Dog Parkology

Many dog parks today still resemble the traditional fenced-in spaces established almost 50 years ago. However, our understanding of how dogs think and the number of dogs in American households have grown considerably in the last few decades. Humans have also become increasingly isolated due to the usage of digital technologies and the decline of public spaces for real-life interactions. Through it all, dog parks remain one...

Guided Play is a learning approach borrowed from child education that may be applied to dogs, too. It involves ongoing observation and interaction to understand the subject's needs and preferences. As dog parents, we should actively pay attention to our dogs at dog parks to ensure optimal engagement. Some dogs may love socializing or only want to play catch with you. Some dogs may prefer wide open, unfenced public land to ...

Dog parks provide a chance for us to meet strangers we might not otherwise. Through our shared love for our dogs and the inherent trust of meeting another dog parent, we can foster new relationships with those around us. These interactions can allow us to widen our perspectives, increase our sense of empathy for others, and come together in greater unity.

In this episode, we hear from guest experts Megan Mueller PhD, Whitne...

Third places like dog parks can help us form ties and cohesion among neighbors. Developing this trust and dependability can foster communities that are more unified, safer, and friendly. It’s also important, however, to ensure that there is equitable access for all neighborhoods to benefit from this foundational support.

In this episode, we hear from guest experts Megan Mueller PhD, Setha Low, Amanda McDermott, and Anjulie ...

We’ve become disconnected from the natural world around us. However, our dogs – and our dog parks – can help us reconnect to our environment in a more attentive and curious way. When we start to feel a deeper understanding of our place within the larger ecosystem, we can start to care more about protecting it and living symbiotically with all non-human creatures and wildlife.

In this episode, we hear from guest experts Anne...

Training your dog to return to you when called or signaled is key for enjoying off-leash experiences. Whether at a traditional fenced-in dog park, or public lands in the wilderness where off-leash dogs are allowed, the ability to recall your dog to your side is a vital lesson to learn. It is part of being a responsible dog parent, to ensure safety for other dogs, wildlife, and humans alike. This bonus episode provides tips...