a bundle of zoomies the second you mention “the dog park,” you’re not alone \u2014 and a little planning can make the outing a lot more fun for everyone.<\/p>\n
During this week’s \u201cBark on ARC\u201d segment, meet Little Debbie, a small, energetic rescue dog.<\/p>\n
Little Debbie is a mixed breed; she has some Chihuahua in her and plenty of pep.<\/p>\n
AJ Bethel, a spokesperson for the Humane Society of El Paso, shared tips for taking excited dogs \u2014 especially newly rescued ones \u2014 to the dog park. <\/p>\n
One approach: not rushing straight into the action. <\/p>\n
“Especially right when you rescue a dog, it may not be the best to take them to the dog park right away,” Bethel said. <\/p>\n
Instead, Bethel suggested easing into it by standing outside the park with the dog on a leash so they can get used to the sights and sounds, or until they’re calm around other dogs.<\/p>\n
At the same time, Bethel noted that every dog and every park situation is different. <\/p>\n
Bethel said it can help to look at the dogs already inside the park, and if the dogs in the park are also excited and it seems like a good match, “then that’s totally okay too.”<\/p>\n
Bark on ARC: Meet Little Debbie, a Chihuahua mix with a lot of pep<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Another key tip: use the separate areas many dog parks have for different sizes. <\/p>\n
Bethel warned that if a dog is “doing zoomies all over the place,” smaller dogs could get overwhelmed. <\/p>\n
Bethel recommended keeping bigger dogs on “the big-dog side” and little dogs on “the little-dog side,” while keeping an eye out for bigger dogs that might get overly excited around smaller ones.<\/p>\n
Beyond exercise, Bethel said dog parks can also be a great way to bond with your dog \u2014 particularly rescue dogs that enjoy meeting new four-legged friends. <\/p>\n
“Play with a different friend like every single day,” said Bethel, adding that dog parks can be a “really, really great tool to get their energy out,” especially for people who live in smaller places. <\/p>\n
Dog parks can also be handy for dogs that love fetch, particularly if there isn’t a big yard at home where your dog can run.<\/p>\n
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