Parents and guardians of children who enter the park must be responsible for the behavior of the children at the park in order to ensure the safety of the children. 

 

When you have children at the park, please be aware of these important things in order to keep the children safe:

 

·         Keep children under 12 years of age at your side and in your control at all times.

 

·         This is a dog park.  Not all dogs are child-friendly.  Never allow your child to approach or pet a strange dog without the owner’s presence and approval.

 

·         A running, squealing or screaming child may incite dogs to behave aggressively. 

 

·         Children should stay away from playing dogs.  Playing dogs may unintentionally knock down a small child.

 

·         Direct eye contact is confrontational to dogs.  An interested child staring into a dog’s face may provoke a dog unintentionally.

 

·         Do not let children bring toys or food to the park.  A friendly dog might knock down your child to get a toy or food.

 

 

REMEMBER:  most young children are at face level to large dogs in the large dog area.  It only takes a split second for a dog to snap and injure a child.

 

If you are concerned about the safety of a child at the park, please say something to the parent or guardian IMMEDIATELY.  Please be sure to give the parent or guardian a copy of the Paws Park brochure that has the above tips for child safety at the park

Dog Park Tips: Common Conflict Triggers
courtesy of ROMP - www.dogromp.org

• All the rules of dog and human interaction are based on common sense and courtesy.

• The most basic rule: Every day is a new day to your dog! 

By nature, dogs tend to create hierarchies in social situations. These hierarchies change with every new dog and every new day. You may discover that certain dogs do not get along with your dog, or vice versa. This behavior is common and normal, so do not blame the other dog or owner; just recognize that today may be the day that you leave the park early!

Common Dog Park Behaviors That May Lead to a Conflict

If you are concerned about how another dog is interacting with yours, Speak Up!
You need to tell the other owner, "This isn't working for us. Please call your dog away."
When owners learn dog body language, including the common triggers for conflicts, managing our dogs (and our own reactions) becomes much easier.

Bullying: Occurs when one dog tries to submit to or escape from a domineering dog, but the bully won't let it.
Mounting: This is a common and normal dog behavior, unrelated to sex or mating. "Humping" is generally unacceptable at the dog park because it often escalates into more combative interactions. "Humping" between doggie friends may be okay for the backyard, but in a dog park it may cause one dog to feel threatened or trapped when a third dog approaches, resulting in further conflict.
Charging/Ambushing: Always provocative and often threatening between unfamiliar dogs. "Greeting Party" behavior at the gated entrances is especially troublesome for dogs and humans.
Full speed body-slams: against an unfamiliar or unsuspecting dog can result in a negative reaction. 
Predatory behavior: Defined as one dog treating another dog as prey by stalking, chasing, and trying to bring them down.
Territorial behavior: Barking, growling, or snapping in an attempt to prevent other dogs or people from approaching

Behaviors and Activities That Should be Monitored

Some activities are OK at home or between doggie friends. However, these same activities are often inadvisable in busy off-leash areas.

Super-noisy play - May make other dogs and owners anxious and annoyed.
Fetch - Playing fetch with your dog can create competition for space and toys. Favorite toys brought from home can pose additional problems (this is MY toy!). Keep aware of the park and ensure your games are not creating an issue.
Non-stop barking - A dog that barks incessantly in the face of another dog is usually NOT being aggressive. But, as with any annoying behavior, it can escalate to a more serious encounter.
Pinning and holding - This can be easily interpreted as threatening behavior by some dogs.

Common Play Behaviors Seen at the Dog Park

Dogs love to play.   In most cases, you will discover that your dog quickly learns how to socialize at the dog park.
Wrestling, chasing and pouncing - This includes wrestling on hind legs. Growling and mouthing are typical play behaviors.
Growling or snapping - Usually occurs when other dogs get too close or are too energetic and pushy. It is a normal reaction to a rude or persistent dog. Be prepared to move to another location.
Herding behaviors - By nature herding dogs are neck, heel, or butt "biters." This doesn't typically harm other dogs but should be stopped if it bothers the other dog or its owner.
Rambunctious Play - Fairly common between younger dogs, but not especially welcome with older dogs. Slight injuries, such as puncture wounds, can occur. 

Dog Park Contact Numbers: 

For suggestions, complaints or to help with the dog park:
Contact Beaches Dog Park Project: 513-9240
Email: beachesdogpark@aol.com 
Dogs left unattended or other dog problems:
Contact Jacksonville Beach Animal Control: 247-6167 
For emergencies: 911