Know your dog park etiquette

Let's face it, dogs are a part of the family. We live with them, we work with them, we have fun with them, so why not give them the same opportunities for activity and fun like we give ourselves and our kids? To keep your pet happy, healthy and safe, you need to find activities to keep them active and engaged. One fun activity is the dog park in Cape Girardeau.

Dixie, a Boarder Collie, plays catch at Dogtown in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

Dogtown opened in November and has been a hit ever since. The dog park is in Kiwanis Park on Rotary Drive, just off Perryville Road. It's centrally located and easy to get to. Dog-specific parks are a wonderful way for you and your dog to spend some time together, get some exercise and meet other pet owners/lovers.

Dogtown is divided into two sections: one for big dogs and one for small dogs. While the big dogs can venture over into the small dog area, for safety reasons, the small dogs cannot enter the big dog area. The park has some obstacles and picnic tables for exploration and interaction. Dogtown is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.

But, as with any public space, there is etiquette to be followed when at the dog park, both for you and your dog. While every dog park has regulations specific to city and county ordinances, in general, there are some rules that are the same at every dog park you might venture into.

-- All dogs and puppies must be up to date on their vaccines and should be healthy. All it takes is one dog with kennel cough to spread that airborne virus or other ailments to many other dogs. It's a good idea to keep a copy of your dog's vaccination records with you all the time.

-- Dogs must wear a collar and ID tag at all times. A current rabies tag from your veterinarian is also must!

-- While there is no actual age requirement at Dogtown, it's best not to take puppies under 4 months to a public dog park. Puppies under 4 months have not had all the required vaccinations to protect them from unwanted illnesses.

-- Owners must not leave dogs unattended at any time while at the park. Unattended dogs are more likely to cause problems. Owners should be aware of where their dog(s) are at all times and keep a leash in hand to be able to quickly remove a dog from a situation if necessary.

-- Owners must clean up after their dogs. The city provides waste bags and trash cans for easy cleanup and disposal. Dog owners are responsible for helping to keep the park clean.

-- If you are unsure of your dog's behavior at an off-leash park, keep your dog leashed until you have determined he/she is comfortable off leash. There is always a possibility that a leashed dog will feel threatened by loose dogs, so use your best judgment in determining when it's time to unleash your dog.

-- Dogs acting aggressively toward people or other dogs are not permitted in the park. This goes for owners, too!

-- It's not a good idea to bring infants or small children in the park. Small children frighten some dogs, and some dogs will feel the urge to protect children they know.

-- Don't bring people food into the park, and limit the number of dog treats you have with you. Don't ever offer treats to an unknown dog without permission from the owner. Some dogs are allergic to certain foods, and the presence of food can spark aggression in some dogs.

-- Female dogs in heat are not permitted in the park. Female dogs in heat can cause aggression in male dogs, and there is always the potential of an unwanted pregnancy.

Dogtown has its rules plainly posted, along with a phone number to call if issues arise, which is always a possibility when you are dealing with dogs -- yours and others. Always be tuned into your dog and intervene when you think you see something out of the ordinary in his behavior.

The park has clean, fresh water available at all times and complimentary waste bags and trash cans on site. Don't come unprepared, however. Keep water, an extra leash and waste bags in your car for an unplanned trip to hang with your pooch. Now get out there and have some fun with your best furry friend!

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Stacy Busch-Heisserer

About Stacy

Stacy Busch- Heisserer is the owner of Busch Pet Products and Zoomin' Groomer Mobile Pet Salon in Cape Girardeau. She is a lifelong animal lover who currently has six cats and three dogs.