Aggressive dogs are not allowed. The handler of any dog exhibiting aggressive or unruly behavior is required to immediately remove the offending animal. The owner/guardian of an unruly dog is fully responsible for the actions of the dog.
The following tips/recommendations have been assembled in order to help
you and your dog get the most enjoyment during your visits to the Moscow
Dog Park.
APPROACHING THE DOG PARK
- Keep dogs on leash until they are inside the double gate. The animal shelter shares the same parking lot as the dog park and they may have dogs and/or cats in the parking lot being introduced to people.
- Make sure the first gate is closed before entering the second gate. If the outer gate is open, there is always a chance that a dog can run out of the park.
- Unleash your dog in the double gate area before entering the park. A dog often feels
vulnerable being on leash while other dogs around it are off leash. The leashed dog knows that it cannot maneuver freely and cannot get away if it wants to. This sense of vulnerability may lead to aggression.
- Users already inside the park should call their dogs away from the gate until the new arrivals have entered. It's difficult for a new arrival to enter the park if a wall of dogs is blocking the gate. Dogs are territorial creatures, and the boundaries of a territory are flashpoints for aggression. Once the dog is inside the territory, the chances for conflict are much less. If people are not calling their dogs to them when you are about to enter, you may ask them to call their dog, or stand there until their dog walks away.
- Remove metal collars. This includes prong or "pinch" collars, choke chains, and spike collars. There is the risk of other dogs breaking their teeth on the collar, especially if engaging in mouthy play.
INSIDE THE DOG PARK
CHILDREN AT THE DOG PARK
- A dog park is not necessarily a safe place for young children. If you choose to bring a child into the dog park, it is vitally important that you supervise your child closely. You must take full responsibility for your child's safety while in the park.
- Do not allow children to behave wildly in the park. Do not permit them to run, scream, chase the dogs, grab the dogs, tease the dogs, or play with their toys. Some dogs are not used to small children; these dogs may feel scared or threatened if a child runs toward them or grabs at them. Dogs often run fast and play vigorously with each other while in the park, and they may inadvertently knock down and hurt a child who is standing out in the open. Children should never approach or touch any dog without first asking the owner's permission.
- The safest place for a child is sitting quietly on the picnic table or standing by a parent's side and holding the parent's hand.
- Remember that your main responsibility while in the park is to monitor your dog and to be prepared to intervene if there is any sign of trouble. Before bringing children to the park, consider whether you can effectively supervise both the dog and the children at the same time.
DOG PARK ETIQUETTE
(mutley manners)
- Clean up after your dog. Plastic bags/scoopers are provided.
- Call your dog away from the gate while other dogs are entering or leaving
- Pay close attention to your dog and keep it out of trouble
- Always be aware of your dog’s location and the body language of the dogs your dog is interacting with
- Acceptable or unacceptable dog behavior depends on the age and temperament of your dog. Dogs will bark, snarl, and even snap at each other as part of their normal socialization. Interfere and stop the interaction if it appears to be escalating into a fight.
- Immediately stop aggressive behavior towards humans
- Do not bring your dog to the dog park if it is sick, has parasites, or has fleas. Do not bring animals that are not dogs
- Be responsible for your dogs behavior
- Do not discipline someone else's dog
- If you see a dog on leash or with its owner off to the side, please respect their privacy and don’t approach until the owner says OK
- Do not bring in people food to eat
- Do not hand out dog treats to other people's dogs
- Follow the posted rules
Contact
For
questions, comments or concerns, please contact Emily Spellman
emily@dogparkfriends.org |
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