Dog Parks Rules

These are general rules for use of dog parks

So you have never visited a dog park before or you want to start your own dog park.  There are a few general rules that dog parks have and you should follow.  There are a few general rules that dog parks have and you should follow, remember rules are set in place so that everyone can enjoy the park and for safeguarding against personal injury, and avoiding litigation. Let's say someone at a park in San Diego ignored the rules and their dog bit someone, resulting in the injured party visiting a lawyer, this may result in a chain of events where the municipality of San Diego would incur legal costs and attorney fees, possibly resulting in the removal of the park. This entire chain of events could be avoided by simply following the posted rules. Those who visit dog parks just want to have a good time with their pet and other owners, so please be courteous enough to follow all of the rules at all times to ensure everyone enjoys their day.  The below list are the rules that you should follow whether or not they are posted at the dog park you intend to visit.  Below is listed in order of importance (in my opinion) are the general rules one should follow when visiting a dog park.

1. All dogs must be currently licensed (with tags and collar on) and vaccinated.
        Dogs must be healthy (no contagious conditions),

2. Dogs with a know history of dangerous behavior prohibited.

3. Owners or custodians are responsible for all actions of their dogs.  If your dog inflicts an injury, give your name and phone number to the other dog owner before leaving the area.  Use of the dog park is at your own risk. This includes, but is not limited to the risk of being bitten, being knocked down, tripping, etc.

4. Absolutely no female dogs in heat are allowed into dog park. Bring animals that have been spayed or neutered is preferred but not always mandatory .

5. Dogs must be older than 4 months.  (Dogs under 4 months haven't generated the proper resistance to disease and show be kept away from other dogs.

6. The owner or custodian of the dog must remain in the dog area with the dog.
        Owners/custodians must maintain voice control over their dog(s) and keep them in sight while visiting the dog park.

7. Dog feces must be cleaned up by the dog owner or custodian.
        Please use the mutt mitt dispensers and waste containers located at the parks' fence lines.

8. Holes dug by dogs must be filled by the dog owner or custodian.

9. Dogs showing aggressive behavior must be leashed immediately.  No mounting.

10. Dogs must be leashed upon entering and leaving the off-leash dog areas.
         Dog owners must have possession of a leash at all times.

11. Keep gates closed at all times.

12. Limit (two) three dogs per person per visit.

13. For the safety of children please do not bring children under the age of (this can be anywhere from 5-12 depending upon the park) into the dog parks.
         Children over this age must be closely supervised

14. Food (whether human or doggy) are not permitted within the fenced areas.  Some dog parks provide doggy fountains. (Sometimes small training treats are allowed, but this is rare.)

15. Cigarette's and alcoholic beverages are usually prohibited  Discarded cigarettes can cause injury to a dog (if eaten or stepped on )  If allowed, deposit cigarette butts and trash in proper receptacles.

16. Rollerblading/inline skating/skateboarding/bicycling prohibited.  Also no strollers, carriages, bicycles, children¹s toys, food or treats allowed in the Dog Park. 

17. Spike or pinch collars should be removed while dogs are in the park.  Remove any halters, metal choke chains or link collars. In the rough and tumble play of a dog park, a tooth or nail could get caught in this type of collar, resulting in a scared dog, lost tooth or broken nail and possibly a panic fight.

18. Park is open from dawn till dusk. Sound travels in the early hours. Be considerate of sleeping neighbors.

19. Please discourage excessive barking.

20. To help keep the dog parks clean, please do not groom animals at the park.

21. Any balls or other toys should be shared. If fighting over toys occurs, the toy must be removed.

22. No business may be conducted in the Dog Park.

How To Enter the Park:

• Do not open outside gate if the inside gate is open. Be patient.
• Remove your dog¹s leash inside the double gated holding pen. 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 put your dog at a disadvantage and may actually cause an altercation.
• If your dog must be muzzled, perhaps it shouldn¹t be in the Dog Park.