Rules & Tips

General Safety Tips and Etiquette

Once you and your dog get to the dogpark, it’s tempting to just stand back and watch all the activity. But everybody will have a much more rewarding time if you observe some basic rules. Dogparks aren’t a right, they’re a privilege. - please don’t let bad behavior ruin things for everyone else.

1. Make your first visit without your dog to familiarize yourself with the site (parking, access gates, etc). Make your initial doggie visit at a time that is not as busy. Daytime hours during the week and late afternoons on the weekend are generally quiet times at the dog park.

2. Remember that many dogs who visit the dog park are NOT socialized to children. Keep children close and allow NO running, screaming or food. Do not allow your children to approach a dog without permission from the dog's handler.

3. Know your dog! Always keep your eye on your dog. Mischief can happen quickly. Not all dogs are good candidates for off-leash dog parks. If your dog has not had regular interaction with other dogs, it may lack the necessary social skills to make your visit safe and enjoyable. Check for training schools that offer remedial socialization classes for adult dogs or for trainers who will work with you at the off-leash dog park. Socialize young puppies (8-16 weeks of age) at a puppy kindergarten class, not at the dog park.

4. Let your dog off-leash as soon as you arrive within the boundaries of the park. Mixing leashed and unleashed dogs commonly causes problems. Leashed dogs often feel threatened by the free dogs and will display provocative body language and defensive behavior. If you are uncomfortable about letting your dog off-leash, DO NOT visit the off-leash park.

5. Keep walking! Walking, rather than sitting or standing will help minimize defensive and territorial behaviors. This means that your dog is more likely to pass another dog with a friendly sniff instead of a stare down. Never leave your dog unattended.

6. Be aware that dogs have different play styles, temperaments and physical abilities. Many dogs love rambunctious play, but some dogs suffer from injuries and some are more timid and aloof. Always respect the wishes of the handler and be prepared to move to another area of the park if your dog is too rambunctious. Leash up and leave if your dog is acting in and aggressive manner.

7. Pick up poop - always, everywhere! Hundreds of dogs visit the off-leash dog park every month, and we want to keep it clean. Nobody likes to look at or step in, dog poop. Plastic bags, supplied by the City of Anacortes, are available in on-site dispenser boxes.

8. Keep the area safe and clean. Remove extra water jugs. Pick up trash, cigarette butts and orphan poops. Don't allow your dog to dig holes, which can cause injuries to unsuspecting people and dogs. Leave the site in better condition than you found it. Small actions, multiplied by thousands of visitors, are what keep our off-leash dog areas a success.

Tips For Bringing Kids

We want a visit to the park to be an enjoyable experience for everyone. One reason for development of this area was to provide a space away from park playgrounds and playing fields where dogs could be free to run without disrupting families with children. You may bring your kids to the park, but please be aware that the very fact that there is a pack of dogs running around changes the dynamics a bit. Not all dogs in the park have children in their homes. Some of them have not been exposed to kids, or may even simply not like them. In the interest of keeping the park a safe, fun place for everyone, please watch your children closely and read the following recommendations.

1. Children are susceptible to contracting intestinal parasites in areas where urine and feces are present. This is why dogs are often prohibited from playgrounds and schoolyards. Be sure that you and your child always wear shoes in the OLA. Be aware that children can also pick up fleas.

2. This is not the place to bring a child to "get him/her over their fear of dogs."

3. Not all dogs are friendly with children. While some dogs will avoid children, others will harass them. (note to dog owners: whether you have children in your house or not, it is a good idea to socialize your dogs with children as much as possible- this will alleviate potential problems for everyone involved)

4. NEVER allow your child to approach or pet a dog without the owner's permission and presence.

5. Children are easily run over and knocked down by running dogs. Some herding breeds may nip at kids in an attempt to round them up.

6. A running, yelling child attracts attention and becomes a target for many dogs because he resembles an injured animal or running prey. Do not allow your child to wildly wave his arms around.

7. Never let a child bring food or toys to the OLA. Even a friendly dog may go after a treat.

8. One adult to supervise several children and the family dog is not enough. Make sure that you can take care of everyone you bring with you.

9. PARENTS: Teach your children how to behave around animals and what to do in case of any emergency before bringing them to the park : NEVER RUN- Hide face, fold arms and stand still. If necessary, lie down, tuck arms and legs into the body and lie still. In both cases, wait for help or until the dog leaves.
10. Direct eye contact (staring) is confrontational and a challenge. A child is at just the right height for this, and, therefore, at risk.

11. We strongly suggest that children under the age of 8 be closely supervised by an adult- this means keeping them within your arm's reach.

12. Note to parents of infants: some dogs may jump to investigate babies in front or back packs. While most are merely curious and friendly, some have strong prey instincts and may mistake the baby for a small injured animal.