Dog Park Etiquette for Responsible Dog Owners

Dog parks are a great place for your pup to socialize, burn off energy, and have fun — but they can also turn into chaos quickly. To keep the dog park a safe, positive experience for everyone, it’s important to follow proper dog park etiquette. 

Here’s how to be a responsible dog owner at the park.

1. Keep Your Dog on a Leash Until Inside the Park

Before entering, always keep your dog on a sturdy leash to prevent unexpected run-ins with other dogs. Make sure your leash is easy to handle and securely attached to a well-fitting collar. Once inside the designated off-leash area, remove the leash to avoid entanglements.

2. Make Sure Your Dog is Socialized and Healthy

Dog parks are not the place for aggressive or overly anxious dogs. Before visiting, ensure your pup is comfortable around other dogs and people. If they’ve never been to the dog park before, starting by taking walks near the park and rewarding calm behavior is a great place to start.

It’s also important to never bring a sick dog to the park. Illnesses like kennel cough or parasites can spread quickly.

3. Always Supervise Your Dog

It’s tempting to scroll through your phone or chat with other owners, but always keep an eye on your dog. Pay close attention to your dog’s body language, as well as the body language of other dogs. if play starts getting too rough, step in to de-escalate.

4. Pick Up After Your Dog

Leaving poop behind isn’t just gross—it’s a health hazard. Always bring waste bags and clean up immediately. Many dog parks provide bags, but it’s best to bring your own just in case.

 

 

5. Respect Other Dogs and Owners

Not all dogs love being approached by strangers, so always ask before petting someone else’s pup. If your dog seems overly excited or is bothering another dog, step in and redirect their attention.

Keep the Dog Park Safe and Fun for Everyone

The dog park is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your dog, but only with careful supervision and socialization. Following these simple rules helps keep the dog park safe and fun for everyone.