You’re probably wondering how one can have etiquette at a dirty dog park but just like all other public situations in life there are unspoken rules that need to be followed to ensure a good time can be had by all.
- Have control of your dog! Do not let your dog loose as soon as you park your car. This can be extremely dangerous. Keep him on leash until you have walked to the approved off leash area. I understand your dog is bursting with energy and can’t wait to go sniff butts but if you let him loose in the parking lot your dog may be hit by a car! Duh!!
- Pick up your dog’s poop! Even if you don’t witness him pooping he probably did, so pick up at least one random pile of poop to help clean up the area. The biggest complaint I hear about my favorite dog park is the amount of dog poop lying around. Poop is poop- doesn’t matter if it came from your dog’s butt or not. (Puck averages 3 poops per visit)
- Don’t talk on your cell phone! Pay attention to your dog- this is his time and you should be present in the moment! In my experience the dog that is causing the most trouble is the one with an owner that is lazily walking behind him with a cell phone stuck to their ear oblivious to their dog’s bad behavior. You are responsible for your dog’s behavior and if they hurt another dog you are liable for all damages.
- Bring extra tennis balls! If you know your dog is a ball thief then you should bring a few extras to repay all the one’s he’s stolen. Puck loses several balls on his own, but he loses most of them to bully dogs that won’t give them back. You wouldn’t let your kid steal another kid’s toy from the playground, would you?
- Wear clothes that can get dirty. If you don’t like getting dirty or don’t like dirty-wet dogs coming up to sniff you then you should stay home! I love dogs- all dogs and when they come up to sniff me I say hi and let them do so (no matter how wet and dirty they are). This is what dog parks are all about- socializing! Besides the people that yap on their cell phones, the people that flinch when a dirty dog comes up to them are my least favorite people at the dog park. : (
To some of you these tips may be obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many people have bad dog park etiquette. If you have any tips please share!
~Furrr
