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Dog Walking in Public Park Grounds

Parks Make Rules for the Safety of Wildlife, People and the Dog

Jul 12, 2008

Parks are public lands that may have restrictions about where dogs can be walked and exercised. Check park policies for safety of the wildlife, people and pets.

Parks are public grounds that offer recreation in the great outdoors. Parks may be private or public, which are grounds owned and operated by the city, county, state or federal government. Parks usually have rules about where dogs can be walked and exercised. The rules are for the safety and comfort of native wildlife, other people and the dog. Check park rules before heading for the wooded trails with Fido.

Some parks allow dogs and some do not. Many parks allow dogs with restrictions, such as the dog needs to be kept leashed and cannot run free. It is up to the dog owner to check with the park system to find out where dogs are allowed. Rules regarding dogs on park grounds are often posted near the park entrance.

There are many excellent reasons that the park regulations should be observed. Sometimes understanding of the reason or the rules makes them easier to follow.

Park Rules Protect Wildlife

Many parks are habitats for wildlife. There may be native animals in the parks that are often not seen. Native animals, such as deer, foxes and coyotes, are frightened by dogs. The wild animals can sense or smell the dog, which is a predator, scaring wildlife deeper into the woods.
The presence of dogs may chase wildlife deeper into the woods, meaning that hikers are less likely to see the native animals on the trails.
Dogs may transmit parasites or disease to wild animals in the park.
Dogs that run loose may frighten, harass or even kill native wildlife.

Park Rules Protect People

Many people are frightened by dogs, Dogs should be restrained to avoid frightening other people from enjoying the park lands.
Dog waste is a nuisance to others. Carry a plastic bag to pick up after Fido.

Park Rules Protect the Landscape

Parks are a habitat for native plants, wildflowers and trees. Dogs running through the landscape may damage native plants.

Park Rules Protect Dogs

Rules regarding dogs in parks are not just to protect other people and wildlife. The rules protect pet dogs from harm and danger to themselves. The wild areas of park systems are packed with hazards to animals.

Dogs could be bitten by snakes, raccoons or other wildlife.
Dogs may pick up ticks, endangering their health and well being.
Dogs may be injured by thorny or toxic plants.
Dogs that run loose risk dangerous, even fatal, falls.
Larger predators, such as a mountain lion or bear, can injure or kill a dog.
Dogs could break a limb and be unable to respond to calls to return to their owner, suffering the possiblity of a lonely, painful death.

Parks That Welcome Dogs

Parks that allow dogs on leashes are a terrific place to take the canine companion for a walk in the park. Walking in the fresh air is good exercise for people and their four legged companions.

Big dogs may get more exercise when they are allowed to run free. Dog parks where the dog can run free are growing in popularity. Inquire whether this type of park is in the area. Dog parks usually charge an admittance fee for the right to run and play in a large fenced area. Dogs should be able to get along with with other dogs in the park.

The best source of information about park policies is through the local park system. Call and ask about local park policies.

The copyright of the article Dog Walking in Public Park Grounds in Dogs is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish Dog Walking in Public Park Grounds in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.