Our Park Rules
Keep control of your dog.
You are responsible for your dog’s actions.
Your dog should always be in sight; be prepared to gain physical control within a few seconds.
Dogs without decent recall should not come to the park—yet. No dog is perfect, but a high-energy, high-sensory location is not the best place to start working on recall. Once a dog is at least somewhat responding to recall in a calm setting, then the park is a good next step.
In the event of a scuffle, even if your dog is not involved, recalling your dog to your side is critical.
If your dog is in a scuffle, the dog’s emotions may be heightened for some time afterward, resulting in more trouble with other dogs. Watch the dog closely and consider leaving the park if your dog is exhibiting signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression.
Leash your pet to and from the park/parking lot.
Safety first!
Even when the parking lot is adjacent to the entrance gate, a loose dog may be hit by a vehicle.
You may not notice that squirrel, but your dog might and take off after it.
A loud sound may scare a dog, triggering the pup to bolt.
An off-leash dog encountering a leashed dog creates an inequity, often resulting in aggressive behavior.
It’s the law: RCW 2018 8.15.
DOGPAW doesn’t own this land—we must follow the rules and laws to be allowed continued use of the land. Leashing dogs outside of the park is one of the rules that the City, County, and BPA insist be followed.
If a vehicle accident occurs because of your off-leash dog in a public place, even if the accident is because the driver overreacted, the dog owner is 100% liable!
All dogs entering the park must be licensed with Clark County Animal Control.
All dogs must be licensed. It’s the law: RCW 8.07.010.
Proceeds fund Animal Control Officers.
When a licensed dog is found, it can be returned to its family quickly or receive medical treatment, if necessary.
First fine is $100; second is $200; third is $400.
Scoop the poop.
Pick up your pup’s poop and help out by picking up any other poop that you see.
Dog feces can carry disease, such as giardia, that can be passed on to other dogs; other diseases and parasites can infect humans, as well.
“Dog feces may contain parvovirus, whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, threadworms, campylobacteriosis, giardia, and coccidia. If left unattended, these parasites will contaminate the water, soil, and can even cause infection in both pets and humans (especially children).” —AAPAW
Dogs may carry these diseases without becoming ill themselves or showing symptoms, resulting in passing along the diseases through the feces.
After/during rains, dogs like to drink and/or frolic in the runoff and puddles that may be teeming with disease.
Even if the dog doesn’t get sick, the diseases may be brought home on their feet, fur, and your shoes and clothing.
Your dog = your responsibility.
It’s the law, even in our parks! RCW 8.11.060(17). Note that the fine can be up to $250!
No aggressive dogs.
Aggressive dogs are not allowed.
Even though this is a place for all doggies, a dog with an aggressive attitude can ruin the park for a LOT of other dogs and their humans. Greater good for the greater number. Don’t be selfish.
Dogs that have been trained to be aggressive or attack may react violently to other dogs who just want to play.
Be kind: keep others in mind!
Dog body language: Watch your pup and the other nearby dogs. If your dog is uncomfortable, get him out of the situation. If your dog is causing another dog to be uncomfortable, it is your responsibility to contain the situation.
This is a dog park, not a children’s playground.
Because dog parks can be dangerous for children, it’s best to avoid taking kids to off-leash dog parks. Bring children at your own (and their) risk.
The running and squealing of children can trigger some dogs’ prey drive.
Many dogs are afraid of children, resulting in possible aggressive behavior.
Many dogs are uncomfortable around children—please remember that this is a dog park, a place for them to run, play, and be happy.
Never let a child run up to a dog they don’t know well. Always ask the dog parent if it is okay for the child to approach.
Running and playing dogs will easily trample a child.
Never leave a child unattended at a dog park! Children should always remain close to their caretaker.
No choke, spiked, or pronged collars allowed inside the park—remove upon entry.
Rough-housing/playing dogs often grab the other dog’s collar. Spikes and prongs can cause injury to both dogs. If a dog bites down on the collar, the spikes can cause damage to the dog’s mouth and to the wearer’s neck and throat.
Playing dogs can get their mouths or gear (collars, tags, coats, etc.) caught on the collars, inflicting serious injury (possible strangulation) to the dog wearing the collar and the playmate.
No digging or destructive behavior.
Some dogs love to dig; underground critters are a way of life in the Pacific Northwest, and some dogs want to get ‘em. Either way, a hole in the ground is a terrible accident waiting to happen—to dogs and humans.
A dog or a person can easily hurt themselves (even break a leg) from running or walking into a hole.
Digging near fencing may allow a smaller dog an escape path or a way in for a critter with a death wish.
A mower’s wheels can get caught in a hole, possibly flipping it or causing serious damage—but most importantly, the operator could be seriously injured!
If you see your dog digging, stop him/her immediately and fill in the hole!
Keep moving, don’t loiter by the gate.
Dogs just entering are excited and tend to be a bit rambunctious. Humans and other dogs may get trampled.
Dogs that are leaving may be tired from playing and may not be receptive to the frantic antics of the new arrival.
Hanging out in one spot creates a “territory” that dogs think they need to defend, which can cause aggressive behavior towards a new dog—who may be viewed as a too-energetic outsider.
Walking through the park with your pup creates a more interactive experience, leading to better bonding time.
It is easier to keep track of dogs because a well-bonded dog is more likely to keep track of his human, too.
Better exercise for everyone!
No intact dogs over one year of age.
Males tend to be more aggressive before neutering (known as hormonally-influenced aggression).
Other dogs react to the pheromones and can be more aggressive; this is a result of perceived inequity in hierarchy. This may be further heightened if an intact female is (or has recently been) in the park.
While neutering will not eliminate mounting, it does decrease it.
Sports equipment: No sledding, bicycles, roller blades, or skateboards inside the park.
Collisions. Accidents can and will happen, resulting in injury to dogs and riders.
Unsafe for riders. The faster-moving rider and associated noises can trigger a dog’s prey instinct—resulting in a chase and/or possible bite.
Unsafe for dogs. Dogs can be hit or run into a rider and the equipment, causing serious injury.
Sledding makes the ground unsafe for walkers. The ground left behind is slick, making for slippery footing for walkers.
Sledding damages property. Groundcover, fencing, and property gets damaged, resulting in costly repairs.
Sledding is unsanitary. Even though we try to clean up all poop, there may still be missed poops, residual, and urine that the sled will pick up (and be transported in your vehicle and into your home).
Vaccinations: All dogs must be current on their vaccinations.
Vaccinations prevent or curb disease outbreaks.
Required (core) vaccinations:
Rabies
Distemper
Parvovirus
Veterinarians recommend dog park visitors to also get vaccinations for:
Parainfluenza
Canine influenza
Bordetella
Lyme (ticks)
Leptospirosis
No smoking, drugs, alcohol, or eating.
Many human foods are dangerous or deadly to dogs. Just like humans, dogs have allergies to foods.
Having food is a guaranteed way to get jumped on by dogs.
Even food/candy/gum wrappers can be harmful, so be sure not to litter (the only litters that are acceptable are puppy litters!)