Friday, August 7, 2009

Dog Parks- and Rules

What is a dog park?
The ideal dog park is a designated, fenced-in area
where people can bring their dogs to play and run
off-leash. A dog park can be a great place to share
and distribute information pertaining to dog care and
training. For dog owners with limited mobility, it can be
a place to socialize with other dog owners and exercise
their dogs.
Why have a dog park?
A report on off-leash dog parks by Portland Parks and
Recreation states that “There is a newly identified parks
user group: Dogs and their owners. This user group is
drawn to parks for open space, fresh air, exercise and
socialization for themselves and their pets. Coming to a
park is their chosen form of recreation, much the same
as jogging or biking. They are legitimate park users.”
Did you know...
There are more than 619 dog parks in the U.S. and
483 in Canada according to www.dogpark.com?


Typical dog park rules:
Aggressive dogs are not allowed.
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their
dogs.
Dogs should not be left unattended.
Dogs should be up-to-date on vaccinations.
No food is allowed in the park.
Small children are not allowed in the park.
Older children are allowed in the park with a parent.


The Community Benefits of Dog Parks are:
Socializes and exercises dogs in a safe
environment.
Promotes responsible pet ownership.
Provides elderly and disabled owners with an
accessible place to exercise their companions.
Enables dogs to legally run off-leash.
Promotes public health and safety.
Provides a tool for realistic enforcement of dog
control laws.

Your dog should be on a leash from your car until reaching the inside of the no-leash area of the dog park. Mickey's Pet Supplies has Lupine leashes and collars that are guaranteed for life.