Dog Park Etiquette: 5 General Dog Park Rules

Dog park etiquette refers to the unofficial rules for a dog’s behavior when owners take them to a local canine park. Dog park etiquette is similar to but sometimes differs from the official dog park rules that a town or city government department established. These rules are on display at the entrance to most dog parks to help ensure dog owners and their pets follow them. Like the rules of good manners for humans, dog park etiquette establishes these guidelines without a written document.

These unofficial rules of etiquette encompass dog park behavior both on- and off-leash, as well as guidelines for dog waste disposal, the handling of aggressive dogs, and items allowed inside the dog park. Following dog park etiquette makes the dog park experience a safe and happy one for pet parents and dogs alike.

Here are some general dog run and park rules:

1. 1. Bring your own water. Packing a water bowl ensures your dog stays hydrated and returns to you between bouts of playing to cool off. It also helps prevent illnesses that circulate at dog parks, like parvo or kennel cough.
2. 2. Clean up after your pet. Always pick up after your pooch and dispose of dog poop in the proper receptacles. It’s polite, respectful, and helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and parasites in dog feces.
3. 3. Follow leash rules. Most dog parks have double gates to prevent dogs from running out of the park. If your park permits off-leash dogs, remove the leash only after you pass through the second gate. Some parks also have specific leashed and off-leash areas, as well as certain park areas reserved for small dogs, senior dogs, or large dogs.
4. 4. Keep vaccinations and treatments current. Be sure your dog is up-to-date on all its vaccinations, as well as any preventive care for fleas and ticks before you visit the dog park. This keeps your dog—and other dogs—safe from pests and potentially harmful or life-threatening illnesses.
5. 5. Leave food and toys at home. Your pet may love to play with tennis balls at home or receive treats for good behavior as part of dog training. However, dog toys and food can lead to jealousy and aggressive behavior from your dog and other canine visitors. The same goes for any human food you bring into a park.

Follow these tips to help make the dog park experience a happy, healthy one:

1. 1. Keep first visits brief. Limit your new dog’s first visit to a short stay. Keep your dog in the appropriate play areas (such as a designated space for small dogs or senior dogs) for the first visit and gradually acclimate it to the rest of the park and its occupants.
2. 2. Leave puppies and small children at home. Socialization is crucial to a puppy’s development, but wait until your pup is at least nine months old before bringing it to a park. A dog’s immune system is still in development until that point, making it susceptible to illnesses. Dog parks also pose challenges for infants and toddlers: They may want to play with “doggies” but can fail to understand that a well-meaning, overly friendly big dog could also knock them over. Teach kids the right way to interact with dogs before visiting a park.
3. 3. Pay attention to your dog. Know the difference between dog play and dog fights. The key is dog body language: Wagging tails and play bows (when the dog lowers its head and raises its rump) are clear signs of fun, but some dogs also nip, feign dog bites, or jostle each other while playing. Excessive barking, raised hackles (the fur along their spine), wide eyes, and ears pinned to the head are universal signs of stress or fear and require immediate attention.

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