Taking your dog to the park to play is one of the most fun things you can do with him/her. If your dog is very friendly, it will enjoy the trip as much as you do. Before you go, pack a few essentials for your dog.
Bring a leash with you.
Some parks do not allow dogs who are not on leashes. Always check the rules of the park you will go to. Other parks have areas where your dog can run freely, but again, check the rules. Dog parks may have lists of certain breeds that cannot run free, even inside the doggy area.
Plastic bags
You are responsible for cleaning up after your pooch. While some parks have plastic bag dispensers for dog owners, you need to find out if there will be any available. Bring bags from home and always clean up after your dog uses the restroom. Keeping the area clean will encourage park members to allow dogs to use their facilities.
Water and food
If you are not spending the entire day at the park, you may not need to bring food, but always have fresh water and a bowl for your dog. It will not take too much walking or chasing a ball before your dog is ready to drink cool water. Drinking fountains for dogs are available at some parks (they work just like a human drinking fountain, except that the water runs into a bowl on the ground), but these fountains only sometimes work. In addition, many pet owners do not like their dogs drinking from the same area as other dogs because of the diseases that can spread. Bringing your water and bowl for your dog keeps him/her safe.
Toys
Your dog will be ready to play when you get to the park, so be sure to have some toys ready. Bring a ball or a Frisbee for them to chase, but if you plan to sit and relax in the park, you should also bring something for your dog to chew on. There may be too many distractions for your dog to settle down to chew, but always offer it to them.
Towels and/or blankets
If the park you go to has a pond or other waterway, bring towels to dry your dog off. He/she may love getting wet, but you do not want a wet dog rolling in your car. It will take forever to get the wet dog smell out. Lay the blankets over the seats to protect them.
When planning a day at the park for your favorite dogs, think ahead to what you may be doing. Then, plan for each event just like a child to ensure you and your dog have a great time playing in the park.