Dog Parks

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 to run for dogs that 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 wonderful places 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 that 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 dog's aggression issues.  If your dog is OK with other dogs sometimes, but you’re 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.

Don't Bring 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.

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. Dogs are more likely to be aggressive if they have mating on their mind.

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 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 shooe away. Food sometimes turns otherwise happy dogs a bit aggressive and overbearing. 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 dog’s 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 dog’s 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 of them 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 park’s rules. Failure to follow your local park’s 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 fountain’s "ON" button so this pup can get a drink.

Doggie waste-pickup 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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