Off leash Dog Park is an open area where dogs can be off leash and socialize with other dogs. Even though the dog park does not have a fence around it, people must still follow rules.
For example:
- Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated before entering the dog park.
- Dog owners/handlers must remain with their dogs in the off leash area at all times.
- Off leash areas are for dogs to exercise and play with other dogs. Not all play will be appropriate, so owners/handlers must closely monitor their dog’s behavior with the other dogs and people in the off leash area.
- Dogs must remain on leash from enter from car to entering off-leash area.
- If a dog becomes aggressive or displays unacceptable behavior, the owner/handler will be asked to remove the dog from the park.
- If a dog is reported as being aggressive, it will be added to the existing dog registry and follow up investigation may be conducted at that time.
- Dog owners/handlers must clean up after their dogs and deposit all feces into the trash receptacles located throughout the off leash area.
- Dogs under four months of age, female dogs in heat and sick dogs are not allowed in the off leash area.
- No food is allowed within the off leash area.
- Children must be accompanied by adults at all times.
- No glass containers, bicycles or skateboards are permitted inside the off leash area.
The benefits of off-leash dog parks are:
- Dogs have a chance to run and play off-leash.
- It is a place where dogs can get socialized, exercise and interact with other dogs.
- Off leash dog parks provide opportunities for people to meet others with similar interests.
- Off leash dog parks provide a place for dogs to exercise without human interference.
Are off leash dog parks suitable for all kinds of dogs?
Off leash areas are not suitable for every dog. Owners/handlers should monitor their dog’s behavior with the other dogs, people and children in the off leash area carefully.
If your dog is aggressive to another animal or human being, it may be necessary to consider another form of exercise such as a long walk or a visit to a professional dog trainer.
This how to make visiting an off-leash dog park a positive experience for the dogs and owners/handlers:
It is important to socialize and interact with your dog, but if you notice that your dog shows any signs of aggression (growling, snarling or snapping), remove him/her from the area immediately.
Dogs must be under voice control in order to participate in off-leash activities. Owners/handlers should have a long leash with them at all times in case they need to call their dog back to them.
In the case of a fight, go directly to your dog and scoop him/her up as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to break up a dogfight by pulling on collars or trying to grab dogs who are intertwined. This will only make the situation worse.
If your dog is not feeling well or has had a recent vaccination, ask yourself if it is really appropriate for them to be interacting with other dogs at an off-leash park.
It should go without saying that children must always be supervised when around dogs and dog parks are no exception.
