Dog Park Etiquette 101

Nearly every town now has a dog park where your pet can run and play off-leash with other dogs. For a safe and enjoyable experience at your local dog park, comply with dog park etiquette.

Know and Obey the Rules. Most dog parks have rules posted at the entrance. Read and obey them.

Only Take Healthy Pets to the Dog Park. Your dog's vaccinations should be up to date before you take him to a dog park, and never take a dog that is sick. You wouldn't want your dog to pick up an illness from another dog at the dog park and neither do other owners.

Know Your Dog's Temperament. Some dogs simply aren't temperamentally suited to socializing with large groups of dogs. If yours is nervous, fearful around people or other dogs or aggressive, a dog park may not be a good recreation choice. On the other hand, if your dog is friendly, sociable and comfortable around other dogs, he may have a great time cavorting with his new canine buddies.

Don't Bring Puppies. As a general rule, don't bring a puppy that is less than four months old to a dog park, and don't bring a puppy until it has had its full course of vaccinations. If your puppy is not used to being around other dogs, it might be a good idea to enroll him in a canine socialization class before his first visit to a dog park to avoid problems.

Don't Bring More Dogs Than You Can Handle. It is best, especially on a first visit, to bring only one dog at a time to a dog park. If you bring more, be sure that you can handle them yourself.

Bring Dogs That Respond to Commands. Dogs at dog parks should respond to simple commands like sit, stay, come and leave it.

Supervise Your Dog. Keep an eye on your dog while he is socializing in the dog park, and intervene at the first sign of rough play or trouble, such as your dog bullying or being bullied. If you dog doesn't seem to be having a good time, think about leaving, and definitely leave if he begins growling, baring his teeth or biting.

Don't Lecture or Advise. Just as you would not tell another parent how to raise their children, don't comment on other dog owners' pet handling techniques (unless your dog is in danger) and don't discipline someone else's dog.

Don't Bring Children. The dog park is no place for young children, who can easily get hurt, as well as distracting you from properly supervising your pet.

Clean Up after Your Dog. This is one of the cardinal rules of dog park etiquette. Bring the tools you need to clean up after your dog.

Use Common Sense. Most dog park etiquette is really just good common sense. For example, don't bring dogs that are in heat to the dog park and don't bring other animals besides dogs.

For many dogs, a trip to the dog park can be a joyful experience. Make it a pleasant one for him and you by following dog park etiquette.

Sources:

www.ehow.com, How to Know Dog Park Etiquette/eHow.com

www.cuhumane.org, Crate Training

Krista Mifflin, dogs.about.com, About Dogs - Dog Parks and Basic Bark Park Etiquette