Stratford Dog Park Association  

Park Rules

THIS IS A "USE AT YOUR OWN RISK" PARK

The City of Stratford and the Stratford Dog Park Association assume no

responsibility for any injuries or damage that might occur during use of this area.

All dog waste must be picked up and disposed of in the appropriate containers.

All vaccinations must be up-to-date.

Dogs must have up-to-date licenses or microchips. Some form of identification is required to allow ready identification of dogs gone astray.

Only spayed or neutered dogs are permitted in the park.

Puppies should have their first 2 vaccinations and be at least 3 months old to use the park safely. This guideline is to protect the health of both puppies
and older dogs.

Dogs must be under control and in sight of their handler at all times.

Smoking and eating are not allowed in the dog park. Cigarette butts, food wrappers, and coffee containers are tempting and unhealthy for dogs. If you must smoke, please pick up your cigarette butts and dispose of them outside the park. Do not bring glass containers of any kind into the park.

No food (people or dog) is permitted in the park. Small, bite-sized training treats are acceptable, but food in bowls and long-lasting chews are not allowed.

No dogs in heat are permitted in the park.

Aggressive dogs should not be brought into the park.

Dogs with muzzles are acceptable.

To avoid fines, dogs must be kept on leashes until inside the gating system.

Under the Dog Owner's Liability Act, you are responsible for your dog and any damage it inflicts on another dog or person.

 

Dog Park Etiquette
Close the first gate behind you before opening the second gate. Do NOT use the maintenance gate as an access point. You cannot be sure of any other dogs' behaviour and should not risk their escape.

Fill in any holes your dog digs or make appropriate repairs to disturbed areas. Report any problems with the facilities to the Association or the City of Stratford.

Keep your dog within sight and voice command range at all times.

Exercise is good for humans- move around the park with your dog instead of clustering near the gate.

Have drinking water available for your dog.


Children and the Dog Park
It is strongly urged that small children are not brought into the Dog Park for their health and safety. If you must bring children to the Dog Park, you do so at your own risk, and must supervise them closely.
 

Please be aware:

Friendly dogs can accidentally knock over or injure a child.
Not all dogs are child-friendly.

Never allow your child to approach or pet a dog without

the owner's presence and permission.

Supervising a child and a dog at the same time is difficult to do, and puts the child and other people using the park at risk.

Dogs will jump up to investigate babies in front or back carriers, and will also stick their noses into strollers. Most are curious and friendly, but some have strong prey instincts, and may mistake a baby for a small, injured animal.

PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE AND CAUTION

While this is a public park, it was created for DOGS. This is their park, and is the only place they can run free and unchecked by leashes.

Under no circumstances should a child under 16 be left unsupervised in this park.


BEHAVIOUR YOU MIGHT SEE THAT IS NATURAL AND NOT NECESSARILY AGGRESSIVE
 

> Charging
> Mass greetings
> Humping
> Posturing
> Wrestling
> Play biting
> Dogs rejecting ('telling off') other dogs

(growls, raised hackles, curled lips, barking)
> Tug-of-war
 

Dogs being carried may get nipped at- they look like injured prey- it is better to leave them on the ground.The gate area in particular, but any place an owner stands for too long, may encourage territorial feelings in the dogs.

It is better to keep moving!

Beware of the misuse of the word "AGGRESSION".

Dogs do establish pack order when they meet new dogs, and

there may a short time of tension while they figure it out. When humans interrupt this activity, it can result in confusion for the dogs and lead to further assertive behaviours- most dogs do not feel the need to fight once they know their place in the pack. Dog owners should communicate respectfully with each other if their

 dogs are being engaged in behaviours which make them uncomfortable. Remember, we all care about our dogs- that's why we're here!

Please REPORT any incidents of dogs biting other dogs which are not playful but involve breaking the skin, or otherwise injuring another dog. You may report directly to Animal Control, or to the Dog Park Association. Please provide

as many details as possible- time/date; name of dog; description of owner; vehicle. We can't keep Dog-Aggressive Dogs out of the Park unless we know who they are and have documented incidents.

Contact Information

Humane Society 273-6600
City Hall- Community Services 271-0250

Animal Control- Daytime 273-6600; Night-time 271-4141

EMERGENCY 911

Pet injury- refer to your vet

Human Injury- seek medical attention

THIS IS A "USE AT YOUR OWN RISK" PARK