Dog parks are shared spaces that work best when everyone follows certain conventions—some official, most unwritten. Good dog park etiquette isn't about being uptight or judgemental; it's about creating an environment where all dogs and owners can enjoy themselves safely. Whether you're new to dog parks or a regular visitor, understanding these expectations will make your outings more pleasant for everyone.

Australian dog parks attract a diverse community of owners with different approaches to dog ownership. By following established etiquette, you'll avoid conflicts, protect your dog from negative experiences, and contribute to maintaining these valuable community resources.

The Non-Negotiables: Cleaning Up

Let's start with the most basic and most frequently violated rule: pick up after your dog. Every single time. This isn't optional, and "I didn't see where it went" isn't an acceptable excuse. Dog waste left at parks creates health hazards, attracts flies, and is simply unpleasant for other users.

Always bring waste bags—don't rely on dispensers at the park being stocked. Carry more than you think you'll need. If your dog produces multiple deposits during a visit (many do), you should be prepared. Some owners attach a bag dispenser to their leash so they're never caught unprepared.

If you genuinely lose track of where your dog did their business, make a genuine effort to find it. Other owners notice when someone is searching versus when someone is pretending not to have seen anything. Your reputation at your local park depends partly on your reliability in this regard.

Supervision Is Not Optional

The dog park is not a place to catch up on emails or scroll through social media while your dog runs wild. Active supervision means watching your dog, knowing where they are, and being ready to intervene if needed. Your attention should be on the dogs, not your phone.

This matters because dog interactions can escalate quickly. A play session that's going well can turn into a conflict within seconds. If you're not watching, you won't notice early warning signs and won't be able to respond appropriately. You're also less likely to notice if your dog is bullying another dog, mounting inappropriately, or playing too roughly.

Supervision also means being physically present, not sitting on a distant bench. You should be close enough to reach your dog quickly if intervention is needed. Some parks are large enough that you need to move around as your dog explores different areas.

Managing Your Dog's Behaviour

You are responsible for your dog's behaviour at the park. If your dog is exhibiting problematic behaviour—persistent mounting, bullying smaller dogs, excessive barking, or aggressive posturing—it's your job to address it. This might mean calling your dog away, putting them on leash temporarily, or leaving if the behaviour continues.

Dogs who resource guard (become possessive over toys, water bowls, or even certain spots) shouldn't bring the guarded items to the park. If your dog guards communal resources like water bowls, you need to manage this actively or avoid parks where this becomes an issue.

If another owner asks you to call your dog away from theirs, do so without argument. They may have reasons you're not aware of—perhaps their dog is recovering from surgery, is fearful, or is simply not in the mood for interaction today. Respecting these requests maintains harmony.

The Gate Protocol

Entry and exit gates at fenced parks require careful attention. Many parks have double-gate systems specifically designed to prevent escapes—use them as intended. Close the first gate behind you before opening the second.

Before opening any gate, check that no dogs are approaching at speed who might dash through. If dogs are playing near the gate, wait for them to move away or ask their owners to hold them briefly. A dog escaping through an open gate is a preventable disaster.

When you're leaving, ensure no other dogs slip out with you. It's easy for a friendly dog to follow you through the gate, especially if your dog is interesting to them. A quick "excuse me, is this your dog?" before exiting can prevent an escape.

Respecting Different Dogs' Needs

Not every dog at the park wants to play with your dog. Some owners bring anxious dogs for gentle exercise and controlled socialisation. Some dogs are elderly and can't handle boisterous play. Some are recovering from injuries or illness. Assume nothing about what other dogs want from interactions.

If your dog is enthusiastically approaching another dog and that owner seems concerned or is trying to create space, call your dog back. "Don't worry, he's friendly!" is not a free pass to let your dog overwhelm another. The other dog's comfort matters as much as your dog's enthusiasm.

Size matters in dog interactions. Large dogs playing enthusiastically can inadvertently injure smaller dogs. Many parks provide separate areas for small dogs for exactly this reason. Use our small dog area finder to locate parks with these facilities if you have a petite pup.

No Food at the Dog Park

Bringing food—whether human food or excessive quantities of dog treats—to the dog park is generally bad etiquette. Food can trigger resource guarding in dogs who otherwise get along fine. It can also attract dogs away from their owners, creating chaos.

Small training treats used briefly for recall practice are generally acceptable, but producing a picnic lunch or showering your dog with biscuits is not. If you need to feed your dog, do so before entering or after leaving the park.

This also means being cautious about food wrappers or crumbs in your pockets. Dogs have excellent noses and will investigate anyone who smells like food, which can be concerning for both you and the dog's owner.

Handling Conflicts Gracefully

Conflicts between dogs—or between owners—occasionally happen at dog parks. How you handle these moments matters. If your dog is involved in a scuffle, separate the dogs calmly. Yelling or panicking escalates the situation. Once separated, check both dogs for injuries and exchange contact details with the other owner if there's any possibility of injury.

If another owner approaches you about your dog's behaviour, listen without becoming defensive. They may have a valid point, or they may be overreacting—but arguing rarely helps. Thank them for the feedback, assess whether they're correct, and adjust if needed.

If you witness genuinely concerning behaviour—a serious attack or gross negligence—it's appropriate to speak up or report to council. But save confrontation for serious issues, not minor disagreements about play styles.

Leave Some Space

When the park is quiet, spread out. There's no need to set up directly next to other owners unless you know them. Dogs and their owners both appreciate some personal space. As the park fills, this naturally becomes less possible, but start with generous spacing.

Similarly, don't monopolise water bowls, shade structures, or benches. Rotate through popular spots so everyone gets a turn, especially on hot days when shade is at a premium.

Conclusion

Good dog park etiquette boils down to attentiveness, responsibility, and consideration for others. When everyone follows these principles, dog parks become the wonderful community resources they're designed to be. When etiquette breaks down, parks become stressful for dogs and owners alike, and can even lead to closures.

Ready to find your new favourite dog park? Explore our dog park directory to discover off-leash areas across Australia, complete with information about facilities, size, and features. With good etiquette and the right park, every visit can be a positive experience.