More and more of them are being built in medium and large cities. From people’s point of view, they are the ideal place for dogs! They are located in a fenced area, so they are safe. What are we talking about? Dog paddock. But how do dogs perceive them? Are they really as much fun as we think? What should we pay attention to in order to get the most out of it and make sure that the time spent there is effective? Or is it better to give it up?
Why are they gaining popularity and supporters?
The middle of town, a park and a ban on dogs without a lead. We walk further but find ourselves in a block of flats and no square to run in or the street is too close, which is dangerous. A bit further on we find a fenced square – a dog paddock. We think that since there are a lot of dogs there, it will be fun. Our dog has contact with the others, he can run around and have fun, and we can stand still. It’s a small piece of land, but so comfortable for us. And the key word is comfort for the carer. From people’s point of view, it’s a great place to be, because the dog always comes back run out and tired. However, we must remember that this is a bad fatigue that does nothing for the dog.
Such paddocks make walking less tiring for us, because all we have to do is stand, whereas the idea of walking the dog in such places loses its meaning.
Dog paddocks from the dog’s point of view
Dogs need distance, space and time to communicate properly. These three elements are lacking in dog paddocks. We often meet random dogs who are seeing each other for the first time. This causes us to break all the rules of dog communication. The consequences of this can range from pulling on the lead to severe aggression.
The dog’s point of view, regarding the paddock, is different from the human one. For the dog, it is often an arena of competition, perhaps even sometimes a fight for survival. Such frequent chasing of one dog is often bullying. Although it looks like fun, it is not at all. It is a strongly experienced stress. For both the chased and the chaser.
Jumping on the handler or other people is not a signal of “let’s play” or “I like you”, it is a signal of “let’s get out of here”. Our response is often, to allow the dog to continue ‘playing’. This spoils the relationship with our pet, which can have negative consequences in the future.
An enclosed area takes away the dog’s ability to escape so that it will use another strategy, such as fighting. This explains why pets that are initially stimulated and appear to be playing are able to attack. When stressed, they act instinctively, hence such and not other reactions when emotions accumulate. In the same way, we humans, if we are seeing someone for the first time, are able to behave instinctively under stress because it helps us to discharge our emotions.
Are dog paddocks bad?
Anything can be good or bad, it all depends on how we use it. Skilful use of dog paddocks can be a nice addition to our pooch’s daily routine. When using them, we should, first of all, remember not to go in if there are strange dogs there. Even if, of the two dogs in the enclosure, we do not know one, it is better to choose a walk. This is because there is a risk that the dogs will not get along and there will be a conflict, which is better avoided.
If you want to go out with your dog, it is best to use the dog paddock in a one-on-one situation. Then we are more certain that our dog is not in danger. To be 100% sure, we need to learn dog communication. Only this will increase our guarantee that we will react in time and avoid unpleasantness. And let’s remember that even the best buddies can quarrel and it is better for the dogs to walk away from each other than to allow a conflict. Let’s also try not to make such contact more attractive by throwing a ball or treats, as this can be a source of misunderstandings.
The dog paddock is the ideal place if you want to exercise with your pet. Therefore, if it is empty, it is worth using it and practising obedience in a fenced and safe place. It is worth following the rule that when someone enters the enclosure area, we leave it, so as not to put our pet under stress.
Summary
Dog paddocks are not bad, but it is worth learning dog communication and following some of the rules described above. This will avoid nervous situations and deepen the relationship with our pooch. And that is, after all, what is most important.
