Ok, give me all the dog park etiquette info!

[Amber]

Ohio People~

Were do you get your dog lisenced at? We need to get Elvis done, so when he hits 4 months he can come.

[AngelZoo]

I've been to a lot of dog parks and read their rules. Over all, I think pretty much anything is ok, as long as you are not creating a problem for yourself, an animal, or another person.

The best rules I have come across which seem to be universal around here and just plan common sense.

1.) Must be vaccinated, and of course, up to date.
2.) Really should be spayed/neutered. Unneutered males can sometimes cause real problems, specially unaltered females around various males whom you don't know may or may not be neutered regaurdless if she is in heat or not. However, it's ok to bring them if you know you can control your dog, has proven that he/she will not have over whemling territorial/dominance issues, and there are always lots of times you can go to the park and you are the only one there.
3.) Must have collar/harness on at all times, and you have the lead on you at all times.
4.) Your dog really should be at least decently reliably trained lol.
5.) SCOOP YOUR POOP
6.) If your dog shows aggression remove immediatly.
7.) If your dog is overly fearfull while at the park, remove your dog and try a different approach to dog park introductions, an overly submissive/frightened dog can cause as many problems as an aggressive one.
8.) You really don't need to be there if you don't have a dog.
9.) Pay attention to your dog, and dogs around your dog.
10.) No addmission under 16, and then some of your 50 and irresponcible.
11.) Watch out for everyone else and their animals, it's your best defense for your own safety. Most people do not know the dog park rules.

[4 Dog Mother]

I kinda doubt the Ranger will be down on hands & knees - "reading tags"!

I don't think any of the rangers have even looked to see which dogs were mine or came even close to the dogs themselves. (Are they afraid of dogs?????) When they do come around they ask the adults if your dogs are registered and if you have your permit. In the past we have told them they were in the car (because it is true - they aren't that sturdy for us frequent users to keep on us) and they would just ask a question that you should only know the answer to if you had registered. Recently I was back at the car when the ranger came around and so I did have to get it out to show him. But again they seem to be more worried about their shot records than they are about licensing. Even to register you don't have to prove they have their license.

Amber, you get licenses from the county auditor's office which is usually in the court house. In Findlay you can also buy them at the Humane Society and at Pet Supplies Plus.

AngelZoo, I disagree with your number 8

8.) You really don't need to be there if you don't have a dog.

My dogs love attention from people and since I have five it helps me if others give them attention at the park. It has also helped with Snoopy who is afraid of people to have people just want to pet him. I think it has helped them all to relate and respond more appropriately to people (not bark, jump up, etc.)

I do think you have two that are extremely important

9.) Pay attention to your dog, and dogs around your dog.

and

11.) Watch out for everyone else and their animals, it's your best defense for your own safety.

Some people come to the dog park to let the dogs run while they
talk to other dog owners - or to get their walking exercise in - or to just sit and relax while their dogs do whatever they want.

[AngelZoo]

-AngelZoo, I disagree with your number 8-

"Over all, I think pretty much anything is ok, as long as you are not creating a problem for yourself, an animal, or another person."

Thank you, come again!