Dog parks are great for you and your pooch and can be a great place to socialize. But it’s important to mind your dog park manners while you’re there. The basic rules are probably posted and you need to follow them – but there are some unwritten rules you’ll want to consider if to keep you and your best friend in the popular crowd:
• Call your dog away from the gate while other dogs are entering or leaving. Don’t burden other people with trying to keep your dog in.
• If you get caught up in conversation, keep your eye on your dog’s location, body language and interaction with other dogs and people.
• It’s okay if your dog barks, snarls or even snaps at other dogs. That’s a normal part of their socializing. Just be prepared to step in if it starts escalating.
• Any aggressive behavior towards a human requires your immediate attention.
• If your dog is sick, has a parasite or fleas, find somewhere else to play until he or she is back to normal.
• Avoid disciplining someone else’s dog unless it’s a real safety issue.
• Please don’t bring people food to the dog park. And don’t hand out dog treats either.
• If your dog wears a chain or spiked collar – take that off at the park. Dogs love to roughhouse and someone could get hurt.
• If you’ve got small children, keep THEM on a short leash. It’s really best to play somewhere else. Dogs and dog owners need a place they can run free without worrying about little ones getting hurt or frightened.
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