Municipal parks are a great place to bring your dog. Still, you need to be aware of the fact there are other people enjoying the same space. That means you should understand a few rules of the road, so to speak, about these municipal areas.

Walking

As you are probably aware, walking your dog in a municipal park usually means keeping them on a lead. Even the most well-mannered dog who usually comes when called can get distracted and run up to people and other dogs when he is off leash.

It’s always a good idea to bring more than a few dog waste bags in case you rip or tear one or leave an unused one on the trail behind you. Having a few extra waste bags is a good way of covering your bases and showing that you understand dog etiquette in any area.

Here’s another helpful tip. Very often these municipal areas border on private property. That’s why it’s a good idea not to let your animal urinate on anyone’s lawn, fence posts or mailboxes. It goes without saying that you should always be prepared to pick up any solid waste they leave behind.

It’s a good idea to keep your dog as close as possible to you when you pass other animals on a trail. Remember, you should only let your dog approach another dog if the owner agrees. If they’re a little hesitant for whatever reason, you should respect their wishes and move along.

Play

Everyone knows allowing your dog to play with other dogs is part of any kind of outing. However, you should never allow your dog to jump on someone else’s. You might think it’s playful and friendly, but you need to keep in mind the other dog owner doesn’t know you or your best friend.

If your dog stays in the house while you are away at work, you should be aware they will have extra energy when they head out to municipal parks. It might even be a good idea to leave your dog on the lead until she has worn off some of that energy. The reason is simple. If your dog starts to chase another dog, it could activate the prey instinct with some of the animals in the park and cause a bit of an issue.

Being responsible when it comes to your dog in municipal parks is an important part of being a good member of the community.