LONG BEACH RECREATION DOG PARK ASSN.
RULES, GUIDELINES AND TIPS

May 26, 2006

NOTE: A six-month pilot program for dog walkers is under way.

Here are some tips to make your visit to the park a successful one for you and your pet:

• First-time users should visit the area at non-peak times.
  Your first visit can be stressful for you and your dog--do both of you a favor by visiting when the park isn't so busy. The most crowded times at the park are usually Monday through Friday, later afternoon until dark. The park is usually busy by 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Observe the posted General Guidelines at the gate.
  Park users must comply with these rules for the safety of everyone and every dog! Note that sections of the City Code pertaining to the Dog Park that have been posted at the main entrance.

• Supervise your children.
  Prevent injuries by not allowing your children to run or scream around the dogs. In the confusion and fun at the off-leash site, some dogs may mistake a running or screaming child for another playing dog or a wild animal. We cannot emphasize enough to parents that the dog park is not a safe place for children. (July 23, 2000).

• When problems arise, make a report.
  The association, the Parks Department, the Police Department, Animal Control and the City Attorney's Office has come up with a list of Emergency Procedures that should be followed in dog-dog, dog-person and person-person confrontations. The list is also posted on the glass-enclosed Bark Board.

• Unleash your dog before entering the main exercise area.
  After you have entered the small holding pen and closed the first gate behind you, let your dog off leash before you open the second gate. Open the second gate and walk in as quickly as possible; your dog will follow. Leashed dogs sometimes feel threatened and growl or bark when off-leash dogs greet them.

• Keep walking.
  This keeps the off-leash area neutral territory. Settling in at a bench or table may give your dog the idea that it must "defend" you from other people and dogs that come near. If your dog isn't getting along with another, head for another area of the park.

• Pick up poop.
  This is the single most important thing you can do to help ensure the ongoing success of the park! Please bring your old, plastic shopping bags to the park and put them in the white boxes along the south fence. Many conscientious park users do regular poop patrol -- one or two laps around, conscientiously looking for orphan poops and collecting them. By doing this, you not only leave the site looking better than how you found it, you also model responsible behavior for the other dog owners. Always pick up after your dog, even outside the off-leash area.

• Be aware that dogs different dogs have different play styles.
  Educate yourself on dog behavior. Ask questions. A behavior that concerns you may simply be a rambunctious play style. Carrying a small dog invites larger dogs to jump up to see what you are holding or nipping at it; often you are better off leaving your small dog on the ground. Unneutered males may be challenged by fixed males; it's in their nature.

• You are responsible for injuries inflicted by your dog.
  Prevent injuries by supervising your dog at all times. If your dog inflicts an injury, give your name and phone number to the other dog owner before leaving the area.

• Keep the area safe and clean.
  Pick up cigarette butts and other trash lying around, garbage cans are provided. Fill in holes that your dog digs.

• Train your dog in basic obedience.
  But please do it at home. There's too much going on in the exercise area for most dogs--and you--to concentrate.

• Keep vaccinations and licensing up to date.