Pay attention to your dog and its interaction with other dogs. Be aware of potential problems. Learn to read and respond to your dog’s behavior and body language. Be alert to the behavior of other dogs. If you bring your dog’s special toys, other dogs may try to take them over and cause an unwelcome confrontation.
Keep your dog on-leash on the way to and from the dog park. Be courteous and do not let your dog run freely until it is inside the dog park. A leashed dog, when confronting an off-leash dog, can feel vulnerable and fearful. Itmay also feel the need to protect you. When you tug on the leash, you put your dog at a disavantage and are unwittingly asking for a confrontation with the unleashed dog. When restrained and pulling against the leash, your dog now looks to be in a chest-out, raised-up aggressive pose that can cause the off-leash dog to feel threatened.
Some dogs have rough play styles and can be overpowering though non-aggressive. If your dog is in any way menacing another dog– please remove your dog to another part of the park. Don’t wait for someone to ask you to do the polite thing. Remember, a little common sense and courtesy go a long way when the success of the Dog Park relies on the people who use it.
Remove pinch collars and choke chains from your dog before letting them into the off-leash area. Dogs wearing pinch collars can be injured when playing with other dogs.
Carry plastic bags with you — you are responsible for cleaning up after your dog on the way to and from the fenced-in area as well as while you are in it.
Young puppies will not have developed a mature immune system. Under the age of six months, they are still at risk of contracting an infection even when vaccinated.
All dogs using the park must be current on their vaccinations, and must be clear of intestinal worms.
Beware if you bring food into the dog park. Food can make a docile dog aggressive, and a dropped piece of food in a group of dogs can be a sure way to start a dog fight. Many owners do not feed treats. Some dogs have allergies. Never give food or treats to a strange dog without the owner’s permission.
If you bring children with you, please teach them how to behave with and around dogs. Many dog parks do not alow children under the age of 12. Keep your children within arm’s reach and do not allow them to run through the dog park unsupervised. Never let your children approach or pet a dog without the owner’s presence and approval. You can’t be certain how dogs will behave around children. Young children can be easily knocked over or trampled by running dogs. A running, squealing, or screaming child attracts attention and may become a target for dogs who were bred to herd, have a high prey drive, or simply dislike children. One adult to supervise children and the family dog is not sufficient. You are responsible for everyone you bring to the park.
