Dog parks

I am not a great fan of the dog parks  in Barcelona. 

I have two main reason for this. 

One is that some owners are not responsible and do not clean up after their dogs.  This leads ot worm and parasite infestations, as well as infectious diseases like kennel cough being easily transmitted.

The second is that dogs in dog parks can be misunderstood.  Very often what is observed as "play" is a dog or group of dogs finding out exactly who is Top Dog and where they stand in that park's constantly changing and dynamic hierarchy.  Dogs will always sniff each other to first gather this information.  Once they have gleaned everything possible from this doggie "greeting" they then choose their next action.  They may ignore the other dog and walk away or they may progress to other dominance behaviour such as mounting, jumping onto the neck of another dog, standing over them, holding a trophy (such as a ball) and postering with it etc.  Many dogs act out these behaviours good naturedly, but other dogs are aggressive with their behaviour and yet others are timid and would much rather be sitting near their owner on a beach or lying on the couch.  Whether the dog is the most dominant or the least dominant, dog parks can be stressful for all of them as they try to maintain their status or protect themselves or their owners.

When your dog meets another dog where the above behaviours are acted out equally on both sides and they both rest in between bouts of play, you will know that your dog has found a true mate.  It is then worth introducing yourself to the owner and arranging a time when the dogs can interact again.

From my experience the things to look out for if you are visiting a dog park are:

• what type of owners frequent this park.  Are they responsible and considerate? Do they posture as much as their dog?  Are they aware of their dogs behaviour towards other dogs and humans frequenting the park at the same time?  Do they take responsibility for this behaviour?
• If your dog is recently adopted or is an escape artist, timid or you have recently moved to the area it is important to check the height of the fence around the park.  A dog has three options in a situation it is frightened of: fight, flight or flee.  The fence is important for those that choose to flee.
• If your dog loves to run find a park where it can really stretch its legs. This of course depends on the size of your dog.
• Visit the park when it is quiet. 
• I have recently heard of the Pine Processionary Caterpillar (the moth) being seen in Barcelona.  Be aware of the trees in your park, check them for the distinctive tented nests or caterpillar processions.
• Parks can also be areas infested with worms and parasites.  In many of them the poop is not picked up and disposed of.
• Dont take your dog to the park if it is coughing or sick.  Remove your dog from the park if there are other dogs coughing or with diarrhea. 
• Notice your dogs behaviour and leave if you feel it is showing signs of stress.
• SIZE matters!  Of course there are great friendships between all sizes of dogs but generally in unknown situations and groups, dogs of the same size need to be grouped together.  Don't allow your dog to be bullied by someone much bigger than him or her.
• Create your own doggie group of responsible owners and balanced dogs.

​Here is a link for dog parks in Barcelona.  Enjoy and be responsible.
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