Dog Park "Good Dogs" and "Ah-Ahs!"

Over the years I’ve been to many dog parks, have seen many things and experienced serious do’s and don’ts of dog park rules.

• Do visit and research parks before you bring your dog. Not all parks are created equal and some are total pit holes.
• Do make sure your dog is vaccinated before bringing them to a dog park. The dog park (much like a human hospital) can be the number one place for your dog to catch an illness.
• Do make sure your dog enjoys running around with strange dogs and people. If your dog is fearful of others this could just end up being miserable for them. Not all dogs enjoy the dog park.
• Do have a collar on your dog with ID tags.
• Do  keep a leash on hand (even if your dog walks fine off leash) in case of an emergency.
• Do bring fresh H2O
• DO PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG. No one likes stepping in your pups poo! Picking up dog doody is not fun…no one likes it.. but don’t be embarrassed and pretend it didn’t happen. That’s irresponsible and causes problems for EVERYONE.
• Do keep an eye on your dog at all times. The worst is a trouble making dog and the owner is on the other side of the park not paying any attention.
• Do pair up with other dogs that have like play styles as your dog. If you have a big rough and tumble pooch and he’s bouncing on an older dog that doesn’t appreciate the rough play, there could be trouble. 
• Do learn dog body language. This could forewarn you off a possible tussle. Not all dogs get along and fights can happen, being able to pin point signs that a possible fight could break out will allow you to remove your dog from a dangerous situation.
• Do understand that everyone who comes to the dog park may not always do the right thing so help educate and be friendly to novice dog owners.

Ok now that you know the DO’S…it’s time for the DON’TS

• Don’t bring small children to dog parks. Your child could get hurt by being knocked over or bitten (not all dogs are kid friendly even if they are at the park). Also high pitch squeals from excited children could spur unpredictable behavior from the playful pooches. I’ve personally seen this happen. Two young girls we’re with their mother at the park and would squeal every time a strange dog got close to them. The other dog park attendees kept telling the woman to calm her girls but the high pitched sound aggravated one of the dogs which turned and attacked their small dachshund (that same dog had been playing fine with the other dogs 30 min previous to them showing up).
• Don’t over react to simple situations. Your reactions with effect your dog’s reactions. (like the story above)
• Don’t bring food or bones. This is a guaranteed fight-starter!
• Don’t bring drinks in glass containers. Dogs can knock stuff over and break glass bottles. Cut puppy pads could lead to serious vet bills. 
• Don’t for the love of all things holy, bring a female dog in heat to the park.
• Don’t wear nice clothes to the dog park. Dirt, slobber, fur and poo….’nuff said.
• Don’t let your dog guard the water bowl or toys. Another dog might take on the challenge and a fight could break out.
• Don’t bring a puppy under the age of 4 months to a dog park. A dog that young could catch an illness.