Dog parks are great treat for any pooch & in an urban environment they are nearly essential to maintaining a well balanced dog. Many parks go beyond a simple fenced enclosure to offer a real community for dog owners. To be able to really participate in that community you should know what’s expected of you and your dog. The bonus is that by following proper dog park etiquette you’re sure to enjoy your time with your four legged friend at the local dog run just a little bit more.
The Basics
- All dogs should be licensed (most towns require it) & up to date on all vaccines (Bordatella, Rabies & DHLPP)
- Dogs must wear a collar or harness (with proper ID & tags)
- You must have a leash handy for each dog
- Never bring a dog that has aggression issues
- Spaying or neutering is recommended
- Never bring a bitch in heat or puppies under 4 months old
- Discourage any excessive barking
- No mounting other dogs!
- Bring bags & immediately clean up your dogs poop
- You are responsible for all the dogs you bring and anything they do, so never bring more dogs than you can handle & stay alert!
Going The Extra Mile
- Meet & greet – Make it a point to introduce yourself & your dogs
- Bring spare poop bags, old tennis balls & extra toys to help replenish park supplies
- Many urban dog runs are user supported. Donate your time, money or effort to maintaining the park.
- Be proactive and alert for any escalating tussles between any dog & help when possible
- Keep your dog well clear of the gate when others are entering or exiting
Did I miss any? Please feel free to add your etiquette suggestions in the comments.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Might I add one more item that is close to me, which came about while helping an Environmental group, here in Houston, Texas.
A number of cities have an open sewer system that travel directly into the water system without going through any water treatment facility.
The largest contaminant in the Galveston Bay area of Houston/Galveston, which I am sure applies to other cities where water can travel into a larger area, comes from poop bags that have been thrown in to the sewer system.
Most poop bags are not biodegradable, and will clog pipes and cause cities tens of thousands of dollars to clean the debris, and then hauling it off to a land fill.
It is almost a catch 22 situation, over time, the poop would have broken down if left in place, and would have been absorbed by the ground, or if scooped up and placed in a ground with a mild enzyme, would go through the ground water system and not contaminate the water in these cities.
There probably are a number of alternatives, just good pet ownership practices, as you suggest, respecting the environment, and not throwing debris in a sewer, would be a good start.
Seuss – do you have advice on how best to protect your pup from another aggressive dog in leash-free spaces like parks (especially when the other owner can’t/won’t control their dog)?
Awesome site, by the way.
Tracy27,
First and foremost if you aren’t in a fully fenced in area then you are not in a “leash-free” space. In any event I always recommend responding to a “lacking” owner the same as you would a parent not monitoring their child. This holds true even for minor aggressive behaviors like unwanted tackle or mouth play etc. In short, be very vocal.
When you are dealing with a truly dangerous issue with an owner that can’t be bothered to control their dog do not be afraid to involve appropriate authorities (SPCA, animal control, police etc.)
Hope that helps you out. Thanks for the compliment on the site, it’s very much a work in progress.
A few of my patients have torn their cruciate ligaments at dog parks. They were playing with a much larger dog when the injury occurred. Please choose parks that offer play areas based on the size of dog. If the proper one is not available, start your own in a private yard.
And I echo The Dog Dude’s feelings on Proposition 2, vote yes!
Dr. Kristen Nelson´s last blog post..Californians Vote Yes on Proposition 2
Great article on dog parks! The only thing I’d add is that dog parks aren’t a substitute for walking and bonding with your dog. Those who use dog parks as their dog’s only energy outlet are sometimes the ones with the over energetic, aggressive dog. Also, there is no substitute for the bonding and training time that go hand and hand with daily walks.
Astrid Nicole´s last blog post..‘Tis The Season
Really good points. I know it’s a little late to comment on it, but the list is definitely something I would pass to people to read when getting or starting on their life with a dog.
Thanks Astrid!
So true about substituting parks or the backyard for the true exercise of extended daily walks. Each day without proper activity is like slowly shaking a champagne bottle… eventually PoP! I’m working on a post now covering how to walk a dog… the right way!
thanks again for your comments & stay tuned