Top 10 Things Never To Bring To A Dog Park

dog park - By Staff Writer on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - 12:53

As frequenters of many dog parks in the Manhattan area, we have seen all sorts of strange things and behaviors in dog parks.  After witnessing some poorly thought out things brought in the dog park this weekend, we felt it fitting to write a list of the top 10 things you should never bring into a dog park.   If you have the run to yourself it would be one thing, but as the weather gets nice more and more people flock to the dog runs and overcrowding can become an issue.  In a crowded run bad behavior is more likely to cause a problem.  So for the sake of you, your dog and all of the dogs and owners around you please refrain from going to a dog run with the following items:

#10  A Dog On A Leash
Dog runs are for free running dogs.  All dogs should be off leashes at all times.  If you are not comfortable with your dog playing at the dog run than do not bring them.  Leaving a dog on a leash while others are running free can cause leash aggression.  Your dogs instinct is fight or flight, even when playing, and if they can't run away if they get nervous, they will fight.   Take your dog off its leash immediately when entering the park or so not enter.

#9  A Bad Attitude
Sure we all have the occasional moment or two where you lose sight of your dog, but, your dog is your responsibility at all times and you need to have your attention on him or her as much as possible.   If you are in a bad mood or not in the mood to watch your dog  than you should find something else to do.  

#8  White Pants       
White anything for that matter!  Dog parks are dirty, muddy and chaotic.  They are the few spots in most cities where dogs can run free.  They are not a fashion show.  If you have on white pants or dress clothes that you don't want all muddied up from dirty paws then don't come in.  It is not ok to come into a park and constantly be yelling at people because their dogs are jumping on you and dirtying up your white pants. 

#7 Food   
You might be hungry and want to grab a snack on your way in to the dog park, or perhaps you are meeting someone that has a bag of groceries with them, whatever you do, do not enter the dog park.  Not only is it gross it is annoying when people bring food to the park.  Every dog that has a decent nose can smell the food and any breed with a great nose won't leave you alone.  Even if you don't mind fending off hordes of dogs, owners don't like to have to constantly pull your dog off of you or out of your bag.  For everyone's sake just keep food out.

#6 Special Toys
It is like when we were kids,  you have to share the toys.  Dog park toys are for everyone and unless the park is empty, you should leave private toys at home.  Most dog parks supply balls for the dogs but if not considering bringing some communal balls so that all the dogs have fun.  Should you happen to forget to remove the stuffed toy from your dogs mouth on the way in, be prepared to play a game of chase with a pack of dogs when it's time to leave.

#5  Aggressive Dogs
This would seem fairly obvious to most but some people still do not get it.  If your dog is aggressive do not bring your dog in.  Your dog might be the sweetest baby at home but if he or she hates a specific breed and you see one at the park, stay out.  Every dog has their things that set them off.  It is your job as an owner to know what those are and avoid them.

#4  Spiked Collar or No Collar
If your dog wears a spiked collar make sure to remove it before play.  Spikes can be dangerous to your dog and their playmates.  If the collar flips in play fighting, it can get caught on another dog or poke an eye out.  That said, if your dog only wears a spiked collar he or she should not enter the run collarless. You can get a cheap nylon collar for park use only so you have something to pull your dog back in an emergency.

#3 Unaccompanied Children
Children should not bring dogs to a dog park alone.  They should not be allowed to visit the dog run alone and certainly you would think it goes without saying that they are not allowed to play catch alone in the dog park.  The dog run is not a playground and your children should be accompanied at all times, preferably by their parents not the sitter that is busy talking on the phone.  They can get hurt easily if they do not behave correctly around the dogs and are more likely to get injured if a dog should get aggressive.  Above all that,  it is gross to see children pick up rocks at the park then put their hands in their mouth, we all know what is on those rocks!

#2  A Sick Dog
The dog run is like the playground, if your dog has a cold it will likely spread it to every dog there.  It's important that you pay attention to your dogs health and keep them away from the masses when they likely have something contagious.  If you are uncertain consult your vet prior to exposing everyone's pups to an illness.  Large scale outbreaks of illnesses like giardia start with only one dog so be fair to everyone and watch your dogs health.

#1  A Baby
We can't believe we even have to mention this but after witnessing a man with a baby strapped to his chest at a packed dog run this weekend we clearly have to.  You should never bring a baby into a dog park particularly if their little legs are hanging off of you like yummy sausages.  Dog parks are not a place for babies, EVER.  It is irresponsible to bring one in and you are asking for a problem.  Give the dogs their place to play and leave the babies home.