A dog park is a park made just for dogs. They are
securely fenced in, providing an area for dogs to run and play off lead.
Some of them include agility style equipment, a water fountain made just for
dogs, doggie clean up bags and a place for owners to lounge, such as benches
and / or a pavilion. Some of them even have a small shower to cool off a dog
quickly if needed. Dog Parks provide a place for dogs who otherwise would
not be able to run free, and a place for dogs to play with other dogs.
Owners usually do not have to do much to get their dogs to exercise once the
leash is unsnapped. The dogs take off playing with the other dogs. So long
as everyone follows the park rules and abides by some basic "Dog Park
Etiquette", dog parks are a wonderful place to take your dog, that is
assuming your dog has a personality that allows it to happily socialize with
other dogs. It is also a great place to take a puppy for some good old
socialization, so long as your pup has had all of its shots. When going to a
dog park, you are responsible for your dog(s) and their actions. When going
to a dog park for the first time, walk around and inspect the park. Is it
safe? If you see things you do not like, leave the park and find a new one,
it is your responsibility.
Basic Off Leash Dog Park Etiquette
Keep existing dog parks open by using proper dog park
etiquette...
Do Not Use the Park as a Means of
Exercise
Dog parks should be used as a fun place to play, but
not as a means of exercise. One should
walk their dogs right before coming to the park. Dogs who come to the
park extremely excited, pulling ahead of their owners, with bottled up
excited energy are more likely to set off a
fight between the other dogs.
Even if your dog is not the one fighting, they send signals to the other
dogs, which put the other dogs in an unhealthy excitable state of mind. Dogs
do not talk, they feel one another's energy. Have you ever been at a dog
park where all the dogs were doing very well, until a particular dog showed
up, and suddenly the entire park seemed to be on edge with little scuffles
here and there. One dog can feed unstable energy to the entire pack.
Do not Bring Aggressive Dogs
Some dogs, plain and simple, do not get along with other dogs. If
you have one of these types of dogs, do not bring him to a dog park until
you have worked on your dogs
aggression issues. If your dog is ok with other dogs
sometimes, but your not too sure, keep your dog on a leash until you are
able to feel your dog out. If he shows signs of wanting to fight or dominate
other dogs, leave the park.
Don't Bring Unvaccinated Dogs
If your puppy has not had all of his shots, do not bring
him to a dog park. Not only are you exposing your own dog to sicknesses he
may not be vaccinated against, but you are putting other dogs at risk. Wait
until your pup is fully vaccinated before bringing him to a dog park.
Contagious Dogs
Do not bring dogs with fleas, mange or any other
contagious parasite. Do not bring dogs with any type of contagious illness.
If your dog is coughing or does not seem to be feeling good, if you are
aware of a contagious illness or if he shows any
signs of being sick do not bring him until he is feeling better or has been
vet checked and has the ok from a vet that he is not contagious to other
dogs.
Clean Up After Your Dog
If your dog poops, clean it up ASAP before
another person or dog steps or rolls in it. Know your park, if they do not provide
clean up bags, bring your own. Make sure you always have bags on hand in
case your park ever runs out of them.
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Female Dogs in Heat
If your female dog is in heat, it is not a good idea to bring her
to a dog park. She'll have a ton of male dogs chasing her. It will not be
fun for you, your dog or the other owners. |
Un-Neutered Dogs
If your male dog is not neutered, he may constantly
try and mount other dogs. If you notice this happening over and over again,
you should remove your dog from the park.
Don't Bring More Dogs Than You Can
Handle
Some people have a lot of dogs at home. It is not a good
idea to bring more dogs than you can handle at one time. If you want to
bring all of your dogs to the park, bring a friend or two to help you.
Dogs Only, do not Bring Other
Animals
It is not wise, or considerate, to bring other animals
other than dogs to a dog park. Many people own hunting dogs, or other types
of dogs that are not good with
non-canine pets. Be considerate to these
types of dogs and leave other pets at home.
Food
Do not bring food into the park. Some dogs are on
strict diets and if you sit down and try to eat your lunch, not only may you
get another dog sick if he sneaks or steals a piece, you may have more dogs
than you can safely shoe away. Food sometimes turns otherwise happy dogs a
bit aggressive an over baring. Don't spoil it for owners who bring their
dogs to the park to exercise by tempting them to sit and hang out for a
piece of your lunch. Dogs can do THAT at home. Be considerate, if you
are hungry, eat before you get to the park or after you leave.
Be Responsible For Your Dog
Pay attention and watch your dog(s). It is not fair to
other owners if you sit and chat and do not pay attention to what your dog
is doing. Everyone is responsible for their own dogs actions. If your dog digs
a hole fill it back in. If your dog gets into a fight with another dog, get over
there and break it up pronto. If your dog is having a bad day and is picking
fights with other dogs, take him home. Do not allow your dog to mount other
dogs. You are responsible for your dogs behavior.
Entering and Leaving the Park
When entering or leaving the park, take extra caution
not to let anyone else's dog out of the park's safely fenced in area.
Keep Leash Handy
Keep your leash handy at all times in case you need to
get your dog under control quickly. Even if your dog may not pick a fight,
another dog may. You need to be on guard and ready. After all, this is an
open park with many strange dogs. A lot meeting for the first time.
Keep Your Park Clean
Do not litter inside the dog park. Besides the fact
that littering is just plain old rude to the earth, dogs may ingest your
litter making them sick. YES, cigarette butts are LITTER! Dispose of your
litter properly.
Know Your Dog
Know your dog and his limitations. Watch for any signs
of aggressiveness and deal with your dog accordingly.
Follow Your Local Parks Posted Rules
Follow all of the parks rules. Failure to follow your local parks rules could result
in fines or may cause the park to close down. Be considerate, keep your
local dog parks open and safe.
A well constructed dog park has a double gated entrance
which allows an owner to walk in, without letting other dogs out.
This well designed water fountain has a low fountain for
dogs, with a high "On" button for the owners to press, a medium fountain for
smaller people and a higher fountain for adults.
Pushing the fountains on button so this pup can get a
drink
Doggie waste pick-up bags and trash cans
Another dog waste bag dispenser
Shaded Pavilion for owners and dogs.
Agility Equipment off to the side so it does not get in
the way of speeding dogs.
Large open area for dogs to romp and play
Fake Fire Hydrant, just for the dogs :)
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