Dog-Park-Etiquette-For-People

Once you and your dog get to the dog park, it’s tempting to just stand back and watch all the activity. But everybody will have a much more rewarding time if you observe some basic rules. Dog parks aren’t a right, they’re a privilege. - please don’t let bad behavior ruin things for everyone else. 

• Never leave your dog unattended.
• Always clean up after your dog. Most parks have poopbags or scoopers, so use them. This is a primary reason that dog parks get complaints, so pay attention and pick up the poop.
• Make sure your dog is current on her shots and has a valid license.
• Don’t bring dogs younger than 4 months to a dog park. They won’t have had all the necessary inoculations that allow them to play safely with other animals.
• Don’t bring a female dog in season. Spayed/neutered animals are recommended.
• Don’t bring more than three dogs. It subjects parks to overuse, and if they’re not your dogs, you may not have full control over them.
• Keep your dog on-leash until you get to the off-leash area. This is not just respectful to other park users, it’s much safer for your dog.
• If your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, leash him and leave immediately.
• If you must bring children to a dog park, supervise them closely.
• Don’t smoke or eat while at the dog park. Cigarette butts and food wrappers are tempting treats to dogs, but bad for them.
• Always observe all of the rules posted at your local dog park. Each town has its own set of regulations: please follow them.