Dog Park Rules
1. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset (check with the park, but in general, most are open during daylight hours)
2. Dogs should be current on all vaccinations, this will vary from park to park. Do not go to a dog park that does not require that all dogs be current on their vaccines.
3. Dogs should have a current County dog license. Dogs should also wear an owner identification tag at all times.
4. Dogs should be leashed when entering and exiting the Dog Park.
5. For the safety of your dog(s) and other park visitors, choke, prong (pinch) and spike collars are normally prohibited. If you use these types of collars, remove them before entering the park.
6. No Children under the age of 16 should ever be permitted unless accompanied by an adult. Children have a tendency to scream and run when excited, which can trigger a dog's prey drive or natural instinct to chase. For this reason and for the safety of your children, we at Pupznpalz do not recommend bringing small children and infants into the dog park.
7. Aggressive dogs should never permitted on the premises. Dogs should be removed at the first sign of aggression.
8. Female dogs in heat should be prohibited from entering the park. But, if you adopted your dog from Pupznpalz Rescue, this should not be an issue (your dogs should already be spayed before she is old enough to go to the park!)
9. Dog owners must be in the park and within view of their dogs at all times.
10. All off-leash dogs must be under voice control of their owners. If you can not control your dog off leash, keep your pet leashed at all times. Or better yet, wait until you have voice control before you take your dog to a dog park.
11. Dog owners must keep their leash in hand at all times.
12. Please do not bring dog food into the park.
13. Owner must clean up dog feces. Seal waste in the provided plastic bags before disposing in designated receptacles.
14. Fill any holes your dog digs.
15. Proof of a current rabies vaccination and license is required upon request of a police or animal control officer. Tags may serve as proof.
Be a responsible dog handler. If your pet has a contagious condition, stay away until a Vet has said that there is no danger to other dogs. The "Golden Rule" applies here! Legally, only a rabies vaccination is required to enter the dog park; however, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian to get advice on other vaccinations such as Bordatella (Kennel Cough), Distemper, Parvo, etc. Don't forget heartworm protection!
Each handler is legally responsible for his or her dog, therefore, each handler is responsible for supervision of his or her animal.
While it is not recommended, children are normally welcome - however, child's play it is not. A Dog Park is a playground for dogs, not children. Be sure you teach your child how to behave properly in a dog park environment. Playful, unsupervised children and playful, unleashed dogs mixed together could result in injury. Please understand that Dog Parks are areas provided for dogs to interact with other dogs and that your child could be considered an interruption in dog play. If you choose to bring your child within the park, you should SUPERVISE VERY CLOSELY!!! Teach your child proper dog park behavior. Children should not run around, scream, pick up and wave sticks, or approach animals that they do not know.
Many dogs will be experiencing the off-leash environment for the first time and may not be used to the experience. Please watch your dog closely. If your dog acts aggressively, please put the dog on a leash immediately and let the animal "cool down". It takes time for a new dog to become comfortable with the fact that other dogs all share the neutral environment. Keep in mind that everyone at the park wants the same thing - socialized dogs that can have fun together.
You should always wear shoes! Some types of worms can enter your body through the soles of your feet. Are you absolutely certain that every dog in the dog park is worm-free?
Keep your head on a swivel at all times as there will likely be groups of dogs running around the park and having fun. People standing around are obstructions. A dog being chased may try to run its pursuer into a person in order to gain an advantage. Stay alert!
Do not bring human food to the dog park. Small dog treats are acceptable since that's what one uses to train a dog; however, human food or long-lasting dog chews should not be brought into the off-leash area. Many dogs are on diets to keep their weight under control. A normally well-behaved dog can jump at or lunge for food, especially tasty human food, when hungry. Also, do not give any treats to a dog without first checking with the dog's owner to see if that would be permissible. Some dogs have food allergies and that treat might make a dog ill.
