Dog Park Doos and Donts For a Safe, Fun Visit!

Who Should and Shouldnt Go ? Both Humans and Dogs Dont Set up for Failure Know and Respect Each Other Be Trained, Socialized, and Prepared Be Mature, Healthy, Respectful, and Attentive

Who Should and Shouldnt Go ? Both Humans and Dogs Fearful, Aggressive, Bully, Looking for a Mate Social Butterfly, Machismo Mugger, Wallflower, Nervous Nellie

ARRIVING AT AND ENTERING THE DOG PARK Observe from outside the park before entering (Stop, Look, and Listen) Politely wait for the gate area to be clear before entering (one family at a time) Always be sure the gate is latched firmly behind you Keep your dog on leash outside of the dog park (ITS THE LAW) Unleash your dog in the double-gated area Ask Dog to enter the park – follow you in Move away from the gate Keep your leash handy once in the the park Leashed dogs may become targets or feel defensive (Fight or Flight)

Now That You Are in the Park Keep Moving Socialize on the Move Keep a Watchful Eye on Whats Going on Around You Change Things up to Prevent any Sense of Ownership Stay Engaged With Your Dog Clean up After Your Dog

Conflict Resolution at the Dog Park Know personality types Know when a dog is getting overexcited Know that you are not immune from conflict Keep a watchful eye for any signs of resource guarding (guarding valued items) Avoid Conflict by not bringing food or toys into the park Know how to defuse conflict amongst dogs or humans

K9 Body Language Neutral Relaxed Arousal Aggressive Submission Greeting Maternal Correction Play Solicitation Relaxed or Tense?

CALMING SIGNALS SNIFFING YAWNING BLINKING LICKING TURNING AWAY

Breaking Up A dog Fight With Dogs AND Humans pay attention to PREVENTION first… DO NOT: Panic, grab head, neck, or collar SEPARATE: Both handlers grab dogs back legs and pull away from each other (wheelbarrow) SECURE: DO NOT let go of the dog until the others involved are secured, or the fight will start right up again

REPORTING INCIDENTS ALL INCIDENTS SHOULD BE REPORTED TO DOGPAW THROUGH: OR ext 1 (Safety) IF YOU FEEL THREATENED OR IN PHYSICAL DANGER CONTACT IMMEDIATELY

PACK IT IN / PACK IT OUT Items left out can be contaminated not just by sick dogs, but by sick wildlife

THE END