Use caution at the dog park

Before heading to the dog park, do a little safety check to prepare your pooch — and yourself — for the outing.

Dogs can pick up worms and diseases such as parvo at a dog park — or anyplace else dogs congregate — so make sure yours is protected by the usual battery of vet-recommended shots before you go. And don't forget to administer monthly flea medicines.

"Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan lauds dog parks as great places for socialization, but warns that whenever strange dogs get together, there's risk of a conflict. What to do? Exercise your dog before you go. "Drain as much of his excited energy as you can — that way he'll be relaxed, but will still engage the other dogs."

He also says to stay close to your dog and constantly connect with a calm, assertive voice and eye contact. If trouble erupts, call your dog back.

Consider taking baby steps. Visit a few times and watch from outside the gate, just to get used to the idea. You'll know if it's right to go in.