Understanding Canine Behavior:
Be aware that dogs have different play styles. Educate yourself about dog behavior. Behavior that concerns some dog owners may simply be a rambunctious play style. Always respect another dog owner’s wishes if they are not comfortable with how your dog is interacting with theirs. Simply move to another part of the park for a while. Leash up and leave if your dog is acting in an aggressive manner or having a bad day.
Move around. Walking defuses defensive behaviors and keeps the off-leash area a neutral territory. This means your dog is more likely to pass by another dog with a sniff-sniff rather than a stare-down.
Keep licenses and vaccinations up to date. Sometimes, when people stand around, the dogs may become protective of their people and their space, making scuffles more likely to occur.