Dog Park Safety & Etiquette Tips from Mendota Pet
Dog parks work best when everyone follows the same playbook — safety, respect, and responsibility. A little preparation goes a long way toward creating a space where all dogs (and humans) can have a great time. And with August being National Dog Month — and National Dog Day coming up on August 26 — there’s no better time to celebrate your pup’s playful spirit. Dog parks are where tails wag, friendships form, and dogs get the exercise they crave. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular, following dog park etiquette ensures that each trip is safe, fun, and rewarding. At Mendota Pet, we believe that good manners and the right gear go hand in paw.
1. Bring the Right Gear
A well-prepared dog owner sets the stage for safe, stress-free fun. Always bring:
- A reliable, lightweight leash — Even in off-leash parks, you’ll need one for entering, exiting, and emergencies. A Mendota Pet Snap Leash or Slip Lead of 6 foot length is not only strong and comfortable, but also light enough to carry anywhere without weighing you down — perfect for tossing in a bag or wearing looped over your shoulder until you need it.
- Fresh water & a portable bowl — Don’t assume the park has a clean water source.
- Waste bags — Picking up after your dog keeps the space clean and prevents the spread of disease.
- High-value treats — Ideal for recall training, redirecting attention, and rewarding polite play.
Mendota Pet’s slip leads and collars give you the control and comfort to guide your dog through each lesson with confidence.
2. Know Before You Go
- Read posted park rules — Every park has its own guidelines for cleanliness, safety, and leash length.
- Evaluate the crowd — If the park feels overcrowded or has overly rough play happening, wait for a calmer time.
- Only bring healthy, vaccinated dogs — This protects your dog and others from illness.
3. Practice Good Gate Manners
- Leash your dog before entering and exiting to avoid scuffles or escapes.
- Use the double-gate “airlock” properly — one dog at a time to prevent crowding.
- Wait your turn if other dogs are entering or exiting.
4. Supervise — Don’t Social Scroll
- Keep your eyes on your dog at all times — you’re their safety net.
- Watch for body language cues — Loose, wiggly play = good. Stiff posture, pinned ears, or prolonged staring = potential trouble.
- Move around the park — It prevents dogs from “guarding” the gate or a certain area.
5. The Do’s & Don’ts of Dog Park Etiquette
✅ DO:
- Greet other owners first before allowing dog-to-dog introductions.
- Match playmates by size and energy so everyone is comfortable.
- Call your dog away periodically for breaks — helps avoid overexcitement.
- Step in early if play gets too rough.
🚫 DON’T:
- Bring dogs in heat or puppies under four months.
- Ignore signs of stress like tucked tails, growling, or lip-licking.
- Bring food or high-value toys unless you’re sure all dogs can share.
- Use your phone instead of watching your dog.
6. Make Every Visit a Training Opportunity
- Practice recall in a high-distraction environment and reward generously.
- Work on polite greetings — have your pup sit before meeting new friends.
- Reinforce “leave it” for when tempting items appear on the ground.
Wrapping Up Your Dog Park Experience
A safe, happy dog park visit comes down to preparation, respect, and active supervision. When you follow basic etiquette and bring the right gear, you help create a space where every pup can play freely — and every owner can relax knowing their dog is safe. The best dog park experiences happen when everyone plays their part, and at Mendota Pet, we’re here to make every outing easier, safer, and more enjoyable for you and your best friend.
