Battle Creek Dog Park Etiquette

Links to good articles: 

Dog Park Etiquette: Rules to Help Dogs Get Along 
​by Dr. Sophia Yin 
A great article about how and why dogs should behave politely at an off-leash dog park.  Well wirtten and various illustrated senarios.
Dog Parks and Dog Park Etiquette
by Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 
Another great article about how and why dogs should behave politely at an off-leash dog park.

Top 5 Tips from Cesar Millan

dogs at play
Cesar Millan, National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer" and author of Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems, offers his top five tips for success at the Dog Park:

  1. Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered, has all her shots, and is in good health. Under no circumstances should you bring a sick dog to a dog park!
  2. Do not use the dog park as a substitute for the walk! If you drive to the park, leave your car a block away and take your dog on a vigorous walk of at least thirty-five minutes to drain some of her energy. Never take an over-excited dog to the park.
  3. While at the park, don't stop using your calm-assertive leadership techniques. Be aware of your dog at all times, and take responsibility for her behavior.
  4. A calm-submissive dog will not attract another dog's aggression, but an excited dog, a weak, timid dog, or an aggressive dog can become a fight-magnet.
  5. Know your dog! If your dog has poor social skills, is overly fearful or aggressive, or if you have not yet established a calm-assertive leadership stance with your dog, find a more controlled way to introduce her to the company of other dogs such as "play dates" with one or two other dog owners.

If your dog becomes aggressive...

  1. Leash your dog immediately. A "time out" in your vehicle or a few leashed laps around the park should redirect their energy.
  2. If your dog causes several aggressive incidents with more than one dog, they should be leashed and taken home for the day.
  3. If your dog causes serious aggressive incidents on three or more separate visits to the park, please stop coming to the park until you have consulted an animal behaviorist or trainer and have corrected the behavior.
  4. If you witness behavior that concerns you, calmly approach the owner and respectfully share your concerns.

Additional Tips

  • Be careful when setting items on the ground.  Some dogs view any object on the ground as a toy and will pick up and play with, chew on or dunk them!  If you bring personal items with you, please use the tables.
  • You will most likely get dirty and wet, so dress accordingly.
  • Secure your vehicle by closing windows, locking doors, and activating alarm.  Do not leave valuables in your vehicle while it is unattended.  Report suspicious activity and vandalism immediately to the Maplewood Police Department at 651-767-0640.