Disclaimer: these are no official dog park rules! After spending most of my time at dog parks/beaches & off leash hiking trails I've seen it all. Dog fights, injured dogs, injured humans, adults fighting like children and, sad but true, an unnecessary killing of a small dog. The patterns are the same every time and it all could have been prevented. If everybody would just follow some simple rules and etiquette it would make life much easier for all of us. After all it should be fun for the dogs and relaxing for us!
I always thought it's an absolute no-brainer but apparently I was wrong. There is a reason why we use dogs to find buried humans, drugs, weapons and so on. Dogs have 300 million specialized scent-detecting organs called chemoreceptors lining their nasal cavity. So, what makes you think you can put dog treats in your pocket and not be bothered by creatures that have an enormous ability to smell and that live for food? If you don't want to get bothered don't bring food!
Use the same logic for bringing human food to the dog park!
DON'T BE SCARED
If for whatever reason you are scared of big dogs, Pitbulls, Shephards or any kind of dogs, DO NOT COME to a dog park! If you are not scared of dogs but might be scared that little Poochie could get dirty, DO NOT COME to a dog park. Nervous energy translates directly into nervous or aggressive behavior in your dog, which usually results in a freak accident. Murphy's Law: you or your dog will most likely get bit!
DON'T FREAK OUT
Talking about freak accidents, accidents do happen. Try to remain calm. This one is especially for the ladies, DO NOT SCREAM IN A HIGH PITCHED VOICE. It will make it worse. Try to remain calm and if you must scream, try to lower your voice and yell in a more authoritative manner!
BREAKING UP A FIGHT
Many times it's more noise than real fighting. Referring to rule #3, don't panic and no screaming. Never try to pull your dog off by his collar. The chances of getting bit are very high. Try to grab the dog by his hind legs or, even better grab him by his hip/waist. You can really dig in his fur and skin and pull him off. The typical reaction for a dog is to look back and to see what grabbed him. That is your chance to pull him off the other dog. Please, use your common sense. If you think the situation is too dangerous let other people handle it! If your dog started the fight, you should ask the other persons involved if everything is ok with them and their dog!
THAT THING CALLED HUMPING
No, your dog is not gay if he is humping other male dogs and he isn't horny either. Humping is pure dominance. Don't freak out and please don't be embarrassed when your dog is getting humped or humping others. Give your dog a moment to take care of it himself (which usually means that he/she will growl back at the other dog). If your dog is passive/submissive and YOU are uncomfortable with the humping, kindly ask the other owner to take away the other dog.
TOYS
Toys are great...for home. If your dog has a favorite toy at home, DO NOT BRING IT TO THE PARK! It can trigger possession and aggression. Chances of a fight breaking loose are very high. If you bring that fancy new frisbee to the park, count on getting it dirty & destroyed.
THE BALL GAME
...and I am not talking about the balls to fetch!
I personally don't care if male dogs still carry their crown jewels or not. Surprisingly, a lot of people do care and react funny. Be prepared if your dog is not neutered to get into heated discussions with fellow park goers. Chances of your dog getting in fights with other males are very high due to the scent and most likely more dominant behavior. Bringing a non neutered Pitbull to the park isn't such a great idea!
CHILDREN
It's called a dog park and not a fair ground or playground. It's no problem to bring your kids if they know the rules and aren't afraid of dogs or being jumped on. Rules for kids (& adults): NO frantic screaming, crying or running around. Stay calm and assertive. DO NOT play soccer or baseball at a dog park. Stay close to the parents. Do not approach other dogs without asking the owner, since some dogs react funny to children (no matter what size dog). If you approach a dog it's best to do it slowly while standing sideways to the dog and petting the shoulder area. Tell your kids to never ever pick up small dogs!
THE NOT SO GOOD "PICK ME UP"
If for whatever reason a situation escalates and bigger dogs team up and pounce on a small dog, never, ever pick up the small dog and try to leave the park. The moment you pick up the little one you are putting yourself and your dog in danger. The other dogs will jump up on you and will try to pull the little dog down. Chances of you getting bit are very high. In a scuffle stand over your dog to protect him and push the other dogs away. Try to stay calm. Same rules for bigger dogs: never pick up any dog when other dogs are around!
BARK OUT LOUD
If your dog is constantly barking at other dogs and you are asked to take care of it, please be courteous to fellow park goers and neighbors. Stop your dog's barking without arguing!
OFF LEASH MEANS OFF LEASH
The most drastic example is about a Pitbull and a Chihuahua, both were playing fine until the owner put the Pitbull on a leash and sat down on a chair. The Chihuahua; still in a playful mood, approached the Pitbull; the Pitbull jumped up and bit the other dog. The little dog died from severe injuries. It's not about the Pitbull being a Pitbull. What happened could have been simply prevented! The moment the Pitbull was on the leash he went into protective mode over the owner. The Chihuahua invaded "his space" and the Pitbull snatched. It can happen to any other breed, so please unleash your dog when you enter the dog park!
HE IS JUST PLAYING
Sometimes people mistake vocal play with aggression and get scared. If someone asks you to take your dog away their dog, even if you know better do not argue and just do it. Apparently they are scared and tense up. This could affect the dogs which could result in a fight. Prevent before it happens!
IT'S MY, MY, MY, MY BALL
If your dog is overly possessive and aggressive over balls, toys or even you, don't bring him to the park. Get a trainer and work on it! It's not a normal state-of-mind for a dog.
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK
Use all your common senses at the park. A dog usually sticks in a close perimeter around the owner. Which means if he is playing and romping around it will be most likely around your knees. Just be aware and ready to react quickly and jump to the side. A collision can be very painful! Do not turn your back on playing dogs!
DOG PARK ATTIRE
It's a dog park and usually it's dirty. I wouldn't recommend wearing your designer clothes to the park. Nor would I recommend wearing skirts or flip flops. Have you ever stepped in a nice fresh turd with open toed shoes? Which leads me to my next point....
Eeeeeeewwww I STEPPED IN DOO-DOO
It happens to all of us, we are caught up in a lively discussion and we don't realize Fido just placed a nice turd in the middle of the park. Now multiply this by 20 dogs a day and you have a mess. Keep an eye on your dog at all time and pick up the doo-doo even when it's on the other side of the park. If you pick up poop and there is poop in close proximity be courteous and pick it up as well. We all benefit from a clean park!
If you are still feeling insecure or you have questions, please try our Ask Julia Forum or attend Julia's dog park workshop (see rates)!
