Dogpark Etiquette for People

Once you and your dog get to the dogpark, it’s tempting to just stand back and watch all the activity. But everybody will have a much more fun if you observe some basic rules.  

Always keep your eye on your dog. Mischief can happen quickly, and often does when you're not looking.

Never leave your dog unattended even if it's a gated dog park.

Always clean up after your dog.  Most parks have poopbags or scoopers, so use them. This is a primary reason that dogparks get complaints, so pay attention and pick up the poop.

Make sure your dog is current on all vaccinations.

Don’t bring dogs younger than 4 months to a dogpark. They won’t have had all the necessary inoculations that allow them to play safely with other animals.

Don’t bring a female dog in season, or an unneutered male with an appetite for humping other people's dogs.  Spayed/neutered animals are recommended.

Don’t bring more than three dogs. It's too difficult to have control over all of them.

Keep your dog on-leash until you get to the off-leash area. This is not just respectful to other park users, it’s much safer for your dog.

If your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, leash him and leave immediately.  Don't let bad behavior ruin it for everyone else.

Supervise children closely.

Don’t smoke or eat while at the dogpark. Cigarette butts and food wrappers are tempting treats to dogs, but bad for them.

Always observe all of the rules posted at your local dogpark. Each town has its own set of regulations, so please follow them.