You have a busy schedule, but as a dog owner, you’d also do anything for your dog. Consider carving some time out of your day to take them to the closest dog park. You’ll both experience these benefits that make life more enjoyable.
1. Your Dog Will Make Friends
Dogs descend from packs of wolves, so they’re highly social creatures with the exception of dogs who prefer human companionship. Your dog looks to you as their best friend, but they likely miss hanging out with other dogs if they love meeting dogs during walks.
Bring your pup to the dog park so they can bond with other animals that look like them. They’ll have a blast running around and barking with each other before it’s time to nap on the drive home.
2. You’ll Meet Other Dog Owners
It’s challenging to make new friends in adulthood. You don’t have school clubs and activities to bring people together, but you can always meet people at a dog park. There’s even a built-in icebreaker because you know they also love dogs. Have fun meeting people and potentially scheduling weekly meet-ups to expand your friend group while your dog does the same.
3. Your Dog Will Get Exercise
Your dog may seem content to nap on your couch all day, but they need movement to stay healthy, just like humans. Driving your dog to the dog park means they’ll get more space to run, raise their heart rate and potentially get more exercise than they would in a typical day.
Bring fun toys to make the exercise last. Since dogs are supposed to get an average of 30 minutes to two hours of movement every day, a frisbee or tennis ball will help them get the exercise they need. You could even keep them permanently in your car so you never arrive at the park without your dog’s favorite toys.
4. You’ll Reduce Your Stress
Whether your dog park is in the middle of a major city or a rural community, the park will have some bushes or trees. Research shows that spending time in nature reduces your everyday stress, so go to the dog park when your stress is high. Enjoying the nature views and spending time outdoors will improve your mental health by the time you head home.
5. You’ll Find Fun Amenities
Dog parks aren’t just empty grass fields. They also have amenities for anyone who visits. Your dog will find complimentary water fountains and bowls to hydrate while they have fun. You’ll also get to relax on a bench or a picnic table. Bring a meal and a few friends to relax in style.
You might also discover activities you and your dog can enjoy together. Disc golf baskets often appear in dog parks because you can practice throwing a frisbee while your dog chases it. You only need to visit your local dog park to find what amenities await you.
6. Your Dog Will Improve Their Communication
You’ve worked hard to train your dog to obey commands like sit, stay and come. They know what it means when your tone of voice changes because they’ve communicated with you for a while, but they may not get the chance to do the same with other dogs.
Take your dog to a dog park so they can learn to communicate with their dog friends. They’ll have to practice body language that demonstrates friendly intentions and practice patience when in group settings. Even if they only practice barking, your dog will love hanging out with other animals who speak their language.
7. You’ll Get Fresh Air
Indoor air gets stale and stuffy. Take a break by getting outside at a dog park and you could improve your health. Fresh air is well-ventilated, so you’ll inhale fewer airborne viruses and bacteria. If you want to feel revitalized, visit the dog park and practice deep breathing. You’ll leave with a more positive frame of mind.
8. You’ll Get More Steps In
Counting your steps used to be a popular way to track your efforts to improve your health. Smartwatches made it easy, but now smartphones can track steps as well.
Although reaching a specific number of steps isn’t a total health indicator — the number doesn’t reveal your cholesterol or blood pressure readings, for example — but it does indicate that you’ve been more active. Wear a smartwatch to the dog park or keep your phone in your hand. You’ll get a verified number of your increased activity, which may help motivate you to get moving and strengthen your physical endurance.
Visit Your Local Dog Park
Everyone should totally check out their local dog park because there are so many benefits for dogs and their owners. Whether you hang out on a bench, chase your dog around the park or socialize, you’ll both enjoy your time and have more fun every week.
