Dog owners are taking initiative and getting in some quality time in with their dogs. Dog lovers everywhere have begun starting dog parks all over the country. These parks are wonderful! As a dog owner and dog lover, I am thrilled to have a place to take my dogs where they can run, bark, chase, play ball, etc. and I know that they are safe and I am not breaking any park rules by allowing them to be off leash. The newest dog park in my town is like many dog parks in other towns. Our dog park is fully enclosed with double-gated entry/exit to prevent escapes. There is a waterspout for owners to fill up their own water bowls, and there is a short spout with a steel bowl attached for owners to fill for their dogs to drink from if they did not bring their own bowl. There is a very large grassy area for the dogs to play, trees for shade, picnic table for dog owners to put their belongings and sit and get to know fellow dog lovers while their dogs frolic and chase. Generally, people are very conscientious about their dog’s behavior while at a dog park, but some people are novice. Here are a few tips to ensure people will not cringe when they see you and your pet arrive.

Gate Entry/Exit: When you are arriving or leaving a dog park, be certain that you do not leave the gate(s) open and allow other dogs to escape. Most parks are double gated to help with strong-minded dogs, but you still need to make certain gates are close immediately behind you. No owner is happy if his or her dog gets out an open gate via carelessness of another.

Poop Removal: CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG! No person who goes to a dog park to play with his or her dog is going to be pleased to step in a pile of doggie poop. Watch your dog and make sure that if they do the deed, you are picking it up immediately. Now, we dog lovers can get caught up in telling stories about our companions and tend to not pay close attention, so make sure you are being watchful no matter how great a conversationalist you are.

Jumping: Dog parks may be for the dogs, but that does not mean that should lack manners. Do not allow your dog to jump on other people. It is just rude no matter what.

Aggressive Behavior/Play Style: All dogs have different personalities, just like us humans. Some of us play nice, but some of us play overly rough even though we are nice. If you have a nice dog, who tends to be a bully and play rough and mean, keep a close eye on your pet. Dogs that are nice, but play overly rough and mean, are not always perceived as being nice by other dogs. Some dogs get very defensive with dogs who are very rough, aggressive, mean players. Also, an overly rough player can injure another dog – not good.

Mounting: Do not allow your dog to mount another dog. It is often that I have seen a male dog attempt to mount another male dog and it ends up in a big dogfight. Most male (and female) dogs do not take kindly to being mounted by another dog, male or female. So, just do not allow your dog to do it.

Water: If you forget to bring your dog their own water, or water bowl, and your dog drinks from another dog’s water bowl, offer the dog owner to go re-fill the bowl. It is the polite thing to do, especially when water is not near by and the other dog owner only brought so much. There has been times at other dog parks when other dogs have drank all my dog’s water and this particular park didn’t have a water spout near by. I had to walk outside the dog park enclosure, leaving my dogs alone shortly, to get them more water. The other dog owner did not even say thank you. Not polite!

Leash: Always carry a leash with you. All dog parks I have ever encountered require that all dogs be brought to the park on a leash; however, it is a good rule even if you go where a leash is not required. A leash can be extremely useful.

Shots: Make sure your dog is current on their shots for their safety, as well as the safety of other dogs and people.

Have a great time with your furry pals!

Here is a great link for help finding a dog park in your area!
www.dogfriendly.com