Dog park etiquette

[bigdoglover]

Lahontan Valley News

Jennifer Williamson

Did you know that Fallon has its very own dog park?

Located on the Schurz Highway across the street from the fairgrounds near the fishing pond, it has two enclosed areas: One for large dogs and one for smaller or shy dogs. Thora Thibaut, our local dog trainer who teaches obedience classes at the fairgrounds, was instrumental in garnering the funds to build the park for Churchill County Parks and Recreation. When you visit a dog park, everyone should follow general rules and etiquette so that there are no mishaps. A good portion of these rules also serves as a guide to how you and your dog should behave in public, not just at the dog park:

• The dog must be properly licensed (if you live in the city) and vaccinated.

• You must be with your dog at all times and may bring a maximum of three dogs.

• Always keep an eye on your dog.

• The dog must have a collar and be held by a leash while entering or exiting.

• If anyone asks you to leash your dog while in the park, honor that request.

• Pick up and dispose dog waste immediately and completely.

• Puppies younger than 4 months old are prohibited to protect their own health.

• A dog in heat is not permitted inside the park.

• Keep park gates closed at all times.

• Bring drinking water for your dog.

Here are other issues that you should aware of:

• Know the temperament of your dog; if he is aggressive or shows dominant behavior, he should not be at the dog park.

• The dog park is not the place for small children. Their gaze is at the same level as a dog's, and direct eye contact can indicate aggression to a dog.

• If a fight breaks out between two or more dogs, the owners must break it up; do this by grabbing the dogs from behind and leashing them immediately. If your dog hurts another dog, you are responsible for the veterinary care.

• Always ask the owner's permission before befriending a dog.

• If you are playing ball or Frisbee with your dog because you are alone at the dog park, put the item away when other dogs come into the park. Toys can quickly become a source for competition, aggression and dominance.

• If you smoke, dispose of your butts in another area, not on the ground. A dog or child may step on the hot butt.

The dog park should not be the place you take your dog for exercise unless you are the only one there and you can focus the exercise (exercise is not necessarily playing catch; playing catch is considered play and is a treat for the dog). Exercise is focused walking or running on-leash. Being on-leash tells the dog that you are his master and it is work time. The dog park should be a treat for him only after exercise.

Your behavior is also important. Be a good neighbor and set a good example for those around you by your willingness to work through any difficulties with an open mind and a friendly attitude. We all have something to learn from the next person we meet, but we need to let them know that we're willing to work together.