Going for a walk and taking our dog to the pipicán, that space designed exclusively for them in the cities, is a decision before which we must ask ourselves: is it for all cases? Before going, pet parents should know what its functions are, how to use it correctly and how it can affect their behavior.
A pipicán is a fenced space where dogs can relieve themselves, thus preventing them from doing so in other parts of the urban space. That is its main function, but it also has other advantages, since it is a place where dogs can move more freely and interact with other dogs.
Its characteristics will mean that it can be used as a recreation area, beyond its function as a sink for our dog. In fact, the size of the pipicán, in addition to the number and type of dogs that are in it, will determine if that space is ideal for entertaining and continuing to socialize. The ideal pipicán should be a large and clean space, with high fences, several entry and exit points, and double access doors —to reduce the risk of escape. In addition, they must have adequate lighting and internal divisions to create protected areas so that dogs of different sizes can recreate in them.
There are also enclosures that include vegetation, equipment for dogs to carry out their activities and benches for pet parents. All this will favor all the benefits of having a pipicán close to home. In addition, the presence of a varied and interesting environment can help ensure that dogs focus their attention not only on the dogs, but also on exploring the environment. This helps make interactions more relaxed.
Many of the experiences that dogs live in a pipicán are of a social nature. Depending on which dogs and which people are in the enclosure and the type of interaction you have with them, our dog's behavior could undergo significant changes. A bad experience is not necessarily a physical conflict between dogs, but there are other unpleasant situations that may go unnoticed by pet parents.
Some examples that can lead to bad experiences for our dog are entering the picnic area and being hit by several dogs running at the same time, having a playmate that is too rough, feeling harassed by the insistent attentions of another dog that does not respect the signs of not wanting to relate to our dog or see how another steals his toy.
If situations like this occur, keep in mind that they can be more problematic if they involve dogs of very different sizes or puppies. In the case of the latter, their young age makes them especially impressionable, so a bad experience, when they are still getting an idea of what to expect from other dogs, can have long-lasting negative consequences on their behavior. .
The pipicán is not an ideal place for all dogs. Going to the enclosure is not recommended for those who are reactive with people and with other dogs or who are afraid of them, for those who do not enjoy interacting with others and for bitches in heat. In addition, unvaccinated puppies should not go there because of the risk it may pose to their health. Moreover, the pipicán should not be seen as a space to socialize if it has not been done before. Before taking him to a pipicán to interact with others, check his social tendencies and, if in doubt, ask a professional.
Nor should this facility be taken as a test bench for home therapies. If our dog is afraid of others, we should not be tempted to take him to the pipicán so that he has contact with others and discovers that they are not dangerous. The opposite often happens and the bad experiences that a dog can have there will only confirm that the other dogs are really dangerous... Without forgetting that a frightened dog can react reactively to defend itself.
If we have located a pipicán that we believe may be correct for our dog, the first step is to go alone to visit it to see which dogs are there, what their play style is, what interactions occur and what the other pet parents are like —who can be different depending on the time of day. It is important to detect if the rest of the pet parents are aware of their dogs: if people seem uninterested in what your dog is doing and let it harass, mount or attack other dogs, it is not the best place to take a dog .
As a common space that it is, there are a series of good practices that must be followed. The first is to control what dogs there are and if our dog gets along with them. In case of doubt, it is better to talk to your companions to decide whether to enter and how to introduce them, always avoiding forcing interactions. One of the keys is to try to match up with friendly dogs, their favorite playmates. You also have to enter with the dog calm, so it is advisable to walk with him for a while before entering, in addition to entering with him on a leash and releasing him only when the door of the pipicán is closed. Another good practice is to leave the collar on, so that it can be tied again quickly and encourage progressive interaction.
Maintaining constant supervision over the dog is essential to avoid uncomfortable or dangerous situations, both for our dog and for other users of the enclosure. The objective is to anticipate possible fights, overexcitement, uncontrolled barking or very intense games, among others. That is why, in addition to getting to know our dog, every pet parent must train their dog to come to his call. Leaving the pipicán clean is another aspect that should not be neglected: not only for aesthetics, but also to avoid the risk of transmitting diseases, especially parasitic ones.
Finally, do not let your dog rush to another that has just entered or take treats and give them to other dogs due to the expectations that are generated and the possible conflict to get them. Also, it is not a good idea to play with balls or other toys if there are more dogs, or to pet unknown dogs (neither they nor your dog may like it). Of course, letting the dog go and chatting with the other pet parents, or looking at the phone and leaving the dog alone are other quite common and irresponsible bad practices.
Pipicanes have many possibilities and benefits. If our dog is trusting, handles social interactions well and knows how to communicate well with other dogs, he will be able to enjoy a space like the pipicán, where he will be able to enjoy some freedom and play, protected from scooters, bicycles and the like. However, different factors such as the organization of the enclosure, the good and bad practices of the pet parents or what our dog is like will influence the experience to be the best possible and positively affect his behavior.
*Sources used to make this article:
1 - https://www.ultima-affinity.com/es/es/perro/pipicanes-que-son/
2 - https://www.ultima-affinity.com/es/es/perro/que-hacer-y-que-evitar-en-un-pipican/
