Human Obedience at the Dog Park

Dog parks are beneficial in so many ways. They provide a dedicated place for dogs to exercise, socialize and bond with their mom or dad. Some parks even have beautiful grass to romp on and fences for your dog’s safety.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a city that supports parks for dogs, congratulations. If not, your luck may soon change. Dog parks are the fastest-growing segment of municipal parks in the country with the number of dog parks increasing by over 70% since 2009.

With great dog parks though, comes great responsibility. Whether you’re there because your dog is crazy and just won’t leave you alone, or because it’s the highlight of your (and their) day, dog park etiquette can be an insight into the breed of human you are:

Tummy aches

The dog park experience begins before you even leave the house. If your dog might be sick or have a cold, PLEASE skip the park that day. Many viruses are transmitted from dog to dog, even from a dog’s fur. Stop the spread of canine flu, canine cough, giardia, and a host of infirmities by taking the day, or two, or a week, off if your pup doesn’t seem right.

I’ve been shot

Dog parks are the Wild West as far as regulations. No one is at the door checking vaccinations, therefore, it’s the honor system for you and your fellow humans. Rabies is the obvious vaccination all dogs should have, however, Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), Distemper, Parvo, Bordetella, and Leptospirosis vaccinations are required at most dog daycare facilities and suggested for all dogs who are in social settings. For the safety of your pup and all the pups he plays with, keep him up to date.

Whoa there fella

Okay you finally made it to the parking lot and your dog is now going ballistic. Take the time to leash your pup until they get into the park. This is for the safety of your dog, a common courtesy to others trying to load and unload their pups, and it’s usually a dog park rule.

Yada yada yada

Cell phones are a necessary evil these days. But for 30 minutes a day, would it kill us to leave our phones, our work, social media, and the internet in the car for quality time and no distractions with our dogs? Your dog (and fellow dog park attendees) will appreciate your undivided attention.

Stop thief

Ball theft is the number one dog to dog crime in dog parks today. My bulldog loves his squeaky tennis ball. But sometimes when he sets it down, his look of “Come on Dad, throw it” goes to “What the hell?” as it disappears in another dog’s mouth. So annoying to both of us. And, if the other dog’s owner is distracted or clueless, now you have to track them down to get the ball from their dog. If you own a ball bandit, please be extra mindful of their shenanigans.

Grrrrrumpy

Not all dogs want other dogs around. I had one of these. They’re not bad dogs, and they deserve park time like everyone else, but with extra caution. If you’re the owner of a testy dog, you need to keep a distance from people and their dogs. If a curious visitor does stroll your way (for some reason, the happier the visitor, the grumpier my dog was) I simply put my hand over his eyes. If the curious dog was persistent, I’d kindly let the owner know that my dog was grumpy, and they usually took the hint.  

Pup in smoke

While not legal everywhere, in California, pot is legal, but…really? Some people can’t spend a few minutes outside and enjoy their dog without getting a buzz on. Pot smoke is toxic to dogs, as they are much more sensitive than humans. For the safety of all dogs at the park and the consideration of the humans, keep the smoking at home.

This isn’t Costco

We are fortunate that our dog park is well maintained by the city and neighborhood and even supplies free dog poop bags. If the sign by the bags says, “limit of two,” take one or two. Leave some for the rest of us so there’s no excuse to not pick it up. 

Pick it up (even on trails)

Last and most importantly…PICK IT UP! Oh, that familiar feeling of softness under your foot as you’re about to get in your car. Be mindful of your dog, don’t be distracted on your cell phone, watch even if engaging in a conversation, always keep your dog within your sight, be an obedient human and pick it up. Even on trails I’ve seen people pick it up only to leave the poop filled bag behind. Dog poop takes several weeks to decompose. Dog poop bags take years or even decades. Please pick it up, carry it out and dispose of properly.

Conclusion

Although this may have come across as sort of a rant, it’s what all of us are thinking. Hopefully some good will come of it and we can work together to keep the dog park a happy place for everyone.