Taking your canine friend to the dog park can be a fun and active experience for your furry companion -- if you and your pet are prepared.

To get the most out of your experience, and to see if your dog is up for the outing, check out these tips.

Find A Dog Park Near You

Make Sure Your Dog Is Properly Socialized

Does your dog shake at the sight of another dog? Or does your dog growl and act aggressively when it nears a strange dog? If so, then you might need to properly prepare your pet for the dog park. According to www.pet-rescue.org, ways to socialize your dog include to set up play dates with other dogs, and take it for walks -- on a leash -- in areas where you will encounter other dogs. If your dog is still having problems, there are also behavior classes offered at various veterinarian clinics and pet stores.

Find A Play Group With Dogs Your Pet's Size

One way to ease your pet into a dog park is by ensuring it has dogs its own size to play with. Check your local newspaper listings or Web sites for size-specific play groups. Many groups are specified by weights, breeds, and even ages.

Meet The Other Dogs

Once you and your pet arrive at a dog park, help your dog meet some friends. According to Minnesota Wisconsin Collin Rescue, hang out with your dog in the entryway to the park and let him or her sniff around the area and slowly encounter the other dogs. When your pet is comfortable, then let it into the actual park.

Pack Wisely

Make sure your dog is equipped the proper essentials -- and without the unnecessary ones -- when going to the dog park. MWCR recommends that you don't bring along any toys that your dog isn't willing to share with other dogs. This could create aggressive behavior between the dogs. You might also want to consider leaving your dog treats at home, too. If you need to reward your dog for good behavior with a treat, MWCR suggests that you do it discretely, away from the other dogs that will likely also want to be rewarded. One thing you do want to take with you is something to pick up after your dog with. It's considered proper dog park etiquette to clean up your dog's messes.