5 Owner rules for safe dog parks

Topic: What to know about Dog Parks

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Dog parks provide a great opportunity for dogs to have a chance to run, play and socialize with other dogs and other people. Most dog parks are on public property and are maintained by local cities or municipalities, while others may be in state or federal parks. Each different type of park will have their own safety features however it is still largely the responsibility of the people using the parks to keep them safe for their own pets as well as other dogs and people that enjoy the park.

By following these 5 common sense and simple safety tips and strategies dog owners can ensure that the park or off-leash area will be problem free for years to come. Since not all dog owners' use parks responsibly it is essential to do more than just your part since it will only help you enjoy the park the next time you return. In some areas there may be regular maintenance but in other areas it may be expected that the park facilities will be kept up by the people that use the area. Regardless of what option is available for cleaning the park, it is still important to use the rules listed below to keep your pets healthy and safe when using the area.

1. Clean Up After Your Dog

This is perhaps the area where many dog owners simply fall down at being responsible managers of their pets. No one likes to have to carry around plastic bags and “pooper scoopers" while we are out walking with our pets. Unfortunately in dog parks many owners mistakenly assume that picking up waste is not required, after all it is a dog area, right?

It is so important to bag and dispose of your dog's fecal material in a designated waste basket or garbage area. Dog waste is not only problematic for other dog owners, but it can also be a potential source of various types of infections and diseases. Many common dog diseases, including hookworms, whipworms, roundworms and other parasites can be carried in fecal material. Other dogs may then be exposed to the eggs of larva or the actual bacteria or virus through sniffing, eating or even walking over soil where an infected animal has defecated. In addition dog waste near water, including streams, ponds, lakes or even ditches can easily contaminate the water, spreading disease rapidly through the dog population.

There are many different products on the market available for picking up dog waste including scented waste bags and long handled gadgets that are easy to carry and use.

2. Keep Your Dog On A Leash Except In Designated Free Run Areas

Dogs off-leash outside of designated free run areas can pose a problem since other park visitors are likely to complain, possibly causing the local authorities to eliminate the free run area or completely ban dogs from the park in the future. By following a few simple guidelines and keeping dogs on leashes and under control at all times the chances of any complaints will be completely eliminated.

Dogs that aren't on leash can also be seen as threatening to other visitors, especially if they are not fully trained or obedient. Keeping the dog restrained and controlled at all times prevents any of these issues plus you also don't have to worry about your dog getting away or not coming back to your call.

3. Always Keep Your Dog's Vaccinations Current

Although most people assume that other dog owners will always have their dog's vaccinations current and up to date, in reality there are a good number of dogs that aren't vaccinated on a regular basis. In most areas dogs are required to have a current rabies vaccination, but other vaccinations may be optional depending on where you live.

Young puppies under 12 weeks of age will not have their immunity from vaccinations and will not have the full protection offered from their mother's milk. This can be a very vulnerable age and puppies should be kept on a leash in the park to allow the owner to keep careful track of what they are eating and the dogs they are interacting with. Some breeders and vets recommend that until the full set of puppy vaccinations is completed puppies should be kept out of areas where there are lots of strange dogs roaming and running.

4. Pick Up Your Garbage

This is really just good common sense and environmental management. Garbage including plastic food wrappers, food scraps and even utensils and paper plates can all attract off-leash dogs and may pose major health concerns. Some dogs have severe food allergies to ingredients in human foods and may have a reaction to even a small amount of some types of food.

Any type of plastic, paper or food packaging can pose a choking hazard for a dog. Dogs will often attempt to swallow the wrapping, resulting in the plastic wrap lodging in their throat. Hard plastic such as plastic utensils can shatter in the dog's mouth, cutting the gums, tongue and even tearing the lining of the throat. Placing all garbage and wrapping in an enclosed garbage can or carrying it with you out of the park is the best way to protect both your dog and other dogs in the area.

5. Watch For Potentially Hazardous Items and Pick Them Up

Besides garbage there are lots of items that can be left behind by other dog owners that may be potentially hazardous to dogs or even people. A good example of this is an old bone or an old toy that is damaged, splintered or torn. If you come across something like this on your walk picking it up and placing it in the garbage is the best option. Even if your dog won't bother the item, another dog may pick it up only to be cut or possibly choke.

Wires sticking out from the fence, gates that don't close properly or even sharp sticks or rocks can be removed from the dog park or placed in an area where dogs are not at risk of injury. Taking a few minutes to keep parks clean and safe when walking is a great way to give back to the park, and make the area safe for all pets and people.

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