Keeping your dog safe at the dog park

The Dog Park at the Rez is open for you and your dogs. Located near Old Trace Park in Ridgeland, MS, admission is charged if you drive in the park entrance ($5) but is free if you park your car and walk in to the dog park. Free parking at Madison Landing Circle.

Some tips for keeping you and your dogs safe:

1) Read and follow the rules listed at the dog park. Here are a few of them:
 
     No dogs on leash inside the dog park.
     Dogs must be up to date on rabies shots.
     No aggressive dogs allowed.

The rules are written to help everyone get along, have a good time, and be safe. If you can't manage to abide by the rules, then the dog park is probably not a good place for you and your pets to visit.

2) Be prepared for any emergency.

We all hope for the best but it's a good idea to plan ahead.What if a dog fight breaks out? What would you do to stop it?  Citronella spray, an air horn, a Pringles can filled with rocks for noise making - all of these ideas could help stop an altercation between dogs.

How would you treat an injury to your pet? Do you have a first aid kit in your car?

3) Keep your eyes on your dog!

Dog park time is not the time to catch up on Facebook or answer emails. Engage in playtime with your pet. Put the phone or tablet or iPad away!

4) Pick up after your dog. Nobody wants to step in it!

5) Know when your dog has had enough.

It's a great idea to leave when your dog is still having fun. Don't wait until they are too tired to walk back to the car.  As Kenny Rogers used to sing:

You gotta know when to hold 'em,
Know when to fold 'em,
Know when to walk away,
Know when to run.