With
dog parks becoming more popular across the country, certain general
rules of etiquette have evolved. We have excerpted these established
rules from the web site www.dogpark.com. Observance of these rules can lead to a more pleasurable park
experience for you and your dog.
Call
your dog away from the gate while other dogs are entering
or leaving.
Always
keep an eye on your dog. Mischief can happen quickly.
Never
leave your dog unattended.
Always
clean up after your dog. Most parks have poop bags or scoopers
- use them. This is the primary reason why dog parks get
complaints, so pay attention and pick up the poop.
Make
sure your dog is current on shots and has a valid city license.
Don't
bring dogs younger than 4 months to a dog park. They will
not have all the necessary inoculations that allow them
to play safely with other animals.
Don't
bring a female dog in heat. Spayed or neutered animals are
recommended.
Don't
bring more than three dogs. It subjects the parks to overuse,
and if they're not your dogs, you may not have full control
over them.
Keep
your dog on-leash until you get to the off-leash area. This
is not just respectful to other park users, it's much safer
for your dog.
If
your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, leash him and leave
immediately.
If
you must bring children to a dog park, supervise them closely
- loud playing children can incite dog fights.
Don't
smoke or eat while at the dog park. Cigarette butts and
food wrappers are tempting treats to dogs, but bad for them.
Don't
give treats to other dogs without asking the owner's permission.
Always
observe all of the rules posted at your local dog park.
Have
fun!
"Greet than Meet" Others may not appreciate your dog's company; if you are not sure ask before allowing your dog to approach a strange dog or person.
Remember, pet sitters are on the trails too, working, and we do not always know how our "four-legged client" will react to an off-leash pet. We often hear "My dog's friendly" but that is not the only concern.
A greater concern would be the animal that you do not know.
Dogs protect themselves in two ways, biting and running. Leashed dogs inherently feel vulnerable because they cannot run away, and therefore more likely to retaliate [BITE!] when forcefully approached by a strange loose dog.
A pet under control lessens the chance that another dog will harm your dog.
When you're walking your pet in wildlife habitat, please do not let your dog approach or chase wildlife. When wildlife are chased or harassed, they change eating patterns and exert more vital energy that can result in poor health or death.
why pet sitting? ooooo 
