To the Editor:
I would like to thank Town of Barrhead council for piloting an off-leash dog park.
In order to make this project safe and successful, responsible dog owners need to know proper dog park etiquette before arriving with their pets.
As a responsible dog-owner for 40-plus years, I would like readers to know that a dog park is not for every dog or owner. Much of the pleasure you and your pet experience will depend on the effort you put into it.
If we wish to turn a pilot into a permanent park, we need to follow common sense, as well as specific steps to ensure the security and pleasure of both people and their pets. Here are some steps to really add to your experience:
1. Exercise your dog before going. A few minutes to wear off your dog’s excess energy before entering will result in a calmer, friendlier dog.
2. Remember not to carry a small dog, as this may be seen as “treeing” a prey.
3. As with people, a proper introduction is needed. While watching your dog at all times, look for the “play bow” exhibited by friendly partners. Constant nipping, pouncing and rough play with an unwilling partner is rude, as is mounting, excessive sniffing, dominance, and pack running. Leave the park if such behaviour is observed.
4. Avoid resource guarding. Your personal food, dog treats and toys may trigger attention from other dogs. Water is fine.
5. Bring a ball or Frisbee, and keep it close to you and your dog. If you must have treats, make them small, inconspicuous, and enclose them in a plastic zip-lock baggie. Use them sparingly, and never give treats to another person’s dog without permission.
6. Dogs are your focus, not telephone calls, web surfing, texting, or visiting. Playgrounds are for children and dog parks are for dogs. If you do bring your child to the park, you need to respect your dog, and other dogs and their owners by giving maximum attention to both.
7. Children should observe “The three S’s”. Stay with your parent. Stay still around running dogs. Know to Safely drop to the ground and cover the neck if an attack should occur.
8. This is not an open people park, like on television. Running around, throwing things, yelling, and touching strange dogs is inviting disaster. It is designed for multiple dogs to play.
9. Avoid placing strollers, backpacks, chairs and other objects in the park centre. If they are necessary, place them around the perimeter. This prevents injury to two and four legged visitors.
10. Leave a fearful dog at home. They are for socializing, not pushing socialization on a reluctant dog.
11. Avoid giving training advice. This can be annoying to other owners, and may be inappropriate for or even damaging to another dog’s training routine.
12. Observe someone else walking or interacting with your dog before letting them go alone with your dog to the park. Set your standard for behaviour. Make sure your dog is controlled, and see if your walker can relate to the behaviour of other dogs. Have them leave if someone enters with a group of dogs, as that individual will not be able to control all their dogs at the same time.
13. Don’t blame a particular breed for bad behaviour — blame the owner.
Some first-time Do’s
1. Check the park out by yourself. Observe the behaviour of the pets and owners present.
Ensure there are no places your partner can escape. Find out the busiest hours (usually after work and evenings), and plan your visit for the quietest times. Get, read, and understand the park rules before you leave for the first time.
2. Practice a few recalls, sits, stays, downs, drops, and “ leave it” commands.
While at the park
1. Follow the Poop and Scoop rule. Carry a bag with you. Deposit bags in the appropriate waste containers. Be considerate. Pick up other deposits as well.
2. When leaving, call your dog over. Go to the gate. Attach your leash, and have your dog follow you out.
Remember that your dog is unique. A dog park may not suit everyone’s needs, but your dog will always be special.
Sue McLearen
Barrhead
