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Dog Park Guidelines and Etiquette

How to Enter/Leave the Area

1. Before opening the outer gate, check to make sure both inner gates are closed
2. Open the outer gate and enter the vestibule with your dog(s)
3. Close the outer gate behind you. Enter either the large or small dog area
4. Remove the dog’s leash. Having your dog on a leash when confronting an off-leash dog may cause problems. A dog may feel vulnerable and fearful, as well as protective when leashed and cause an off-leashed dog to feel threatened
5. Before opening the inner gate, check to make sure the inner area is not congested with excited dogs waiting to pounce on the new dog or with dogs trying to get out. People already in the park should make sure their dog is not in the immediate vicinity of the inner gate(s) as a dog is about to enter. If it is you should lead your dog away so that the new arrival has a clear path with which to enter
6. Pay attention to the reception from the dogs already within the park
7. Open the inner gate and enter the park with your dog
8. Close the inner gate behind you and move your dog away from the entrance
   

Supervision of Dogs in the Dog Park

• Once you and your dog get to the dog park it’s tempting to just stand by and watch all the activity but everybody will have a much more rewarding time if you observe the basic rules and keep a close eye on your dog. Mischief can happen in the “blink of an eye”.
• Never leave your dog unattended and be aware that dogs have different play styles.
• Educate yourself about dog behavior. A behavior that concerns you may simply be a rough style of play.
• Watch submissive dogs closely as they can be intimidated by other dogs, especially in groups
• If your dog becomes unruly, put on the leash and remove the dog from the area
• If fights break out, try to separate the dogs from behind
• Definitely, absolutely clean up after your dog. Baggies and trash cans will be available.

First Time Dog Park Users

• The first dog park visit can be stressful for both the dog and dog owner
• Minimize the stress by visiting the park at non-peak hours
• Peak hours are usually late afternoon on weekdays and in the forenoon on weekends