Off-leash parks are a great outlet for dogs to run and play with other dogs in a securely fenced area. Follow these basic etiquette tips for bark parks:
HEALTHY, IMMUNIZED DOGS ONLY
It’s amazing how many people will bring a dog with kennel cough, fleas, mange or other health problems. Bringing an un-vaccinated dog to a park full of other dogs is just asking for the rapid spread of disease, possibly one that’s fatal. Puppies younger than four months should stay home, as well; they’re just not ready.
DOGS ONLY PART I – NO SMALL CHILDREN
The possibilities for accidents are staggering. Be a responsible parent as well as dog owner; keep small kids in the parks designed for them.
DOGS ONLY PART II – NO IGUANAS
For the safety of all concerned, please do not bring animals other than dogs to a dog park.
IT MAY BE HOT, SO DON’T BRING ANY IN HEAT
Taking a female dog in heat out in public is unbelievably irresponsible, especially where dozens of dogs can run loose, possibly including un-neutered males.
TOO MANY DOG GONE DOGS
Some parks have a limit on the number of dogs allowed. Don’t bring more dogs than you can safely shake a stick at.
BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DOG’S BEHAVIOR
If your dog digs a hole, fill it back in. If he can’t play nicely with other dogs on that day, take him home.
FOLLOW THE RULES
Failure to obey the rules can result in your local park being shut down, or worse, causing a serious accident that could have been prevented.
CLEAN UP YOUR DOG’s DOO
To further prevent the spread of disease and intestinal parasites, always pick up after your dog immediately. Leaving piles for other owners to clean up is unforgivably rude and could result in your being fined and/or being banned from the park.
