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Hernando Today

Ins and Outs Of Pet Park Petiquette

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 15, 2009

Hernando County is very fortunate to have our new dog park open and available to our families and their pets. As with any privilege, there are responsibilities that go with it. Courtesy, safety, consideration of others and good hygiene are on the top of the responsibility list. As a responsible pet parent, you likely know the official rules of for our Rotary Centennial off-leash/on-leash dog park, and below are some additional recommendations by Stephanie Grasmick on the Associated Content Web site on Pet Park Petiquette:

"Be current on vaccinations, fill any holes your dog digs and pick up any 'presents' he leaves behind. However, there is also unwritten dog park etiquette that helps ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for human and canine alike. So sit, stay and read on for the five things you should never bring to the dog park:

•"Food: This applies to both the human and canine variety. Whether it's Fido's favorite treat or a quick lunch for you, bringing food into the dog park is one of the best ways to go from zero to anarchy in a matter of seconds. And don't think you can hide those morsels in your pocket - with a sense of smell that is 100,000 times greater than that of a human, they'll find it every time. After all, they don't have bomb-sniffing humans, do they?

•"Your own toys: Of course, bringing your dog's personal toys to the dog park is fine - as long as neither of you wants to see them again. The beauty of the dog park is the communal atmosphere, so expect to see plenty of sharing, but don't expect to see Rover politely return Fluffy's ball when it's time for her to go home.

•"Small kids: A dog park may seem like an ideal place to let your two-legged charges run loose as well, but even the friendliest medium- to large-sized dog can knock a toddler to the ground with so much as an enthusiastic greeting, causing inevitable conflict between parent and pet owner. Kid parks outnumber dog parks by at least 100 to 1, so for everyone's safety and peace of mind, keep at least one hand on your tots when they're in canine territory.

•"A leash: Though a must in most situations, a leash should never enter the dog park attached to a dog. Rather than keeping your pooch safe, being tethered to a leash can make your furry friend a sitting duck, unable to get away from dominant or aggressive dogs. Last year in San Diego, a Chihuahua/Yorkie mix was killed at Dusty Rhodes Dog Park when its leash kept it from evading an aggressive Husky. While the leash was obviously not to blame for the incident, it left the small dog open to attack.

•"An attitude: Your love for Lassie may be unconditional, but that doesn't mean she can do no wrong. Always keep an eye on your pup and be ready to intervene if playtime gets out of hand.

"By following the rules - both written and implied - the dog park can be a great place for everyone who is lucky enough to be owned by a dog. Let the butt-sniffing begin!"

Help make the Rotary Centennial Park a place we can all enjoy and be proud of. We waited long enough to get it and community leaders, Hernando County Parks Department and the Rotary Club of Central Florida worked very hard to provide it.

Let's show our appreciation and be considerate and conscientious guests and enjoy!

Joanne Schoch is the executive director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc. For more information on the Humane Society's ZOOTOO Makeover rankings, call her at 352-796-2711.

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