DPAs (Dog Play Areas) are essential for people and dogs to exercise and socialize in a safe, responsible manner. Humans must obey some basic rules and dogs must be properly trained and well behaved in order to enjoy this everyday fun and relaxing recreational activity.

We've put together a list of guidelines - park petiquette - that we feel should be followed when you're visiting DPAs. A lot of these guidelines are common sense, but sometimes common sense isn't all that common!

 

 

 

  1. The single most important thing you can do and the most basic rule of responsible behavior is to Pick-up after your dog.  We have a saying about bags, “Take One to use, a Spare and one to Share.” If you see someone has missed a poop, gently alert him or her to the fact that their dogs’ poop must be scooped and offer your spare bag in case they forgot one.

 

 

  1. Keep your dog under your control at all times - on or off the leash.  This requires that your dog have a solid recall when off-leash.  It also means that you have worked diligently with your dog to obey basic commands so that they will not disturb other park users and be sure to carry a leash for each dog.

 

 

  1. Be respectful of park users and parkland by not allowing your dog to dig, bark incessantly, jump-up, chase (skateboards, kites, balls, bikes, wild animals, etc.), enter the flower beds or harass anyone.  

 

 

  1. Have some understanding of dog behavior. Learn to recognize the difference between loud and rowdy play, and a fight. Understand that not all dogs want to play and not all dogs are friendly.  Give your dog a time-out if he or she seems to be getting overwhelmed or overexcited. 

 

  1. If you have an aggressive dog, keep them leashed and/or muzzled while in the park.  If your dog is friendly most of the time, but has some triggers – it is your responsibility to recognize these triggers and control your dog before they act out.  Remember to remove your dog from any situation you think may become dangerous for anyone involved (including your dog).   

 

 

  1. Do not bring an unspayed female who is within two weeks of being in heat to a dog park, ever.   Realize, too, that unaltered males will present a significant problem to many dogs resulting in the unaltered dog being picked-on and or the source of many fights.  Please consider spaying and neutering your dogs unless you actively show your dog.  Dogs can be spayed and neutered as early as 10 weeks old. 

 

 

  1. If you bring treats to the park, don't be surprised if every dog there jumps on you. This goes for people food, too.  Don't give treats to other dogs without asking their owners; they may be allergic. If you smoke – be careful to keep cigarette butts away from inquiring dogs’ noses and throw them into the trash bin, do not toss butts into the bushes or in the grass.  

 

 

  1. Don't reward other dogs for bad behavior - being pushy, begging, jumping on you, or barking (either with treats, pets, attention, or toy-playing).  Simply ignore or walk away from dogs displaying rude behavior.

 

 

  1. Watch your dog carefully while they are playing off-leash.  The socialization elements of parks are a wonderful, community building activity for people and dogs alike, but do not allow the distraction of socializing with friends and neighbors to get your dog into trouble.  Make sure that you always have one eye on your dog at all times.

 

10.                    Groom your dog regularly and monitor their health closely.  Regular veterinary wellness check-ups and parasite (flea, tick, worms) prevention are essential elements of responsible dog guardianship/ownership.  Do not bring sick dogs to the park to socialize with other dogs.  Keep rabies vaccines up to date (or have titers done) and license your dog.

 

 

   

    Remember that there are some risks in going to a DPA as there are risks inherent to engaging in every recreational activity. Your dog could get injured or sick. Your dog could injure another dog while playing. Your dog's favorite toy can be destroyed. You, your dog, your clothes can be knocked down, dirtied, stepped on, etc.  It is also true that these things can happen at the park while not only playing with dogs, but these and other mishaps can occur when gardening, running, playing with kids or playing any ball sport and much worse can happen while driving your car to get to the park – so just be sure to enter the world every day with a bit of common sense, humor, compassion and understanding and you and your dog should have a great time out there!