City of Cotati - Dog Park Etiquette

Myrtle Park

Going to a dog park can be fun, but it is also important to keep a few basic guidelines which will help you to have a positive experience. Without familiarizing the risks and dangers of a dog park, you may leave not having a positive experience and not wanting to go back. To make sure that doesn't happen, make sure you are armed with the following important information. Once applied, you will notice what situations to watch for and what to stay away from. Here are a basic few principles:

• Don't spend your time on a cell phone. Give your complete attention to your dog.
• Don't bring dog's in heat to a dog park.
• Don't leave your dog off -leash in an unfenced park
• Don't allow your dog to be in a dog park if he does not know voice commands
• Don't allow dog's to form packs
• Don't bring treats with other dogs present
• Never bring a puppy less than four months

Here are a handful of ideas which you may want to consider in the event you go to a dog park:

• Clean up after your dog at all times
• Make sure your dog has had all necessary vaccinations
• If your dog is being too playful, being bullied, or being a bully, leave the park immediately
• Observe all other dogs in relation to their health, as necessary
• Check to see if there is a supervisor or someone in charge of the park area
• Watch other pet parents and sparingly take their advice, especially if they are not a pet professional
• Watch other dogs in the park to make sure your dog is not being bullied

By following the above principles, your dog will most likely have a good time and you will also most likely have a pleasant experience. Myrtle Park in Cotati is a decent dog park to visit. I have seen many times however that most people do not pick up after their pet. Unfortunately, it is easy to pass disease along. In fact, I would suggest to all dog owners going to a dog park that the first thing they should do immediately is to check to see if the grassy area is poop-free. You do not want your dog roaming around in dog waste which can be very contagious with health risks. Once you clear the area and make sure it is pet waste free, then apply the techniques above and enjoy your time with your dog.