THE LONG BEACH RECREATION DOG PARK ASSN.
PARENTAL GUIDELINES
Last updated March 12, 2002
PARENTS: The Dog Park is not a safe place for your child.
This is park for dogs! There are plenty of other parks areas where children can play and socialize. This is not a place for "get the child over his/her fear of dogs" because not all dogs are child-friendly. While some dogs will avoid children, others will actually harass them.
It is strongly urged that small children not be brought into the dog park for safety's sake. We have seen dogs jump high enough to investigate babies in front- and back-packs. Most dogs are curious and friendly but some have strong prey-chasing instincts and may mistake the baby for a small, injured creature. Herding breeds may nip children in an attempt to round them up; it's their instinct to herd.
Furthermore, children are susceptible to contracting intestinal parasites in areas where dog urine and feces are present. This why dogs are prohibited from children's playgrounds and schoolyards.
| BEFORE YOU ENTER Teach your children how to behave around animals before you bring them to the dog park and what to do in an emergency: Never run. Hide face, fold arms and stand still "like a tree." If necessary, lie down, tuck arms and legs into the body and lie still "like a log." In both cases, wait for help or until the dog leaves. |
Children must be accompanied by and adult while in the exercise areas and are not permitted to run, shout, scream, wave their arms, or otherwise excite or antagonize dogs in the exercise areas.
One adult to supervise several children, an infant and the family dog may not be enough. Make sure you can take care of everyone you bring into the park. If you do bring a child in, he/she should be within your arm's reach at all times.
Children are easily knocked down and run over by running or playful dogs.
Never allow your child to approach or pet a dog without the owner's presence and permission. This is not a petting zoo.
No strollers, carriages, bicycles, skates, roller-blades, skateboards or toys are permitted in the Dog Park. Exception: wheelchairs.
No sports activities--football, baseball, soccer, etc.--are permitted in the Dog Park.
Never let your child have food of any kind (or toys) in the dog park. Even a friendly dog may try to maul your child to get at a cookie or toy.
Be sure you and your child always wear shoes in the Dog Park, and remember--children can pick up fleas.
Do not stare at a dog. Direct eye contact is confrontational and a challenge. A child is just the right height for this and, therefore, at great risk.
We strongly urge you not to bring your children inside the fence. While this is a public park, please remember that this area was created for dogs. This is their park, the only place they can run free and unchecked by leashes.
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