Mischief can happen quickly. Pay close attention to your dog and keep it out of trouble. Train your dog so it will listen to commands even when playing.

Acceptable or unacceptable behavior depends on the age and temperament of your dog.

Dogs may snarl or even snap at each other as part of their normal socialization. It is their way of saying “back off.” It is normal for dogs to play with their mouths and make noises. Rough play is fine as long as it is consensual.

Rough play is not acceptable if any of the dogs involved is not comfortable with the situation. Just because a dog’s intent is to play does not make the dog’s behavior appropriate if the other dog is not enjoying itself. If your dog is making other dogs or dog owners uncomfortable, please take your dog to another area of the park or even consider leaving and coming back later.

It is strongly recommended that one adult be available to monitor no more than two dogs.

When entering the double gated entrance, one of the gates must remain closed and latched when the other gate is open. This is to prevent any unleashed dogs from escaping the park. Also when inside the park please call your dog away from the gate as other dogs are entering or leaving. This prevents entering and exiting dogs from feeling overwhelmed.

It is strongly recommended that owners spay or neuter their pets before coming to the dog park. Un-neutered males may be aggressive with other males, and females in heat exacerbate this.

Dogs may catch their teeth or extremities in these items during play, causing harm not only to themselves, but also potentially bringing out the aggressive behavior that may result from being injured. Flat collars with ID tags are the safest.

Holes under the fence may allow small dogs to escape. Holes in the main part of the park pose the danger of twisted or broken limbs for both humans and dogs.

Smokers may unintentionally burn a quickly moving dog. Cigarette butts and food wrappers are tempting yet harmful treats for dogs. Eating and dog treats may instigate dog aggression. And some dogs may have food allergies.

If the park is crowded, consider visiting at another time. If you’ve been visiting the park for a while and it becomes crowded, consider leaving to make room for other visitors. You can always come back later.

Telling others about what makes your dog tick can help others treat her or him appropriately.