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What is a dog park?
Why a dog park?
Common questions about dog parks
WHAT IS A DOG PARK?
A dog park is a fenced public area where dogs can legally run off-leash and play with
other dogs under the supervision of their owners.
• A double-gated entry provides safety when entering and exiting the park.
• The fenced area is divided into two areas: one for smaller or timid dogs and
one for larger dogs.
• Movable benches, poop bags, trash cans and watering stations are provided.
In other words, a dog park is a playground for dog owners and their dogs!
WHY A DOG PARK?
Dog owners need a place to exercise their dogs.
For most dogs, just a walk around the block is not enough exercise to keep them fit and
happy. It is a known fact that dogs that are well-exercised are happier and less likely to
exhibit destructive behaviors (digging, chewing, barking, etc.).
Senior citizens and physically disabled dog owners benefit from dog parks.
Elderly and physically handicapped people who cannot walk their dogs can exercise
their dogs in dog parks.
Dogs need to socialize with other dogs and humans.
Dogs are social animals. With frequent, active contact with other dogs and humans,
dogs are calmer and tend to have better social manners.
Dog owners need to socialize with other dog owners.
A dog park gives dog owners an opportunity to meet other dog owners and share
information and experiences that help them become better dog owners. Plus, It’s
a great place to make new friends!
Dog owners won’t be tempted to break existing leash laws.
Knowing that there is an area where dog owners can exercise their dog off-leash, owners
are less likely to take their dog off-leash in public areas.
Dog parks are educational.
A dog park is a place that dog owners can go for dog-related information and education.
Activities can be posted at the dog park and in some cases can be held at the park. It’s
a great place for both owners and dogs to learn!
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COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT DOG PARKS
Is there an increased chance of dog fights in a dog park?
Dog experts attest that dogs are inherently protective of their own property such as their
house or yard, but don’t adopt a protective attitude when in neutral territory such as a dog
park. It seems that leashes increase the potential for fear and protectiveness, possibly
because dogs are nervous when they are restricted. Furthermore, an owner pulling on a
leash sends a signal of danger to the dog, which puts the dog on the defensive. Established
dog parks report that occasional spats occur between dogs, but no major incidents have
happened the above tips for child safety at the park.
Is there potential public or personal liability?
Public liability has been resolved at other dog parks by the posting of signs that warn park
users that they are entering an off-leash dog area, that they enter at their own risk, and that
the dog owners are liable for their pets’ behavior.
Is there a potential public health issue with a dog park?
Owners are required to pick up their dog’s feces while in the park. This is reinforced by
signage, poop bag dispensers and trash cans throughout the park. Furthermore, it is the
owner’s responsibility to not take their dog to the park if their dog is contagious or their
dog has not received all their vaccinations to protect them from diseases.
Will dog parks be a danger to children and non-dog owners?
Fencing and a double entry gate helps to prevent dogs from getting out of the dog park.
Also, children under 12 are not permitted in the dog park unless they are supervised by
an adult.
Will dog parks be noisy and a nuisance to area residents?
Based on the many dog parks that exist across the U.S. and Canada, it has been found
that dog parks are no noisier than children’s playgrounds.
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