DOG PARK AND BEACH ETIQUETTE

Southern California dog owners are fortunate in having access to many municipal off-lead dog parks, glorious stretches of beach, and wide-open public lands (such as BLM and some National Forest properties) where our pets can legally romp free. These are privileges to be treasured and protected, because such areas are not available in many other parts of the country. Remember, it doesn't take much more than a few complaints of even perceived poor behaviour (dogs out of control, unsocialized/aggressive dogs, owners not cleaning up after their pets…) to risk losing such access for everyone. Here are some reminders of courtesy and safety when allowing your dog off-lead.

• For your own dog’s health, he should be fully vaccinated prior to visiting any area where other dogs congregate. Most public areas require that he is current on vaccines and wears a valid license. Leave dogs younger than 4 months at home.
• Your dog should be well-socialized with other dogs in a controlled environment before you even think of taking him to a public dog park or beach. Know what kind of behaviour to expect from him before you allow him off lead by first taking him to an obedience class (like those on Saturdays at the Ranch) or puppy socialization class.
• BE AWARE!!! That means keeping one eye on your dog and one on your surroundings. Watch out for potential distractions or trouble. Constantly read your dog’s body language--he may well be the first to notice another dog or something to chase.
• Always keep your dog in sight. You can’t correct your dog, or get him out of a potential canine scrap, or stop him from chasing something, if you can’t see him!
• Always clean up after your dog. Not seeing where your dog decorated the landscape is not an excuse for not picking up. (See previous point.)
• Be in a position to get your dog under control. That means always keeping your dog in sight, always carrying a leash with you, and having your hands free. (You’ve got two hands? How many dogs can you honestly keep under control? Many areas sensibly set a limit to two dogs per human visitor.)
• Keep your dog on lead until you get to the off-lead area. That means on leash from the car to the dog park or dog beach. Especially in busy public areas, there’s always the chance your dog might run into traffic. When in the off-lead area (particularly when the space is restricted, as in dog parks), let your dog off-lead as soon as possible. A leashed dog may feel cornered if a bunch of unleashed dogs come up to him. Give your dog the opportunity for space and to act like a dog.
• If your dog begins to play roughly or is being unsociable, leash him and leave immediately. If some bozo shows up with an aggressive dog (this does happen), don’t borrow trouble--just pick up and leave.
• If you happen to have an unspayed female, never bring her when in heat to any public area. This seems so obvious that I shouldn’t have to state it.
• Try not to have both young children (the two-legged kind) and dogs off-lead at the same time. If you must take small kids, supervise them closely. Ideally, both kids and dogs should be under voice control.
• Observe site-specific rules. Many dog parks prohibit food within their boundaries.
  

Remember: When you are in public, you and your GSP are ambassadors for our breed and dog owners in general. Please be responsible.