Not every pup is cut out for the chaos of off-leash play—and that’s OK. Some dogs thrive in group settings, but others need more time. So how can you tell if your dog is ready for the dog park? At Broken Leash, we’re all about safe, happy, and respectful play—whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
1. Is Your Dog Comfortable Around Other Dogs?
Some dogs love the action of a dog park. Others prefer a quiet walk or one-on-one time with their person. If your dog is constantly barking, guarding you, or avoiding the other dogs altogether, they might not be enjoying themselves—even if you are.
You know your dog best. Watch their body language. A confident dog will be loose, bouncy, and curious—not stiff, frozen, or overly intense. If something feels off, it probably is.
2. Are They Up to Date on Vax + Ready for Off-Leash?
Quick checklist:
- ✅ Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella
- ✅ Spayed or neutered if over 1 year old
- ❌ No dogs in heat
- ❌ No puppies mid-vaccination (even if they’re big for their age)
We check records at the door to protect everyone’s health—especially the dogs who can’t speak up for themselves.
3. Is Your Dog Nervous—or Just New? (There’s a Difference.)
Sometimes we hear, “They just need to get used to it.”
But if your pup is hiding under benches, jumping in your lap, or refusing to leave your side, they’re not adjusting—they’re overwhelmed.
We’ve seen it too many times: a nervous pup, flooded by energy they’re not ready for, while their owner insists it’ll get better. Sometimes it can—but not by forcing it. Real confidence comes from positive, low-pressure experiences. If your dog is shutting down, the best thing you can do is take a step back.
And if you still want to hang out? You can. Grab a drink, relax on the patio, and give your dog time to watch from the sidelines. No pressure, no judgment.
4. Small Dog? Big Park? Here’s Why We Don’t Recommend It.
Dogs under 35 lbs start in our Mini-Pen for a reason: it’s safer, calmer, and tailored for their size and play style.
We get it—you’ve probably said, “He thinks he’s a big dog.”
But even friendly large dogs can accidentally injure small ones just by playing too rough. It’s not about bad behavior—it’s about basic physics.
We don’t encourage mixing sizes, and we’ve seen too many close calls to pretend it’s safe. If you choose to enter the Big-Pen with a small dog, you do so at your own risk and must stay fully attentive.
Our advice? Stick with the Min-Pen. The more you use it, the more small dog friends your pup will meet—and the safer everyone will be.
5. Can You Step In If Needed?
Our Rufferees are trained to monitor play and intervene when needed, but ultimately—you’re your dog’s #1 advocate.
You need to:
- Stay within sight of your dog
- Step in if they’re escalating or getting overwhelmed
- Understand that disruptive behavior may result in a strike or even a required time-out
If your dog gets three strikes in a rolling 6-month period, they may be permanently removed from off-leash access. We hate it when that happens—but safety comes first.
6. Still Unsure? Ask Us.
We’re here to help. If you’re unsure whether your dog is ready, talk to us. We’ll walk you through the basics, answer questions, and help you decide the best way to ease them in.
The Bottom Line:
A good visit is one where everyone leaves happy—you, your dog, and the other guests. We’d love to see you. And we’ll always prioritize the dogs’ well-being first.
Want to make Broken Leash part of your regular routine? We offer 5 & 10 Day Flex Passes you can purchase through your account portal. Log in here or ask a staff member for help— we even made a quick video to walk you through it.
🚦Ready to Visit?
Plan Your Visit | Read the Full Park Rules
Want to learn more about safe off-leash play? We recommend The Dog Gurus, our training partners and off-leash play experts.
