Dog Park Etiquette

Dog parks can be a great place for you and your dog to enjoy a summer day, but there are some rules of etiquette to follow. Most Parks have their own rules which should be followed, but make sure that you and your dog are also being polite to other dogs and their owners. Follow these rules of Dog Park Etiquette and you and your pup should have a problem-free day.

1. The most important rule of dog park etiquette is that you must pick up your dog's poop. Dog parks can be breeding grounds for bacteria so do your part and bring a bag to scoop your poop. Some parks have poop bag dispensers, but you should always come prepared.

2. Obey the leash laws, keep your dog on leash until you have entered the play area, take off any training collars leaving only a well fitting buckle collar, and keep your leash with you. Training collars can be dangerous because they can get caught on something and potentially strangle your dog.

3. Make sure your dog is at least four months old and vaccinated. If you bring an unvaccinated dog to the dog park you are putting them at risk of getting potentially fatal diseases. You should also wait until your puppy is at least four months because by then they will be done with their shots and they will be old enough to socialize.

4. Do not bring children to the dog park! There are no exceptions to this rule! There are many good reasons to keep children out of off-leash dog parks, and no good reasons to bring them in. The possibilities for accidents are endless. Be a responsible parent, and keep your small children in the parks designed for them.

5. Do not pick up a dog without the owner's permission. This is also another important rule because some owners do not like strangers handling their dogs. Also, a dog may have a health condition that may not be apparent.

6. Do not allow your dog to run to greet dogs as they enter the gates, some dogs and owners get very intimidated.

7. If your dog is aggressive or unsocialized... DO NOT bring it to the dog park. Be willing to admit your dog is not "dog park" material, you're not alone.

8. Carry your dog's rabies certificate with you, dogs can easily lose their tags playing with other dogs.

9. No females in heat. Taking a female dog in heat out in public is unbelievably irresponsible, especially out somewhere where there are dozens of dogs running loose.

10. Be responsible for your dogs behavior. If your dog digs a hole, fill it. If your dog is causing trouble, it is time to go home.
Don't let your dog harass another dog, if your dog is a bully dog please look out for the 'other' guy. Don't ruin the play experience for other dogs.

11. Know when your dog has had enough and leave the park on a happy note.

12. Be sure to follow all posted rules. These rules are there for a reason and failure to follow them could cause problems for you and other owners.

Now that you know the rules of dog park etiquette, go and enjoy a day at the park with your dog.