11 Dog Park Etiquette Tips

1. Do Pick Up the Doo Doo!

For some unfathomable reason, some dog owners think that the dog park is also a public pet toilet. But can you imagine the state of the grounds if no one picked up after their dogs? Yech! And always dispose of your “doggie bags” properly.

2. Don’t Bring a Sick Pet

When pets are under the weather with things like kennel cough, fleas, or mange, they can be really grumpy and overly aggressive. Not to mention your dog could pass something on to someone else’s pet. And don’t bring unvaccinated dogs or very young puppies to a dog park.

3. Do Control Your Dog

Your dog should know and respect the basic commands of come, sit, and stop before you take it to a dog park so you can prevent it from harassing folks. No one likes dogs that jump up or hop into laps uninvited. Worse are dogs that try to mark their territory on someone’s leg—and worse yet, dogs that hump people’s legs!

Don’t let your dog bully other dogs. Also avoid correcting other people’s dog behaviours without receiving permission from the owner first—or the scrap might end up being between humans and not canines!

4. Don’t Bring a Favourite Toy

By all means bring a toy, but only something you know your dog can part with. Leave the absolute favourite toy at home because chances are good that it won’t make it out of the park unscathed.