Sample Dog Park Rules
The Ramsey County off-leash sites have drafted these rules for the dog parks in their jurisdiction. We reprint them here with thanks to ROMP.
First time users should visit at non-peak times.
Peak times are Monday - Friday, late afternoon until dark. Saturdays and Sundays are busy by 9:30 a.m. The first visit can be a little stressful for both you and your dog. Ease the stress that first time by going when the park isn't so busy.
Observe the posted park rules
Both Battle Creek and Rice Creek have posted park rules (which are also posted at www.co.ramsey.mn.us/Parks/parks_trails/off_leash.html). Park users must comply with those rules for the safety of everyone and every dog!
Let your dog offleash as soon as you arrive
Leashed dogs may feel threatened and growl or bark when off-leash dogs greet them.
Keep walking
This keeps the off leash area neutral territory.
Pick up poop
This is the single most important thing you can do to help ensure the ongoing success of these areas. We need to pick up after our dogs and even pick up a few extras! Many dedicated ROMPers do regular poop patrol -- one or two laps around conscientiously looking for orphan poops and collecting them. If you do this, you not only leave the site looking better than how you found it, you also model responsible behavior for the other dog owners.
Try not to poop patrol alone. Rather, enlist a fellow dog owner to hold a bag open for you while you pick up and pop the poops in the bag. Once you've taught another dog owner to poop patrol, they are much less shy about calling out. "Do you need a bag?" or "Whose golden retriever is taking that dump over there?" when they see a poop about to be ignored.
If you need a bag, take what you need from the bag dispenser box, but please bring some extra bags to share next time you come. Always pick up after your dog, even outside the off-leash area.
Be aware that dogs have different play styles
Educate yourself on dog behavior. Ask questions. A behavior that concernsβ¨you may simply be a rambunctious play style.
