Dog Park Etiquette For People

I know that as soon as you and your dog get to the dog park, it's tempting to just stand back and watch all of the activity or chat with other owners, but everybody will have a much more rewarding time if you observe some basic rules. Most of these rules are never posted at the actual dog parks but they involve common sense, responsible pet ownership and the respect for every other pet owner and dog that is in the park. Unfortunately in my experience, not enough pet owners abide by these rules but if they did, I think there would be a lot less problems that ensue in parks such as dog fights, arguments and various issues that come up. You need to realize that dog parks aren't a right, they're a privilege.

Please don't let bad behavior ruin things for everyone else. As I like to say as a professional pet sitter, it's the sitters that don't take their jobs seriously that ruin it for those of us who really care about our client's pets. This should go without saying for anyone who takes a dog into an enclosed off-leash dog park. It's a big responsibility and it should be taken seriously.

*My number one rule is: ALWAYS have control over your dog - whether he or she is on a leash; or if off-leash, you need to be able to call your dog back to you verbally, or with the use of a whistle or other tool. You need to be able to take charge and get control over your animal if a fight breaks out. You need to be able to remove your animal immediately from the park if he or she is causing a problem among the other dogs. You should also be supervising your dog - I don't advise turning your back on your dog's location.

*Always be aware of other dogs and the signals they are displaying. Take the time to learn dog behavior and body language - this gives you an edge in being able to identify a dog that may be fearful or shy around other dogs - you may be able to catch an approaching dog who is aggressive and be able to remove your dog from a potentially negative confrontation.

*Some of my best advice includes: not trusting that every other pet owner in the park has complete control over their dog(s), and, never assume that they know how to handle their animal, especially if a fight breaks out. Whenever I take a dog into a park, I have the leash on me, ready to use if needed. I leave the choke chain or halter on the dog so that I have something to grab onto if needed. I like to frequently 'check on' my dog by calling he or she back to me, where I give some TLC and treats for coming to me when called. I really like to use dog parks as a training tool - some dogs are more susceptible to not coming when called if they are distracted, so bring delicious treats with you and use some of your time in the park as a training session. I do training sessions every time I take a dog out for exercise, whether it's just around the neighborhood or to a dog park.

*ALWAYS clean up after your dog. This is the primary reason why dog parks get complaints, so pay attention to what your dog is doing and where it is, and pick up the poop. Even if you find poop that has not come from your dog, be responsible, respectful of the park and clean it up - after all, we've all been caught not looking.

*Keep your dog on-leash until you get to the off-leash area. This is not just respectful to neighbors and other park users, but it's much safer for your dog. Many parks are located in public parks with large parking lots and drivers may not be looking out for dogs in the street, so I don't advice letting your dog run around lose until you are safely inside the dog park boundaries.

*Children should be supervised closely, especially when approaching other dogs. I highly recommend getting permission from the dogs' owner to pet the dog. Many dogs are fearful or uncomfortable around children. I like to recommend that people do not bring their young children or babies into a dog park because it adds to the hazards already present. Dogs tend to play rough with their playmates and may run up to a child with the same playfulness and your child could get seriously injured.

*IMPORTANT - DO NOT bring a dog that is in estrus, or 'in heat'. This includes male dogs who are not fixed, as they can easily and very quickly, impregnate a female dog in the park. It can take a matter of seconds for two dogs to mate and many times this ends in unwanted pregnancies and angry dog owners. Please leave your dogs at home if they are not yet spayed or neutered. It's very irresponsible for any pet owner to allow their unfixed dogs to roam free. Please only bring your dogs if they have been spayed or neutered. Besides the risk of pregnancy, the hormones in dogs who have not been fixed, can many times cause fights between other dogs, as well as other problems.

*Don't allow your dog to harass other dogs or people. This means having respect for other people in the park. Not everyone wants to be jumped up on, have their hands slobbered on, or most importantly, have their crotches sniffed constantly. These are behaviors that you, the dog's owner, needs to be aware of and prevent if at all possible. Please teach your dog that jumping up on anyone is not okay. It's important to reprimand your dog when around strange people and unfamiliar dogs. If your dog is making someone uncomfortable, it is best to move your dog away from that person or leave the park immediately. This is especially important when the dog park shares a community park where children play.

*If your dog is having health problems, please consider staying at home. Please do not risk spreading disease or infection to the other dogs. Many ailments can make your dog uneasy around other dogs, especially if your dog is not feeling like it's normal self, and this can result in fights, aggression and potential injuries.

*Do bring treats to reward your dog for good behavior, like coming to you when called. But, please do not give your treats to other dogs. You should always get the owner's permission to give treats. This is very important because you have no idea if that other dog has certain health problems that may prevent it from digesting certain foods or you may give a treat that then causes a severe allergic reaction. This should be common sense. I know it's tempting to reward a cute dog for being sweet and nice to your dog but use your judgement - if in doubt, ask that dog's owner for permission.

All dog parks have municipal codes posted. Know your local dog laws, for both city and county - especially laws that require licensing and leashing, and follow them. This is not just for the safety of your own dog, but also for every one else.

Some good sites for more information include:

Dog Parks & Liability for Dog Bites: http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/dog_park.html

Park (State & National) Dog/Pet Rules: http://www.explorerdog.com/parks/parkregs.htm

You can do a Google search to find more information on your own city and county rules regarding leash laws, dog park rules by city and much more.

**Dog parks should be a wonderful place to take your dog(s). If everyone follows these basic rules, you will be helping prevent injuries, fights and other problems that are associated with dog parks. By following these simple rules, you will also allow more dog parks to be built and operate smoothly, instead of being shut down - which is what happens when people do not follow these rules. Let's keep dog parks around for everyone to use and enjoy!