Human Behavior
1. Arrange to take your dog to the park the first time at non-peak hours to allow both of you to acquaint yourselves with the environment without the stress and distraction of multiple dogs.
2. Obey all posted park rules, even if you disagree with them.
3. Limit your use of toys and food treats as necessary to avoid dog to dog conflict.
4. Be realistic about your dog’s potential as a park playmate. The dog park is not the appropriate place to work on fixing your dog’s behavior problems.
5. Watch park play for several minutes before you take your dog in to be sure there are no dogs present who are inappropriate play partners for your dog.
6. Remove your dog’s leash as soon as you enter the off-leash area. Mixing on leash and off-leash dogs can cause stress in the leashed dogs, which may lead to aggression.
7. Supervise your dog’s play. Be prepared to interrupt inappropriate play whether your dog is the perpetrator or the victim.
8. If your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, leash him and leave immediately.
9. If someone complains about your dog’s behavior, be prepared to consider his perspective before defending your dog or just blowing off the complaint. Apologize if your dog has been inappropriate, and be willing to leave the park if your dog is being too rough.
10. Remember, not all dogs enjoy playing with others. Be willing to leave if your dog isn’t having a good time. If you love going to the park and your dog doesn’t, go without him. Go with a friend who has a more grearious canine, or go dog less and socialize with other owners.
11. Avoid disciplining another park user’s dog. If you find another dog’s behavior unacceptable, take your own dog out of the park rather than “correcting” someone else’s dog.
12. Honor the posted dog park hours. They are set for a reason or to maintain and harmony with nearby neighbors.
13. Protect your pet from the elements – overheating, hypothermia, and frostbite all can be avoided by not taking dogs to the park when weather conditions are extreme.
14. Water is available in the park but we suggest you bring water from home and a bowl or a sport bottle for your dog to drink from.
15. If you have the slightest suspicion your dog can be aggressive toward other dogs, you should not allow it to place other dogs at risk.
