Health and Size

The park only works when every dog is healthy and fairly matched. Before you go, make sure your dog is fully vaccinated and on parasite prevention — close contact and shared ground spread illness fast. Skip the park entirely if your dog is sick or in heat.

Size matters too. Many parks have separate small- and large-dog areas for good reason: a friendly chase from a big dog can injure or terrify a little one. Use the area that fits your dog, and never assume a mixed group is safe just because the play looks playful.