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• Owners are required to have their dogs licensed and all dogs must have up to date vaccinations. Prior to the first visit to the park new puppies should have received all vaccinations which generally are completed by the 4th month.
• Refrain from bringing females dogs to the park when they are in heat.
• All dogs must be on leash when outside the fenced area.
• Dogs must be under control, within plain view of their handler and not left unattended.
• For the prevention of injuries and maintaining the safety of all dogs when playing, it is strongly recommended that pronged and choke type collars are removed within the park. Flat buckle collars are preferred for use inside the park.
• Please fill any holes that have been dug, promptly.
• No food or drink in glass containers – training treats are allowed.
• Dogs must be removed from the off leash area at the first sign of aggression.
• Users of the facility do so at their own risk. Neither The Town of Milton nor Leash Free Milton shall be liable for any injury or damage caused by any dog in the off leash area
• Please help enforce the rules to keep our park clean, safe and fun!

• Always clean up after your dog. Scoop the poop right away using the the conveniently located garbage cans.  This is the single most important responsibility of owners.
• Keep your dog(s) on leash until you enter the park. Once inside the park, all dogs should be off leash. Leashed dogs may feel threatened and growl or bark when approached by other off leash dogs.
• Keep the park gates closed, and watch for dogs on the other side when entering or leaving, so they do not escape. Watch your dog to prevent him/her from escaping the off leash area.
• Supervise your dog closely at all times to prevent aggression and other inappropriate behaviour. Stay close, but let your dog(s) interact.
• A first time dog park visit can be a little stressful for the novice user (canine and human), if you are a first time visitor, consider visiting the park at non-peak times. (Peak times are Monday through Friday, late afternoon until dark and on weekends by 9:00 a.m.)
• Ask the owners permission to approach a dog before befriending it.
• Use caution when using toys and other objects to play with your dog. Dominance issues may arise which could cause your pet to become unusually aggressive.
• If your dog becomes fearful or anxious, don’t force him/her to stay. His playtime will increase as his comfort level grows.

• The best way to prevent a fight is not to allow it to happen in the first place.  Know your dog, understand canine communication, monitor situations carefully and be prepared to intervene before stress, over-stimulation or aggression escalate into a full-fledged fight.
• Do not bring dogs with known aggressive tendencies to the park.  You are risking harm and creating a potential liability for yourself.
• If a dog fight occurs, owners are responsible for immediately breaking it up.  Both owners must get control of their dogs immediately. 
• The safest way to break up a fight is to pull the dogs apart from behind.  Grab either the tail or the hind legs.  Do not grab the collar or put your hands anywhere near the dogs head.  Both owners should grab their dogs and pull them away from each other at the same time.  Then each dog should be leashed and removed from the park immediately.
• Other owners should get hold of their own dogs, and divert their attention elsewhere.  The sight of a fight breaking out sometimes induces other dogs to get involved.
• If your dog inflicts an injury, you must give your name and phone number to the other owner before leaving the park.  Owners are legally and financially responsible for the dogs' behaviour.

• It is important that you don't overreact to “normal” dog park behaviour. Being overprotective just makes your dog nervous and a scared dog is an aggressive dog. If you’ve never been to a dog park, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with canine play before visiting the park with your dog. Take some time and observe the different canine play behaviour. There are dogs that like a rough and tumble style with lots of growling, grabbing, wrestling and tackling. Some dogs are daintier with bowing and chasing but not much physical contact. Some dogs like to herd other dogs, and may bark and nip at them. The most important thing to know is what behaviour is normal for your dog, and what the warning signs are that your dog may be ready to leave.
• Understand canine communication. Dogs that enjoy rough and tumble play may growl and snap as part of that play. Dogs may also snarl and/or snap to “set their limits” with other dogs for example, to let the other dog know they are being too rough/pushy.
• Dogs have various ways by which they communicate their dominance to other dogs. This may include a stiff-legged posture with the head held up and back; raising the hackles on the back; raising the tail; or laying the head across another dog’s shoulders or back.
• It’s also important to be sensitive to the other dogs with whom your dog is playing. You should always watch your dog carefully and be prepared to intervene if the interaction seems to be going down the wrong road.
• If your dog seems to be pestering another dog, divert their attention immediately. 
• Don’t be discouraged or disappointed if your dog doesn’t jump right in and begin playing. Dogs that are not socialized at an early age sometimes are uneasy or just shy around other dogs. It may take a couple of tries, or even a few weeks of visits, before your dog comes out of his/her shell. Give your dog a little time and you will have a healthier, friendlier and more playful dog.

• The Dog Park is not necessarily a safe place for children. It is strongly urged that small children not be brought into the park. The dog park was created as a place for people to enjoy their dogs off leash. If you do choose to bring your child to the Dog Park, it is very important you supervise your child closely. You must take full responsibility of your child’s safety while at the Dog Park. The safest place for your child while in the Dog Park is standing by his/her parents’ side or holding their hand.
• The dog park is not a petting zoo, or a place for a child to get over his or her fear of dogs. Most dogs are curious and friendly; not all dogs are child friendly. Some dogs are not used to small children and may feel scared or threatened if a child runs toward them or grabs at them.
• Dogs often run fast and play vigorously with each other while in the park and they may inadvertently knock down and hurt a child who is standing out in the open.
• Dogs can jump high enough to investigate babies in front/back packs. In this case, a dog may inadvertently knock the parent down causing injury to the parent and infant.

If you decide to bring your child to the Dog Park, please make sure your child follows these rules:

• Do not wave your arms wildly
• Do not run and scream
• Do not chase or tease the dogs
• Do not allow your child to bring toys
• Do not pet any dog without asking permission from the owner first
• Do not make and hold eye contact with a dog. Direct eye contact is confrontational to dogs.

Also, teach them how to react if an emergency situation occurs:

• Never run.
• Hide face, fold arms, and stand still "like a tree" or
• Lie down
• Tuck arms and legs into the body, and lie "like a log"
• Wait till an adult arrives or the dog leaves