Dog Park Etiquette - DOs and DON'Ts

From my experience being a member in online dog communities, I know that dog parks tend to be a controversial topic. I believe that dog parks are a great resource for dog owners. They are a fun place for the humans to meet people in the area and talk about poop (normal people, the so-called "non dog people," don't seem to appreciate poop conversations.) They are also a great place for your dog to blow off some steam, make friends and socialize.

It is a good idea to practice common sense at the dog park. Here are a few unwritten dog park laws. If people followed them, dog parks would be a lot less controversial dog hang outs.

DO:

• Bring extra poop bags. Even if your park has them... sometimes they run out. I am not a fan of stepping in dog crap, are you?


• Tell an owner when their dog is taking a dump. No, it's not rude. There are times when you just don't notice your dog go. If I don't notice the squat, I always appreciate it when someone nudges me.


• Go regularly. After a few visits you will make friends and so will your dog. You'll worry a lot less how your dog is going to react when he's with a pack he is used to.


• Pay attention to your dog. Yes, you make friends at the park and you want to chat. Doesn't mean you should forget the main reason you're there. Keep an eye on your dog at all times.


• Study dog behavior before you go to the dog park. Too many times have I seen people freak out over nothing. Not all barking, growling, teeth showing and rough play mean a potential problem. Also, not all tail wagging and sniffing mean a friendship. Learn a bit about dog body language before you go.


• Know when you need to leave If a dog shows up that makes you uncomfortable, just leave and go for a walk.


• Bring water with you. Some dog parks don't have a water supply (those that do - you lucky dogs!) If yours is like ours and does not have water - bring your own. And bring enough for other dogs too.


• Be careful entering and leaving the dog park. I still can't believe how many people don't close the gate behind them!

DON'T

• Bring a dog aggressive, food or toy possessive dog to the park. Please, if you know your dog has these issues, just DON'T! If you do and you see that it makes others uncomfortable, LEAVE!


• Bring small children with you. Perhaps your toddler loves his awesome yellow lab. That doesn't mean every dog at the park is going to love your kid. Also doesn't mean that your kid won't get run over by a dog stampede.


• Bring a dog on a leash into the dog park. There is a reason dog parks have double gates. 1. So dogs are less likely to get out. 2. To give you a chance to take your dog off the leash before you come in. Dogs are more likey to start fighting when one is on a leash. It's a territorial thing. I actually think that this is my BIGGEST peeve. I think 80% of issues that I've seen at the park started because of a dog on a leash. See DO:Study dog behavior before you go to the dog park.


• Bring treats to the park. Training at the park is a great idea but treats at the park are not. You are likely to get mobbed.


• Expect Fido to get along with every dog. You don't like every person you meet, and neither will your dog. Sometimes, even the friendliest, best behaved dogs just don't get along. See DO:Know when it's time to leave!


• Wear nice clothes to the dog park. And if you do, DON'T complain about getting them dirty. It's a dog park. It's inevitable.


• Steal toys and water bowls. I mean really people? You are going to steal a chewed up soccer ball from the dog park? REALLY??


• Bring very young puppies (before 6 months) to the park. Yes. Your new puppy is VERY cute. I'll be the first one to fawn over him. But bringing him to the dog park at this young age is not the best idea. Puppies don't have all their shots. Puppies are fragile. Puppies don't yet have the so-called "Doggie Manners." You are just asking for trouble. Look up a puppy playgroup in your area instead (after your pup had all his shots of course!) A playgroup is a much better alternative to the dog park at this early stage.

THESE THINGS HAPPEN
Dogs tend to embarrass us but they are just being dogs. These things are going to happen.

• Humping. Your dog WILL hump or GET humped by another dog. Boys will hump boys. Don't squeak: "You're not gay!!! EEEK!!!" That makes you look like a fool in the eyes of dog park regulars. Just pull off your dog and redirect his attention. At the dog park, humping is more often a dominance thing than a sexual thing. Make sure NEVER to bring a bitch in heat to the dog park.
• Peeing on people's leg. - This is no doubt absolutely MORTIFYING. But it happens. Make sure you don't stand around motionless for too long.
• Your dog may get peed on. When you have a smaller dog that likes to run with the big guys - like Shakes - at some point, he WILL get peed on. It's gross. Give your dog a bath when you get home.

OK. These are all the ones I could think of off the top of my head. Do you have any dog park peeves?