Paws Park

     TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT TO THE DOG PARK
     YOUR FIRST VISIT
          • Make your first visit without your dog. Familiarize yourself with the rules and how the
            dog park works.
          • The first few times you take your dog to a dog park, choose a time that is not busy.
            Weekday evenings are peak times. Weekends and holidays tend to be busy all day long.
          • The first visit can be a little stressful for both you and your dog, so keep it short and happy.
            Gradually work your way to longer visits.
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     HOW TO ENTER THE PARK
          • Do not open the outside gate if the inside gate is open. Be patient. One dog at a time.
          • Remove your dog's leash inside the double-gated entry area. When you enter the park,
            close the gate and move your dog away from the entrance.
          • Do not leave a leash on your dog in the park. This may actually cause an altercation
            as your dog may feel restricted in it's ability to protect itself. Also, dogs feel more
            protective of their owner when they are leashed.
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     WHILE IN THE PARK
          • Know the dog park rules and follow them. The rules are important for the enjoyment
            and safety of all visitors in the park.
          • Stay in control and in sight of your dog at all times.Weekday evenings are peak times.
          • Keep the park clean! Owners must clean up after their dogs. There are plastic bags and
            trash receptacles provided.
          • Carry your dog's leash with you in the dog park. A leash is a sure way of gaining control
            over your dog if needed.
          • Your dog must wear a collar, but choke collars or prong collars are not allowed in the
            park. These collars are for training only and can actually cause injury to your dog or
            another dog when dogs are playing.
          • Do not bring food or dog treats into the dog park. Food can be a source of conflict
            between dogs.
          • Do not bring any toys to which you or your dog may be particularly attached. These
            items may provoke possessive or aggressive behavior or may be destroyed through
            rough play.
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     CHILDREN IN THE PARK
          • Keep children under 12 years of age at your side and in your control at all times.
          • This is a dog park. Not all dogs are child-friendly. Never allow your child to approach or
            pet a strange dog without the owner’s presence and approval.
          • A running, squealing or screaming child may incite dogs to behave aggressively.
          • Children should stay away from playing dogs. Playing dogs may unintentionally knock
            down a small child.
          • Direct eye contact is confrontational to dogs. An interested child staring into a dog's face
            may provoke a dog unintentionally.
          • Do not let children bring toys or food to the park. A friendly dog might knock down your
            child to get a toy or food.
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     DOG CONFLICTS
   PREVENTION: Learn the 4P warning signs
     POSTURE: A dog's body language can communicate fear, hostility or submission. Learn to
          read and respond to your own dog's body language.bully won't let it.
     PACKING: More than 4 or 5 dogs packed together can lead to trouble. Break it up before it
          starts by leading your dog to a neutral area at least 30 feet away.
     POSSESSION: Whether it's you, a ball or a treat, most dogs will protect what is theirs.
          Remain aware and don't bring toys or treats to the park.
     PROVOKING: If your dog is continuously annoying another dog or dogs, or provoking attention,
          it's time to leave the park.
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     WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT A FIGHT
     Pay attention to your dog and be aware of where it is and what it is doing at all times.
     Stay close enough to control or protect your dog in the face of a potential fight.
     Keep a collar on your dog at all times to have something to grab if needed.
     Keep walking. Walking defuses defensive behaviors and helps keep the off-leash area
          neutral territory. Avoid the temptation to stand around and chat or sit in one place for
          very long. When folks congregate, many dogs may become protective of their people
          and their space, making scuffles more likely to occur.
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     WHAT YOU CAN DO IF A FIGHT OCCURS
          • Never reach your hands into the middle of a dog fight. You may get bitten, possibly by
            your own dog.
          • Distract the dogs and divert their attention. A blast of water from a water bottle or a loud
            whistle may work.
          • If your dog is not in the fight, make sure he doesn't join in.
          • If a fight occurs, control your dog and remove him to a neutral area.
          • Maintain a cool head. Getting upset and yelling will only add to the frenzy.
      Whenever necessary, exchange contact information with the other dog owner.
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     HOW TO BREAK UP A CONFLICT OR ATTACK
     There are numerous things that are used at other dog parks to break up a fight or attack:
          • Carry a squirt bottle with lemon water in it and spray it (stream, not mist) in the face
               of the attacker or the fighting dogs. This will startle the dogs, sting their eyes and will
               take their attention away from the situation, but will not injure the dogs.
          • Carry a small citronella spray called Direct Stop (a pepper-spray-type dispenser that is
               made by Premier Products) and spray this in the dog's face. This will not injure the dogs.
               Note that some people do not recommend pepper spray because it is believed to make
               the dogs more aggressive and make the situation worse.
          • Carry an air horn. The loud noise will startle the dogs and will stop the situation long
               enough to get control of the dogs. The downside to this is that the airhorn can scare
               other dogs in the park.
          • Carry a whistle. Some people have had success blowing a whistle loudly to startle the
               dogs so you can get control of the dogs. However, some people don't feel that it is very
               effective because it is not as loud as the air horn.
          • Blast the dogs with the water hose (if you are near the water hose). This will startle the
               dogs long enough to stop the fight and get the dogs under control.
          • If the dogs are small, lift the aggressor (the dog who is on top) up by the rear until the
               front feet are off the ground. The aggressor will let go and the other dog can be free to
               get away. Supposedly, in this position, the dog who is suspended in the air cannot turn
               on the human and bite the human.

     Be aware that many people get bitten trying to break up a dog fight, so you should not reach
     in and try to separate the dogs if you have other options to choose from. I have a document on
     breaking up dog fights that I will send out later. If you want the article now, please let me know
     and I will email it to you.
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     DOG PARK CONTACT NUMBERS:
     For suggestions, complaints or to help with the dog park contact:
     Beaches Dog Park Project: (904) 513-9240
     email: info@pawsparkjaxbeach.com

     Dogs left unattended or other dog problems contact:
     Jacksonville Beach Animal Control: (904) 247-6167

     For emergencies: 911
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     SMALL DOG SAFETY AT PAWS PARK
     At Paws Park, there are a lot of people who take their small dogs to the large dog area for
     different reasons: either you feel your dog likes to play with big dogs; there are no small dogs
     in the small dog area; or you have both a small and a large dog and can't take the large dog
     to the small dog area.

     Whatever the reason, it must be emphasized that you are taking a big risk in allowing your
     small dog to play in the large dog area. Over the years, there have beeni ncidents at other
      dog parks throughout the U.S. where small dogs have been seriously injured or died from
     an injury inflicted by a large dog.

     In many of these cases, the large dogs were playing with the small dog and there did not
     appear to be any aggression involved in the small dog injury or fatality. Think about it: would
      you feel safe playing with another person 2-10 times your size? In all the cases, the small
     dog injury or fatality could have been prevented if the small dog owner had taken their small
     dog to the small dog area where the small dog can play safely with another dog their own size.

     Furthermore, many large dog owners cannot truly enjoy their visit to the large dog area
     because they are concerned about their large dog playing with a small dog and accidentally
     hurting the small dog. Because dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their dog, small
     dog owners should realize that they should assume some of that liability if their small dog is
     injured by a large dog. Please be aware that these large dog owners have a valid concern
     and you should consider using the small dog area for the safety of your small dog and the
     enjoyment of everyone!

     Please read the below message that was sent out to Costa Mesa, CA Bark Park users
     following the death of a chihuahua in their large dog area last year. This story is truly sad
     because this park has a small dog area and this fatality might have been prevented if the
     owner took their chihuahua to the small dog area!

     We don't want this kind of thing to happen at Paws Park because we want the park to
     be safe and enjoyed by everyone. For these reasons, we have a small dog area and we
     encourage you to use it if your dog is less than 25 pounds!

     Message posted to CostaMesa Bark Park Users:
     On Monday, April 18th, a tragic incidenttook place at CMBP that resulted in the loss of one
     of our faithful canine visitors. The CMBPFoundation extends its deepest sympathy to all
     involved parties. While the official investigationand report from Animal Control will not be
     released for another week to ten days, the known circumstances of the incident are: a
     Chihuahua and companion were playing in the "big dog" area of the park when a normally
     well-behaved husky approached the Chihuahua, picked it up and shook it, then set it down
     and went about his business. This act resulted in the death of the Chihuahua.

     We feel it is important to communicate this event to park visitors to increase awareness
     about the importance of keeping a watchful eye on your dog to ensure his/her safety at
     all times. We must remember that our dogs have natural instincts that cannot always be
     predicted or prevented. It is for this reason we have two sections at the park. The "big dog"
     area is for large breeds and active "tweeners," while the "small dog" area is for small breeds
      and the elderly or disabled. While your dog may be comfortable in a situation, it is important
     to realize that the other dogs present may not be. Some owners may feel their small dogs
     enjoy playing with the larger dogs and can hold their own in the "big dog" area, but the large
     dogs present may not be use to interacting with smaller ones and this could make for a fatal
     situation. All park users are advised to evaluate which is the appropriate area to use each time
     they visit CMBP.

     It is never easy to hear about the loss of one of our park family members and it is especially
     heartbreaking to hear of this tragic loss. Fatalities at dog parks are quite rare and this is the
     first that has occurred at CMBP since the park opened in 1994.

      Please be safe and keep your dog safe too!
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     LARGE DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE
   SMALL DOG AREA.
     This area is for small dogs 25 pounds or less ONLY and this restriction is posted on the
     outside of the small dog area. The only exceptions are elderly and timid dogs that are
     slightly over the weight limit.

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     FOR THEIR SAFETY, SMALL DOGS SHOULD NOT
    BE IN THE LARGE DOG AREA.
     There is no rule forbidding small dogs in the large dog area. However, there is a greater risk
     of a small dog being unintentionally hurt by a large dog when playing with a large dog. Think
     about it: a small dog playing with a large dog is like a 100 pound woman playing with a 300
     pound football player. The large dogs do not realize that they can hurt the smaller dogs, yet
     small dogs have been seriously injured (even killed) while playing with large dogs. Furthermore,
     a large dog that becomes aggressive with a smaller dog is likely to do more serious damage
     than would a dog of the same size (example: the lab attacking the daschund).

     We realize that some people prefer to let their small dogs play with large dogs or they believe
     that their small dog plays "better" with large dogs. If you choose to let your small dog play
     in the large dog area, realize that you do so at YOUR SMALL DOG'S RISK. Stay close to
     your small dog AT ALL TIMES and watch the play very closely. If you detect that the large
     dog is getting too rambunctious or rough, immediately go to another area of the park or leave
     the large dog area and go to the small dog area. It is not uncommon for other dogs to join in
     on the play, so your small dog playing with multiple large dogs means the opportunity for
     injury is even greater!
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     AGGRESSIVE DOGS SHOULD NOT BE IN
   THE DOG PARK.
     After the incident in thesmall dog area, the lab owner said she knew the dog was aggressive.
     If you believe your dog is aggressive, do not bring your dog to the dog park. With respect to
     "aggression", this term is used very loosely and what someone may call aggression may
     actually be fear, rough play, domination, herding behavior or some kind of harrassing behavior.
     If you are not sure and you think your dog may be dangerous to another dog or person (i.e. may
     cause injury), you should not bring your dog to the dog park!

     If you are not sure how your dog will behave at the dog park, go to the park without your dog
     and familiarize yourself with the area, rules, and what happens at the park. Next, you should
     bring your dog to the park when it is not busy (i.e. weekdays), watch your dog carefully for
     signs of stress, agitation, or harrassing behavior toward other dogs and only stay a few minutes
     at the park if you see any of these signs. If your dog gets stressed, don't push it and come
     back another slow time to try it again. Another option is to take your dog to the other side of
     the park away from other dogs and give your dog a chance to calm down and become familiar
     and comfortable with the dog park.

     Dogs should not be leashed while in the park because it can actually cause dogs to be
     aggressive (i.e. they feel constrained and unable to flee or protect themselves). However,
     the leash should be used to get your dog under control. If your dog attacks another dog or
     person, leash them immediately and remove them from the park. If your dog causes an injury,
     please see "What to do in the event of an injury" below.

     It is easy for people to classify many dog behaviors as aggression when in actuality they are
     not. So we encourage you to talk to your vet or a trainer to try and determine if your dog's
     behavior could be a problem. With some help, you may be able to improve your dog's behavior
     so they can enjoy the park. But, if at any time, you do not feel that you have control of the
     situation or you are not comfortable and concerned that your dog may hurt another dog or
     person, don't stay in the park. Leash your dog, leave immediately and talk to your vet or a
     trainer about what you can do to try to work through the issue(s). If you don't know a trainer,
     contact our group at (904)513-9240 and we can put you in contact with a knowlegable trainer.
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SUMMER SAFETY FOR YOUR DOG

     HEAT STRESS
     To avoid heat stress, exercise your dog in the mornings or evenings when the
     temperatures are cooler.

     Watch for these signs of HEAT STRESS:
          • Heavy panting
          • Glazed eyes
          • A rapid pulse
          • Unsteadiness
          • Staggering
          • Vomiting
          • Deep red or purple tongue

     If your dog experiences heat stress, lower their temperature
     IMMEDIATELY by:
          • Move the animal to the shade
          • Apply cool (NOT COLD) water all over its body
          • Apply ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck and chest area
          • Take the pet IMMEDIATELY to your veterinarian or emergency animal clinic

     OTHER HOT WEATHER TIPS
          • Older dogs and dogs with thick coats need special attention. Limit their
               exposure to the heat by exercising them in the morning or evening
               hours,when temperatures are cooler.
          • Asphalt can become very hot and burn paws of dogs accustomed to cool
               indoor surfaces. The hot asphalt can also cause dogs to overheat.
               Do not walk your dog on hot asphalt for extended periods. Remember,
               you are wearing shoes to protect your feet, but they don't have any
               protection from the heat for their feet.
          • Do not leave dogs in parked cars for any period of time during the summer.
               Even with the car or truck windows slightly opened, the temperature in a
               car can reach 120°F in a matter of minutes. Dogs cannot sweat. They can
               only dissipate heat by panting and through the pads of their feet.
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     DOGS MUST BE LEASHED OUTSIDE PAWS PARK
     Please remember that you are required by law to have your dog on leash outside the dog
     park area. There are numerous reasons why you must keep your dog on leash outside the
     dog park area:

          1. It is the law:
               Jacksonville Beach laws require all dogs to be on leash in all areas except the dog park:

               Sec.5-28.Leash required for dogs in public places.
                      (a) No dog shall be allowed in public places such as hotels, theaters, streets or
                      upon property other than that of its owner, unless the dog shall be fastened to a
                      suitable leash of dependable strength not to exceed eight (8) feet in length, within
                      the city.
                      (b) Within the physical boundaries of the dog park in Wingate Park, dogs may be
                      allowed off leash by their owner or handler so long as the owner or handler remains
                      at all times within the physical boundaries of the dog park and maintains control of
                      the dog(s) at all times.

                      You can be fined for not having your dog on a leash outside the dog park area.
         2. It is a DOG PARK RULE:
               Rule #2: Dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving the dog park.

         3. Safety for children and people outside the dog park:
               The dog park is next to a children's ball field so it is very important that dogs be on leash
               when you leave the dog park area to ensure that children are not scared, knocked down,
               or injuredby a dog that is off leash. Also, please respect the fact that some people are
               fearful of dogs or do not like dogs. You must be a responsible dog owner outside the dog
               park and make sure that your dog is leashed to prevent any undesired encounters.

         4. Safety for your dog:
               A car driving through the parking lot or pulling out of a parking space may not see your
               dog. If you keep your dog on leash, you can be sure that they do not run into the path of
               moving cars.

         5. Safety for other dogs:
               Small dog owners that are not comfortable with large dogs around their small dogs do
               not want uncontrolled encounters with unleashed large dogs outside the dog park.
               Please respect the fact that large dogs can unintentionally hurt a small dog and keep
               your dog on leash when outside the park to prevent any undesired encounters.
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     YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURIES
   CAUSED BY YOUR DOG.
     This rule is postedon the rules signs at the entrance to the large dog and small dog areas.
     In the event that your dog hurts another dog or person, give the other person your name and
     contact information and ask for their name and contact information. You are solely liable and
     should pay for any bills related to the injury. If you are not prepared to do this, you should not
     go to the dog park.

     Likewise, you are responsible for controlling your dog's behavior. If another dog owner is
     concerned about your dog's behavior and asks you to control your dog or take your dog away,
     please do so without question and take your dog to another part of the park. You may not
     think your dog is aggressive or behaving badly, but your dog's behavior may be upsetting or
     harassing to the other dog and/or owner and that can cause the situation to escalate to injury.
     Remember, the other owner can attempt to take their dog to another area of the park, but
     you must do your part as well to get the situation under control. Please respect the other park
     users and take their concerns seriously, whether you agree with them or not.
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     WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN INJURY
     In the event that you or your dog are hurt by another dog, you should do the following:
          • Get the dog owner's name and contact information.
          • Get names and contact information from witnesses (if possible).
          • Seek medical attention immediately. In the event of a serious life-threatening injury
               to a human, call 911. For a serious dog injury after your veterinarian's office
               is closed, take your dog to Emergency Animal Care at 14185 Beach Blvd.
               just west of San Pablo Road, phone (904)223-8000.
          • Contact Jax Beach Animal Control at (904)247-6167 if you wish to report the bite
               (this is not required, but you may choose to do this).
          • Contact the Beaches Dog Park Project group at (904)513-9240 and leave a
               message on our voicemail to report the incident. We want to make sure that all
               incidents are properly documented and addressed. If we find that a dog has been
               involved in multiple incidents, we will take steps to either help the owner deal with
               the behavior problem with the assistance of a trainer or else require the dog stop
               coming to the park completely.
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     SPEAK UP
     If you see something serious happening (i.e. bad dog behavior that may escalate to a conflict),
     speak up. All park users need to help make sure the park is safe and enjoyed by everyone.
     It is better to speak up and prevent an injury to a person or dog.
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     HEALTH
   CANINE FLU ALERT
     Information from an August 16, 2005 Veterinary Advisory:

     NOTE: This is NOT Kennel Cough. Canine flu is more severe than Kennel Cough,
     but less prevalent. Please read the following information and take your dog to the
     vet if your dog develops a cough.

     CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS (Canine Flu) Outbreaks of canine influenza virus, which causes
     an acute respiratory infection, have been identified in dogs in shelters, humane societies,
     boarding facilities and veterinary clinics in Florida, predominantly in Broward, Dade, Palm
     Beach and DUVAL counties.

     This highly contagious virus causes symptoms that mimic "KENNEL COUGH". This virus is
     spread by aerosolized respiratory secretions, contaminatedinanimate objects and even by
     people moving back and forth between infected and uninfecteddogs.

     CLINICAL SIGNS: All dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have
     no naturally acquired or vaccine-induced immunity. There are two general clinical syndromes-
     the milder syndrome and a more severe pneumonia syndrome. The milder disease syndrome
     occurs in most dogs.

     Milder cases: The most common clinical sign is a cough that persists for 10-21 days despite
     therapy with antibiotics and cough suppressants. Most dogs have a soft, moist cough, while
     others have a dry cough similar to kennel cough. Many dogs have nasal discharge and a low-
     grade fever.

     More severe cases: Some dogs develop a more severe disease with clinical signs of
     pneumonia, such as a high fever (104 degrees F to 106 degrees F) and increased respiratory
     rate and effort.

     FATALITY RATE: Fatal cases of pneumonia have been documented, but the fatality rate so far
     is low, at 1 percent to 5 percent.

     INCUBATION / CONTAGIOUS PERIOD: The incubation period is 2-5 days after exposure
     before clinical signs appear. Infected dogs may be contagious for 7-10 days from the initial
      day of clinical signs.

     PREVENTION: There is no vaccine for canine influenza virus at this time.

To protect the health of other dogs at Paws Park
PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR DOG IS
DIAGNOSED WITH CANINE FLU OR KENNEL COUGH
AT (904)513 - 9240

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PARVOVIRUS

HEALTH WARNING

     PARVOVIRUSis HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS and can be FATAL if not treated immediately!

     Puppies and dogs that are not fully vaccinated are at risk of contracting PAROVIRUS
     at a dog park. DO NOT bring your puppy or dog into the dog park if they are not
     fully vaccinated!

     For your dog's health, follow the PAWS PARK RULES:
   RULE #9: NO dogs under four (4) months of age permitted in the park.
     Note: If your puppy is over 4 months, but not fully vaccinated, DO NOT bring your puppy to
     the park. It is recommended that puppies not be allowed to socialize with other dogs or
     frequent areas where other dogs have been until 2 WEEKS AFTER they had their LAST
     vaccination.

RULE #14: All dogs must be legally licensed, vaccinated and wear tags.

SYMPTOMS OF PARVOVIRUS

Symptoms begin with HIGH FEVER, LETHARGY, LOSS OF APPETITE.
Secondary symptoms appear as VOMITING and DIARRHEA. In many cases
DEHYDRATION, SHOCK and DEATH follow. IF YOUR DOG DEVELOPS ANY OF
THESE SYMPTOMS, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY!

Call the Paws Park Hotline at (904)513-9240 to report cases of PAROVIRUS.

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KENNEL COUGH

     KENNEL COUGH is highly contagious! Please be responsible. If your dog is diagnosed
     with KENNEL COUGH or you suspect your dog has KENNEL COUGH, do not bring your
     dog to the park until there is no coughing for 7-10 days.

     WHAT IS KENNEL COUGH?
          • It is a HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS virus that is spread through the air.
          • It is analogous to a chest cold in humans (i.e. bronchitis).
          • Typically will run its course in 7-10 days, but can be treated with antibiotics.
          • Bordetella vaccination will protect against many strains of KENNEL COUGH.

     • KENNEL COUGH SYMPTOMS:
          • A dry, non-productive cough.
          • The cough may sound like something is caught in the dog's throat.
          • Onset of symptoms is usually 7-10 days after exposure.

If you believe your dog has KENNEL COUGH, please contact your vet and report it to the
PAWS PARK VOLUNTEER GROUP:

phone: (904)513-9240
email: info@pawsparkjaxbeach.com

     If you bring your dog to Paws Park, PLEASE have your dog immunized
     against KENNEL COUGH.
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